Packers: 5 potential opponents in first round of playoffs

2. Arizona Cardinals

Don’t think we’ve forgotten about the 2015 divisional round, Arizona. Oh, and 2009 too.

For a while, the Arizona Cardinals looked like NFC West contenders with MVP-level performances from second-year quarterback Kyler Murray and All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

But the Cardinals have struggled of late with three consecutive defeats, meaning they’ve fallen out of the playoff positions. They’re still right in the mix, however, and are tied with the Vikings. With games against the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles up next, the Cardinals have an opportunity to right the ship and move back into the seventh seed.

In many ways, I like this matchup a lot more than a game against Minnesota.

There’s little to fear about Arizona’s middle-of-the-pack defense. It ranks No. 14 in scoring defense, No. 16 against the pass and No. 22 against the run. They are also No. 14 in sacks.

Clearly, there would be concerns with the Cardinals No. 6-ranked offense. Murray’s rushing ability would make life difficult for Mike Pettine’s defense, as would superstar receiver Hopkins.

Why I feel better about this potential matchup than a rematch with the Vikings is that the Cardinals don’t have a running back like Dalvin Cook. They do run the ball well, especially with Murray, but they lack a superstar running back. Arizona’s strength is with its talented receiving group led by Hopkins. Green Bay’s biggest defensive strength is stopping the pass.

It could be high-scoring and it’d be a great and challenging matchup. But I like the Packers’ defense against Murray and Hopkins much better than the Cardinals’ defense against Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams.