Patriots vs. Packers: Where the Patriots have the edge

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – Bill Belichick gave the world a rare smile, as he spoke to the media Wednesday morning, when asked about the similarities between Tom Brady and Green Bay Packers signal caller Aaron Rodgers. "They both wear No. 12," Belichick said with an ear to ear grin as he exited the room to prepare for Patriots practice.

The number on their back isn't the only similarity shared by the two prolific passers this season. Both quarterbacks faced heavy scrutiny early in the year as the Packers and Patriots struggled to gain traction and Rodgers famously told Packer faithful to "R-E-L-A-X." Brady relaxed the world by reeling off seven straight wins, six of which came in the form of blowouts. The two are separated by 41 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. But how much will rest on their shoulders this Sunday when they face off at Lambeau Field?

These teams must feel like they are looking in a mirror. Star quarterbacks, power running games that are a compliment to the prolific passing attacks, a defense that turns the ball over at an alarming rate (Patriots and Packers have forced the most turnovers in the NFL this season), and special teams units that make big plays with regularity.

>>New England Patriots at Green Bay Packers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)<<

The Patriots have shown us that they can win football games in different ways. Three weeks ago against Denver, Brady went bonkers and threw for 333 yards and four touchdowns and the Patriots won 43-21. Two weeks ago, Jonas Gray ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-20 drubbing of the Indianapolis Colts. Last week, the Patriots defense stifled Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions offense, allowing a meager 9 points as they rolled 34-9.

So … what the hell are they going to cook up for Mike McCarthy and company?

Green Bay's run defense looks like their weak spot going into Sunday's matchup, giving up 136.7 yards per game. The Colts defense, which the Patriots trampled, only gives up 109.9 yards per game. Assuming that he can stay out of the Belichick dog house, expect a heavy workload for Gray and LeGarrette Blount. They have the opportunity to run over the porous Green Bay run defense that recently moved pass rushing specialist Clay Matthews from outside to inside linebacker to help in run support. Since making that move two weeks ago, the team has given up 221 yards on the ground.

On defense, it's business as usual for Matt Patricia's unit. Brandon Browner will spend a majority of his day covering Jordy Nelson. Browner has played spectacular football since returning from suspension, locking down Calvin Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Demaryus Thomas. He has been physical at the line of scrimmage and been in receiver's heads all game, every game. Randall Cobb will draw Darrelle Revis, who has been covering the more athletic receivers teams have to offer. At one point in the second half against Detroit, Matthew Stafford went 0-for-8 targeting receivers that Revis was covering. Revis and Browner have combined for 17 pass deflections and three interceptions on the season and have been, arguably, the best cornerback duo in the league this season. Rodgers is going to need to rely on his legs to extend plays if he's going to stand a chance.

The Patriots will make life more difficult at Lambeau than the Packers are used to this week. A double digit win is not out of the realm of possibility, and I expect the Patriots to continue their hot streak.

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