Green Bay Packers: 5 Teams That Match Up Well with the Defending Champions

The Green Bay Packers may be in cruise control right now, but that doesn't mean a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy is guaranteed.

The Packers defense is not what it was last year and their running game is definitely not what they're known for. The Packers are a vertical team that relies heavily on the play of Aaron Rodgers, who is easily one of the best quarterbacks in the game today.

That being said, the Packers impressive record may work against them come January. With the first overall seed in the NFC comes two extremely cold home games in frigid Lambeau Field.

As much as many Packer fans would like to deny it, Aaron Rodgers is human. In frigid temperatures, he will have more difficulty succeeding. He's not going to be throwing four touchdowns against elite defenses in January. 

In fact, Rodgers' passer rating in games with temperatures below 21 degrees is 95.2. He also has six touchdowns in those four games. Although, those numbers are still solid, they are more human than the numbers he puts up in mild temperatures. 

Teams all of a sudden will have a chance against the Packers in the playoffs. 

Chicago Bears

Key Advantage: Value of having an elite defense in cold weather

Aaron Rodgers is exponentially better than Jay Cutler, but in frigid temperatures the playing field is leveled. 

Last year, Rodgers' "worst" playoff game came in Chicago. It was also the coldest game the Packers played in their playoff run. He had a 55.4 passer rating along with two interceptions in that game despite winning.

The Bears have been flying under the radar this year behind the unforeseen success of the Detroit Lions. They've been playing well as of late, though. Their defense is solid as usual and they've developed a strong ground attack with Matt Forte. 

In a cold game where Aaron Rodgers won't be as much of a factor, the Bears will have an easier time doing what they do best: play defense.

Couple that with Forte moving the ball on the ground and a Bears upset over the Packers is all of a sudden not that far-fetched. 

Finally, Devin Hester, who has 17 career return touchdowns in his career and can easily change the complexion of any game with a run back. 

Dallas Cowboys

Key Advantage: Pass Rush

If the Packers and Cowboys met in Cowboys Stadium, Aaron Rodgers would probably be able to dominate because of the friendly dome conditions.

However, if they meet in the playoffs it'll be in Lambeau. Romo and Rodgers can easily become non-factors if the weather is cold enough. Because of this, Dallas' defense and running game will become a huge factor in the game. 

The Dallas pass rush is one of the best in the league because of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. They do a fabulous job making quarterbacks uncomfortable and in freezing temperatures that may be all they need to beat the Packers.

Finally, running back Demarco Murray has come out of nowhere and has been a pleasant surprise for the Boys. If he runs the way he's been running as of late, the Cowboys can pull off a shocker and help provide Tony Romo more credibility as an elite quarterback.  

New York Giants

Key Advantage: Precedence of Major Upsets

If there's a team that knows about major upsets, it's the New York Giants. 

They stunned the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl a few years ago in what was one of the biggest upsets in sports history.

They have the same coach and same quarterback and they know they can always compete. Most importantly, the Giants don't really have to rely on Manning. This means if the weather gets cold, they'll be able to beat the Packers in different ways.

Their running back Ahmed Bradshaw is an experienced veteran. He's a power back that can thrive in cold weather.

As for the Giants defense, they probably won't be able to stop Rodgers in fair conditions, but if Mother Nature is on their side, their defense is good enough to force some turnovers and pull off an upset.  

San Francisco 49ers

Key Advantage: Coaching

For those who don't think coaching matters in the NFL, please look at what has happened to the San Francisco 49ers. Jim Harbaugh has changed the identity of this team and has turned Alex Smith into a respectable quarterback.

Harbaugh knows Alex Smith is no Peyton Manning so he's utilizing him more effectively and also incorporating running back Frank Gore to a greater extent. In a cold weather game, the running game becomes more important and having Gore really helps the Niners. 

Their overall defense is top 10 in the league in terms of yards per game allowed. That being said, their passing defense has struggled. However, in a cold, frigid game against the Packers, the air game won't matter as much and this is a huge advantage for the 49ers, who rank first in rush defense. 

Don't be surprised if Harbaugh and the Niners out-coach a team who won't be able to utilize Aaron Rodgers as much as they want to because of the weather. 

New Orleans Saints

Key Advantage: Ability to keep up with Aaron

What happens to electricity in your local town when a snowstorm hits?

Power outage.

We may see one if these two electric offenses meet in the Frozen Tundra. 

That being said, Drew Brees has Super Bowl experience and his ability to keep up with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers as he did in Week 1 may be enough to get the Saints over the champs. He gives them a chance to win and if he can out play Rodgers in 15 degree weather, then expect the Saints to be victorious.