NFL Picks Week 9: Why Packers Lack of Perfection Hardly Matters vs. Chargers

A couple weeks ago, you would have thought that the Chargers would be primed to take down the Packers in this epic clash of titans. We have now seen enough to know that just isn't the case as these two clash on Sunday. 

One of the more intriguing stories on the season is that of the San Diego Chargers. They are forever cursed with slow starts and seemed to have cured that with their beginnings in 2011. 

After what we have seen from them against Kansas City, it may be the case that the early season doldrums were a little late in starting for the year. 

The Chargers are excellent in beating themselves, but they could always rely on Philip Rivers and his statistically marvelous games. That hasn't been the case in 2011 as Rivers has been far more human than the Chargers would like. 

His two interceptions cost the Chargers a late surge in Kansas City, but his crucial fumble with the final seconds ticking down in regulation cost the team the game in the end. 

The main question posing them this weekend is presented by the Green Bay Packers. I had this game targeted as the first loss that would be dealt to the Packers a few weeks ago, but have since changed my tune. 

The Packers have one giant hole on an otherwise flawless exterior, and that's their secondary, which is as soft as they come. 

The Chargers had the defense and ability in their running and passing game to get a very close win against the defending champs. While I still have confidence in the Chargers defense, I can't say the same for Rivers and his ability to exploit the secondary at crucial red one opportunities. 

This game will feature the Packers once again putting up gaudy numbers. I don't see any reason to believe a shaky Rivers can keep pace with the Packers scoring machine. 

Green Bay is far from perfect, but their record will remain pristine after their run in with the San Diego Chargers.