Packers vs. Chiefs: 5 Things to Watch for Green Bay

The Green Bay Packers travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs as heavy favorites in their Week 15 matchup. Looking to stay unbeaten and improve to 14-0, the Packers can clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory. 

After firing their head-coach earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in the midst of a huge transition period. Interim head coach Romeo Crennel has done a great job with the defense this season and that should go unchanged. 

While the Packers enter the game with little at stake, there is plenty to pay attention to. Many situations in the game could impact how the Packers play out the last two games and their momentum going into the playoffs. 

Shifting on the Offensive Line

Last week against the Oakland Raiders, the Packers used multiple bodies on the offensive line throughout the game. With Chad Clifton and Josh Sitton out with injuries, the Packers used backups Marshall Newhouse, Derek Sherrod and Evan Dietrich-Smith.

The Packers must keep Aaron Rodgers healthy over the last three weeks of the season, regardless of which players get playing time. Against the Raiders, the Packers offensive line gave up four sacks, which is far too many.

While Sitton is close to returning and may play against the Chiefs or the following week against the Chicago Bears, Chad Clifton is further away. With the uncertainty surrounding Clifton's status, the play on the offensive line could be a huge factor in how McCarthy plays out the few remaining games.  

Running Game

Against the Raiders, Ryan Grant helped the Packers find a running threat that they haven't had—or needed—all season. If the Packers can run the ball successfully, it will go a long way in helping the team close out the season. 

Along with adding an additional threat, the running game will take pressure off of Aaron Rodgers over the last weeks and allow the Packers to ride into the playoffs without having to depend fully on Rodgers and the passing game. 

With James Starks (ankle) and Brandon Saine (concussion) nursing injuries, the burden to reproduce last week's success will fall to Ryan Grant. He has a big opportunity to prove his big, two-touchdown performance wasn't just a flash from the past. 

Touchdown Record

Through Week 14, the Packers have had 19 different players score a touchdown. The current record for most players on a team to score a touchdown during a season is 21. The Packers have a chance to move closer to reaching the record against the Chiefs.

While most of the Packers skill players have scored, tight end D.J. Williams and running back Brandon Saine are the most likely candidates. The Packers employed their "panther" set against the Raiders which features all four tight ends.

On defense, Sam Shields, Morgan Burnett and Jarrett Bush are the most likely to get into the end zone.  

Rodgers' Record

Aaron Rodgers had a great shot to break the franchise record for most touchdown passes in a season lat week against the Raiders, but failed to do so finishing tied with Brett Favre. With 39 touchdowns passes, Rodgers comes into Kansas City needing just one score through the air to break the record. 

There is little doubt that Rodgers will break the record against the Chiefs, but with a great performance, Rodgers could put himself in position to have a shot at the NFL record of 50. 

Like he did against the Raiders, Rodgers could see an early exit if the Packers can get off to a fast start. This would limit the possibility that Rodgers has a handful of touchdown passes at the end of the day. 

Impact of Jennings Absence

The biggest story coming out of the Packers victory last week was Greg Jennings' knee injury. Now that the severity is known, the question becomes how will it impact the Packers offense. The Packers have plenty of play-makers on offense, but Jennings has been the most reliable.

With Jennings out of action, the Packers will turn to Jordy Nelson as the primary wide receiver with Donald Driver, James Jones and Randall Cobb all getting increased snaps. Tight end Jermichael Finley could also see a huge increase in targets.

The Packers will need their play-makers to step up like they have done all season and fill the void left by Jennings. One player will not make up the difference, but the receivers collectively have the potential to maintain the level of play.