Rodgers, Packers Hope to Boost Playoff Chances Against Washington on SNF

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers can give their playoff chances a big boost by taking down Washington in a playoff rematch on Sunday Night Football (8:30 p.m. Sunday on NBC).

Washington (5-3-1) is in command of the wild card race, but far behind Dallas in the NFC East, while the disappointing Packers (4-5) are third in the North, but only a game behind Minnesota and Detroit.

Green Bay beat Washington 35-18 in a wild card game in January. 

Evening up its record won’t be easy against Washington’s defense, led by cornerback Josh Norman and a pass rush that has 25 sacks.

Rodgers has 22 touchdowns and 7 interceptions this year, but the Packers’ offense is still struggling, mostly because it can’t run the ball effectively. Rodgers’ 37 carries for 226 yards are second on the team. He has all three of the Packers’ rushing TDs this season.

The Cowboys are starting to pull away in the division from Washington, whose record would be good enough for second place in any other division. If Washington can’t catch the Cowboys or second-place Giants, it just has to stay ahead of the other also-rans, something it can get a start on Sunday night.

Four to Watch

Washington DE Trent Murphy: He has seven sacks in his third pro season, after getting six in his first two years.

Washington WR Jamison Crowder: He already has a pair of 100-yard games this season and fellow receiver DeSean Jackson has been hurt this week, though will likely play.

Green Bay WR Ty Montgomery: With receiver Jordy Nelson tied atop the NFL leaderboard at 8 TD catches, the Packers have used Montgomery to supplement their anemic rushing game. Success has mostly been elusive so far.

Green Bay LB Nick Perry: Green Bay has a formidable pass rush, too, and Washington QB Kirk Cousins surely remembers getting taken down by Perry for 2.5 sacks in that wild card game.

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