Look Out For in the NFL Christmas Day Games. If you go through your television listings on Christmas Day, you’ll notice two NFL games on the schedule, which may provide some relief from the holiday dinner and celebrations.
On theory, one of the games should be stronger than the other, but both will feature high-profile talents like as Aaron Rodgers, the league’s reigning MVP, as well as Davante Adams, Kyler Murray, Myles Garrett, and Jonathan Taylor.
The NFL delayed Cleveland’s game last week due to a coronavirus epidemic, and the Browns (7-7) nearly lost to the Raiders on Tuesday courtesy to a walk-off field goal. Cleveland’s roster, however, was decimated by coronavirus absences, including top two quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Case Keenum, as well as Coach Kevin Stefanski. The Browns’ odds of making the playoffs are 21 percent as a result of an up-and-down season marred by injuries and uneven play from Mayfield. Garrett has been one of the few bright spots, as he is tied for third in the league with 15 sacks. With a groyne issue, even he is uncertain to participate.
As of Wednesday morning, neither Mayfield nor Keenum had cleared the health tests, leaving the team’s third-string quarterback, Nick Mullens, in position to take their place. However, regardless of who starts as quarterback, the game versus Green Bay will be difficult. The Packers (11-3) have probably the finest home-field advantage in the league, and the forecast is for temperatures around freezing and winds of 10 miles per hour.
Aaron Rodgers is playing well, as usual, completing nearly 68 percent of his passes and throwing for 3,487 yards and 30 touchdowns. Davante Adams, who stands third in the league in receiving yards (1,248) and fourth in receptions, caught eight of those touchdowns (96).
The Packers’ defence has also performed admirably, allowing just two teams to rush for more over 150 yards and an average of 217.9 passing yards per game. The Packers have already won the N.F.C. North and presently hold the No. 1 seed in the league, so the path to the playoffs will pass via Lambeau Field.
The Cardinals (10-4) were once considered the N.F.L.’s greatest club after a 10-2 start, but they have lost two consecutive games and are falling, which is a dangerous indication this close to the postseason. Arizona’s offence looked inefficient in both of its recent losses, with Kyler Murray throwing inaccurate throws and misfires. DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals’ finest weapon, has also been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The club is hoping he will be able to return in time for the playoffs. A defeat to the Colts (8-6) reduces the Cardinals’ odds of winning the N.F.C. West to 43 percent, which means their hard work early in the season might be for naught and they risk losing home-field advantage for a postseason game.
The season arc for Indianapolis has been the polar opposite. The Colts began the season 3-5, but have since won five of their past six games. During that span, the club unleashed Jonathan Taylor, who has since gone on to become one of the NFL’s top players. With 270 carries, 1,518 yards, and 17 touchdowns, he leads the league in all major running statistics. His rise has relieved pressure and responsibility off Carson Wentz, whom the team acquired this offseason in the hopes of revitalising his career under Coach Frank Reich after five up-and-down seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Colts defence, particularly the front seven, is very strong, allowing only 109 running yards a game.
