The game could have a significant bearing on the Cardinals’ playoff positioning — or it could be irrelevant. Arizona could move up to a No. 2 seed if things fall right in the early games and they beat the Packers.
Packers at Cardinals
When: 2:15 p.m. today
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium
TV/Radio: Channel 10/KTAR (620 AM)
Records: Arizona 10-5, Green Bay 10-5
The Skinny
The game could have a significant bearing on the Cardinals’ playoff positioning — or it could be irrelevant. Arizona could move up to a No. 2 seed if things fall right in the early games and they beat the Packers. If that’s the scenario, expect the starters to play the whole way in an effort to get a bye the first week of the playoffs. But if the Cardinals’ seeding is set before the game begins, coach Ken Whisenhunt likely will get his starters out early in order to avoid injury.
Three things to watch
1. Vanilla game plans. There’s a good chance the Cardinals will play the Packers again in the first round, so neither coach figures to reveal too much of his playbook. In some ways, it could be a glorified exhibition game, with simple schemes and subs in much of the second half.
2. Tackle play. Neither Jeremy Bridges nor Levi Brown played well against St. Louis, so it’s important they bounce back with a strong performance before the playoffs. They’ll have to keep an eye on outside linebacker Clay Matthews, who leads Green Bay with 10 sacks.
3. Put pressure on Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay’s pass protection has been shaky, and Rodgers has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long. As a result, he’s been sacked 50 times. The Cardinals wouldn’t mind putting a little uncertainty in his head heading into their possible playoff matchup.
Cardinals offense
WR Larry Fitzgerald
LT Jeremy Bridges
LG Reggie Wells
C Lyle Sendlein
RG Deuce Lutui
RT Levi Brown
TE Stephen Spach
WR Anquan Boldin
QB Kurt Warner
RB Tim Hightower
FB Dan Kreider
Cardinals defense
DE Calais Campbell
DT Bryan Robinson
DE Darnell Dockett
OLB Chike Okeafor
ILB Karlos Dansby
ILB Gerald Hayes
OLB Clark Haggans
RCB Bryant McFadden
LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
SS Adrian Wilson
FS Antrel Rolle
Packers offense
WR Greg Jennings
LT Chad Clifton
LG Daryn Colledge
C Scott Wells
RG Josh Sitton
RT Mark Tauscher
TE Jermichael Finley
WR Donald Driver
QB Aaron Rodgers
RB Ryan Grant
FB John Kuhn
Packers defense
LDE Johnny Jolly
NT Ryan Pickett
RDE Cullen Jenkins
LOLB Brad Jones
ILB A.J. Hawk
ILB Nick Barnett
ROLB Clay Matthews
LCB Charles Woodson
RCB Tramon Williams
SS Atari Bigby
FS Nick Collins
