I know the rain almost certainly aided the nice start, but that was quite the suffocating win for the Packers. From the jump, the defense rose to the occasion against an offense capable of causing some headaches, at the very least. But even when it felt like the Cards were on their way back into the game, the defense showed up in a big way with timely turnovers complemented by a potent offensive attack for the Packers.

I don't want to exactly oversell Arizona. They're not a great team, obviously. But this is what the Packers should have done to a team like that. Move the ball at will - mostly on the ground - and then set up Jordan Love for some big plays downfield. That, coupled with containing Kyler Murray, and you've got the recipe for a win.

But this week presents a much larger challenge. Perhaps, the largest Green Bay will have seen to date. So let's shift our sights, raise up the Periscope and dive into the past, present and future of the Packers and Texans.

The Past

This is about as uncommon of an opponent as it gets. With a 4-1 edge, Green Bay and Houston have only played 5 times since the team's inception in 2002. And given their AFC affiliation, it's only every 4 years they face off. And hoo boy, this is the year to do it.

While there aren't many matchups to choose from for this week's look back, there is one in particular that was the catalyst to a Packers season turnaround. On October 14, 2012, the 2-3 Packers were fresh off a listless performance in Indianapolis. And the medicine, seemingly, was not a trip to Houston to visit the 5-0 Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.

But with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, and backed into a bit of a corner, the Packers met the challenge. Opening the game, Rodgers found Jordy Nelson from 41-yards out, then James Jones for 6 yards and a touchdown and 14-0 lead after the first.

The second opened with an Arian Forster touchdown to cut the lead in half, but Rodgers hit Nelson again from 21 to go back up 21-7 and ultimately a 21-10 halftime lead.

Typically, the best team will adjust to a surprise first half, but not this game. A third Jordy touchdown made it 28-10, but Houston's Foster scored again for a 28-17 lead entering the fourth, keeping it just close enough.

But the Packers ultimately put it away in exciting fashion in the fourth quarter. Touchdowns to James Jones and Tom Crabtree, from 18 and 48 yards, respectively, put the nail in the coffin and emphatic 42-24 win.

Not only was it a big win that week. It was the first of a 9-of-10 streak, propelling the Packers to the NFC North Championship and 11-5 record before falling to the Colin Kaepernick 49ers in the Divisional Round.

The Present

While the Packers didn't get off to the hottest start this year, the same can't be said for Houston. They've been cooking out of the gate, save for a faceplant and wake-up call at Minnesota in Week 3. Second-year QB CJ Stroud is proving himself again as one of the league's best, and with weapons like Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell and Joe Mixon, they're as hot as it gets on offense.

A big injury of note, though, this week is Nico Colllins who is on the IR with a hamstring injury. Collins had established himself as a top receiver in the league, so not facing him is a boost for the Packer defense without a doubt.

Defensively, the Texans are fortified by their pass rush led by Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. Cornerback Derek Stingley anchors the secondary to round out a very solid unit. Ya know, as I type this, holy jeez have they done well in the last few drafts!

The Packers have shown they want to run the ball and will be creative doing so. They've also shown they can protect Jordan Love, and these are two avenues that will need to be strong to move the ball on Houston. If Hunter and Anderson can pin their ears back, as they say, it could turn into a tough day for the Packers offense.

On the defensive end, the Packers have been forcing turnovers, seemingly at will. But Stroud only has four interceptions this year and the team has 7 total. Thankfully, though, Houston doesn't exactly force them either with a matching 7 forced putting them in the middle of the league.

There are tests galore this week, but ultimately, not an awful matchup for the Packers and their strengths.

The Future

Noon kick (HOW IS THIS NOT AT 3:25!?) Lambeau time, Lambeau Field, Green Bay. After spotty weather and cooler temps this past Sunday, the gorgeous fall weather will seemingly return with a high estimated around 73 and sunny. Honestly, wouldn't mind a little fall weather for the indoor (well, sorta indoor) Texans team, but getting them outside ain't bad either

This is a fantastic measuring stick game for both teams. Houston, coming in at 5-1, has wins over Indy, Chicago, Jacksonville, Buffalo and New England. Save for the Bills, not exactly a murderer's row of opponents. But what this game is, is two young, up-and-coming teams with Super Bowl aspirations.

And I think they're both looking to use this game as a springboard for the middle part of the season. And much like the 2012 matchup, let's see if this week can do the same for the 2024 Packers and set up a mid-season run.