The 3-2 Green Bay Packers are looking to turn a win against the Rams into a streak this week against the 2-3 Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals will travel to Lambeau Field this Sunday as the Packers look to win against the second of their four NFC West opponents this season.
Will McKinney Continue His Streak?
Xavier McKinney has made history this season by recording an interception in each of his first five games with the Green Bay Packers. Every week I tell myself “he certainly won’t do it again,” and then he does. This week is no different.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has thrown the ball fewer times than 17 other NFL QBs, and he has completed a relatively solid 68.1 percent of his passes this season. He will be looking to take safe throws or running lanes any time he can, and while McKinney will likely make in impact in taking away deep shots, his interception streak will most likely end this week.
Rashan Gary Bounce Back Game?
The Cardinals offensive line is middle-of-pack even when healthy, and they’re banged up right now. Rashan Gary has had issues getting pressure on QBs this season, and this week is unfortunately not looking like the bounce-back game. A mobile QB like Murray will likely cause the Packers edge rushers to play contain more than anything, and ultimately that won’t help the stat sheet.
Combine these factors with the fact that Cardinals tight end Trey McBride has been as good as anyone in chipping opposing pass rushers in the passing game and we’ll probably see another lowkey game from Rashan Gary and possibly even Preston Smith. The good news for the Packers is that Kenny Clark has been heating back up, and Cardinals right guard Will Hernandez suffered an unfortunate season ending injury against the 49ers last week. Look for interior pressure to stifle Kyler Murray if any part of the Packers front will.
Romeo Doubs Bounce Back?
Okay, I am finally making a positive prediction for the Packers. Jordan Love will likely look to re-establish his rapport with Romeo Doubs after a turbulent week that led to his absence from week five’s matchup with the Rams. I expect Doubs to lead all Packers receivers in targets and find himself comfortable in his role as one of the Packers’ most important pass catchers. I’ll even predict right now that Doubs will have a touchdown reception on Sunday, so set your parlays accordingly (or don’t gamble, that’s probably better).
Who Will Win?
The oddsmakers have the Packers as five point home favorites and I’m sticking near that idea. The Packers defense has been will win in a 27-20 game that probably won’t feel that close in the fourth quarter. Jordan Love should be able to keep his composure against a middle of the pack Cardinals defense and the Packers will just need to keep Kyler Murray in the pocket and take away his deep options to keep the game winnable.
ESPN also currently gives the Packers a 59.7 percent chance to win on Sunday.
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Zack is a college student and cheesehead from California. When he’s not in class or writing, you can find him talking about the Packers on Twitter at @Zack_Upchurch.
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The post Packers Week 6 Predictions: Will Rashan Gary Turn Things Around vs a Banged Up Cardinals Line? first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.