You never know with these things. We can talk about X's and O's all week. None of it seems to matter once we reach game time. Sure, the Philadelphia Eagles are a better team than the Green Bay Packers. The Birds probably should win this game, but no one expects the Cheeseheads to forfeit.
They're showing up, and they aren't going to roll over when they do. Records don't matter. It doesn't matter what happened during the regular-season. It's do or die now. The winner advances. They losers makes some vacation plans.
This is Saquon Barkley's first playoff game in a Philadelphia Eagles jersey. We still find that hard to believe sometimes.
Philly has stars everywhere, but the Packers are loaded too. Some of their stars we know, and some are wildcards who could do work during the Wild Card.
Also read: Thoughts about the 6 Eagles deservingly named as All-Pros
Here's a trio of slightly under-the-radar Packers who could give the Eagles fits during the Wild Card Round.
How good has the NFC North been? Three teams in its division qualified for postseason play. The third-place finisher notched 11 wins. The Green Bay Packers travel to Philly this week.
Three Packers earned spots on the NFC's Pro Bowl roster: defensive end Rashan Gary, running back Josh Jacobs, and free safety Xavier McKinney. The latter, McKinney, was also named as an AP First-Team All-Pro. He also picked off Jalen Hurts during the Week 1 game in Brazil.
Recently, our staff at Inside The Iggles hung out with Lombardi Ave. That's FanSided's home for all things Packers. Their editor and lead writer, Freddie Boston, was nice enough to allow us behind enemy lines, and he mentioned three under-the-radar guys whose names Philly may want to circle.
Something tells us the Eagles' coaches mentioned these guys in meetings this week.
Dontayvion Wicks
Wicks has struggled with drops this season, but with Christian Watson out, they will need to lean on him. The second-year wide receiver is one of the league's best at gaining separation and proved in the playoffs last year that he can step up and make big plays for Love.
- Freddie Boston
Edgerrin Cooper
Cooper was one of the best linebackers in football over the past month of the regular season, earning the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month award. He has the speed and athleticism to limit the Eagles' success on the ground.
In the past four games, Cooper has 35 tackles, eight tackles for loss, one sack, three QB hits, and one interception. The Packers need a big game from their rookie to have any chance on Sunday.
-Boston
Tucker Kraft
The Packers lack a deep threat without Christian Watson and could lean on Tucker Kraft. He's their talented second-year tight end.
He is a rising star, both as a blocker and receiver, playing a similar style to George Kittle. Kraft made 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season, of which 456 yards came after the catch.
-Boston
What's our point? It's simple actually... Jordan Love we know... No one needs to tell us how good he has been or that he's a game-changer, but in the postseason, it's always those other guys that get you.
Again, Philly is the better team here. They should win. We think they WILL win, but if they take the Packers lightly, this will be a short postseason run.