Jaire Alexander vs Stefon Diggs

Going back to his Vikings days, the combination of Alexander and Diggs has usually led to fireworks.

Whether it is smashing one of Diggs’ teammates into him on an attempted screen, or telling him he is a “little boy” on the way out of the tunnel, Alexander has brought the heat when facing Diggs in the past, often getting the best of the battle.

In five previous meetings, Diggs has been targeted seven times when covered by Alexander. The corner has allowed just three receptions for 21 yards. He will likely be nagging Jeff Hafley to let him shadow Diggs, although this would require a defensive shakeup.

As receivers often do as they age, Diggs has moved primarily into the slot, while Alexander mostly operates outside.

But with Keisean Nixon (more on him shortly) showing he is capable of playing outside corner, and star receiver Nico Collins missing this game, it may allow Alexander to move inside and take on Diggs this Sunday.

Tank Dell vs Keisean Nixon

If Alexander does get the Diggs assignment, that would likely mean Nixon starting at outside corner once again, and potentially spending a good deal of his afternoon across from Tank Dell.

Dell’s role had initially been muted after the acquisition of Diggs, with him and Collins hogging targets, but with Collins now on injured reserve, the door has opened again.

The undersized, twitchy receiver is an excellent route runner and plays bigger than his size, shown by his ability to play and consistently win on the outside.

His presence might make the Packers think twice about letting Alexander focus mainly on Diggs, as regardless of whether it is Nixon, Eric Stokes or Carrington Valentine lined up across from him, Dell will be a handful.

Houston’s depleted defense

A huge part of what has made the Texans so successful in the first six weeks, helping them to race out to a 5-1 record, has been their defense, which is allowing the third-fewest yards per game in the league.

Ahead of this game though, Houston has been hit by a barrage of injuries which will leave the unit compromised.

Azeez Al-Shaair, Kamari Lassiter, Henry To’o To’o, and Jimmy Ward will all miss Sunday’s game, while Folorunso Fatukasi is questionable to play. Mario Edwards Jr will also miss out through suspension.

They are down to the bare bones on the interior of the defensive line and at linebacker in particular, and that could bode well for a Packers offense which ranks second in the league in rushing yards per game.

Houston’s defensive backfield will certainly miss Ward and Lassiter as well, and Green Bay has the horses to do damage through the air. There will be no excuses not to follow up last week’s strong offensive performance.

Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson

Zach Tom has gone from strength to strength entering his third NFL season, continuing to establish himself as a top-tier offensive tackle, while Rasheed Walker has settled in after a slow start, playing rock solid football of late.

They will face a stiff test this week against Hunter, whom Packers fans will be familiar with from his days in Minnesota, and Anderson, a former 3rd overall draft pick.

The pair have combined for 10 sacks already this season, with Anderson in particular pushing on from his rookie year and nearly matching his 2023 sack total already. 

With the rest of the defense dealing with injuries, if Tom and Walker can keep Hunter and Anderson at bay, the Packers should be able to do whatever they want on offense.

Can Green Bay beat a good team?

The Packers do not need to apologize for how their wins have been earned, especially since they had to play with a backup quarterback for two games, but it is worth noting none of their four victories have come against teams who currently have a winning record.

A first-half no-show put the Vikings game out of reach, and the Packers also fell to the Eagles, who are the only other team they have played who are expected to be firmly in the playoff mix.

This week will provide an opportunity for the Packers to make a statement that although they are still the youngest in the league, they are not the same inconsistent team from last season.

The difference between being 4-3 and 5-2 is tangible, and with the Vikings and Lions facing off this weekend, a Packers win would keep them well in contention for the NFC North division title.