3 matchups Packers must win in season opener vs. Saints

Three key matchups the Packers need to win in Week 1.

Even with all of the roster changes the New Orleans Saints have made this past offseason, they will still give the Green Bay Packers a real challenge in the season opener on Sunday afternoon.

As we so often see, this game could come down to a crucial play here and there. In the Packers’ victory over the Saints last year, one play that changed the game was Za’Darius Smith forcing a fumble with the score tied at 27-27 in the fourth quarter. New Orleans had a chance to take the lead, but Smith won possession back for Green Bay.

A play like that from either team could swing the game on Sunday. It should be a great battle between the NFC’s top two seeds from a year ago.

Key matchups will also go a long way to determining the outcome of the game. There are positions where both teams have an advantage, but it’s in a few areas where the game can be won or lost.

Let’s look at three key matchups to watch in the season opener. To defeat the Saints in Week 1, the Packers need to win these matchups.