Packers Host Saints in Prime Time Monday Night Football Clash…
The Green Bay Packers return to Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football (MNF) to face the New Orleans Saints in a high-stakes NFC showdown. This game is steeped in history and tradition, with Green Bay making its 32nd consecutive MNF appearance the longest streak in NFL history. Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming matchup and what it means for both teams.
The Packers’ MNF Legacy
Green Bay’s love affair with MNF is unmatched in the NFL. Since their first appearance in 1970, the Packers have built a storied legacy on the league’s grandest regular-season stage. With an all-time MNF record of 37-34-1, the team has won six of its last eight games under the lights. Head Coach Matt LaFleur has been a key contributor to that success, boasting a 5-2 MNF record since taking the helm in 2019.
What sets this matchup apart is the Packers’ dominance at Lambeau Field on MNF. Green Bay has won five consecutive MNF home games, the longest streak in franchise history. Their record at home on MNF since 2000 is an impressive 14-5 (.737), ranking among the NFL’s best.
This game also marks the latest MNF kickoff ever at Lambeau in December. Green Bay has never lost a December MNF game at home, with victories in 2009, 2014, and 2022. They’ll look to extend that streak against a Saints team fighting to stay relevant in the playoff race.
Packers vs. Saints: A Brief History
Green Bay has historically held the upper hand in this series, with an 18-10 record in regular-season matchups. At Lambeau Field, the Packers are 11-3 against New Orleans, outscoring the Saints by an average of 9.1 points per game. Recent contests have been closely fought, with six of the last seven games at Lambeau decided by single digits. In their last meeting, during Week 3 of the 2023 season, the Packers eked out an 18-17 victory.
Notably, this is the first-ever MNF game between the two teams at Lambeau. It’s also the first time they’ll meet in Green Bay during December or later, adding a layer of intrigue to the already compelling matchup.
Green Bay’s Prime-Time Dominance in 2024
The Packers are thriving in prime-time games this season, averaging 30.0 points per game fourth-best in the league. With a 9-1 record in non-division games, they share the NFL’s top spot in that category with the Minnesota Vikings. Monday’s game marks the conclusion of a rare four-game prime-time stretch for Green Bay, the first time they’ve played so many consecutive night games in a single season since the NFL-AFL merger.
Key Players to Watch
For Green Bay, defensive lineman Kingsley Enagbare is one to keep an eye on. Enagbare has been a disruptive force up front, anchoring a defense that has helped the Packers secure crucial victories this season. On offense, wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks and offensive lineman Zach Tom bring local Louisiana ties to the game, which could add some extra motivation as they face a team from their home state.
The Saints, meanwhile, will look to running back Jamaal Williams to provide a spark. Williams, a former Packers player, is familiar with Lambeau Field and will be eager to make his mark in his return. Quarterback Derek Carr, who has developed a strong connection with Williams and wide receiver Chris Olave, will also be a critical factor as New Orleans tries to move the ball against Green Bay’s stout defense.
Coaching Matchup
Matt LaFleur continues to build his reputation as one of the league’s top head coaches. In just six seasons, he has already amassed 66 career wins, including playoffs. His innovative offensive schemes have helped Green Bay remain competitive even through roster transitions.
On the other sideline, Darren Rizzi serves as the Saints’ interim head coach following his promotion in November. Best known for his excellence as a special teams coordinator, Rizzi has stepped into the leadership role with a 3-2 record. This will be his first head-to-head meeting with LaFleur, adding an element of unpredictability to the coaching chess match.
Broadcast Details
The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman calling the action and Lisa Salters reporting from the sidelines. For radio listeners, the Packers Radio Network offers live coverage with Wayne Larrivee, Larry McCarren, and John Kuhn in the booth. Westwood One’s national radio broadcast will feature Kevin Harlan and Joe Thomas, with Rich Eisen hosting pregame and halftime shows.
The Stakes
Both teams have much to gain and lose in this matchup. For the Packers, a win would bolster their push for a high playoff seed and keep them in contention for the NFC North title. Green Bay also has back-to-back divisional games to close the regular season, making this a critical momentum-builder.
For the Saints, the stakes are equally high. They sit in a tight NFC South race and need every win to stay in the hunt for a division title or wild-card berth. A victory in hostile territory would also serve as a signature moment in Darren Rizzi’s interim head coaching campaign.
Connections and Storylines
This game is rich with connections between the two teams. Several Packers players, including Dontayvion Wicks, Edgerrin Cooper, and Robert Rochell, hail from Louisiana. Saints running back Jamaal Williams and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling are former Packers players, adding emotional weight to their returns to Lambeau.
Additionally, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst began his NFL career with the Saints, and numerous coaches on both sides have overlapping histories. These connections underscore the deep ties between the franchises and the shared respect among players and staff.
Final Thoughts
Monday Night Football at Lambeau Field is always special, but this matchup feels particularly meaningful. With playoff implications on the line and a host of compelling storylines, the Packers-Saints showdown promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Green Bay’s prime-time stretch. As the Packers look to extend their MNF dominance and solidify their playoff position, fans can expect a classic clash under the bright lights of Lambeau Field.
