As a winter storm approaches Green Bay, the focus shifts to Monday night’s game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. According to WBAY-TV, the weather forecast calls for a high of 32°F with 1 to 3 inches of snow during the day, and temperatures dipping to 25°F with scattered snow showers during the game.
While the conditions won’t replicate the legendary 1985 Snow Bowl, they could still challenge the Saints, who have historically struggled in cold weather. Including playoffs, New Orleans is 6-9 in games with kickoff temperatures at or below 32°F. The team’s only such game in the past 14 seasons was a Christmas Eve win over the Browns in 2022, where they leaned on their ground game in frigid 6°F conditions.
The Packers, by contrast, are more accustomed to cold-weather matchups. Jordan Love is undefeated in two starts with kickoff temperatures of 32°F or below, while head coach Matt LaFleur holds a 7-4 record in such games.
Injury concerns loom large for the Saints, with veteran quarterback Derek Carr sidelined due to a broken hand. Rookie Spencer Rattler, who has limited experience with cold weather, is expected to start. Additionally, Taysom Hill is on injured reserve, and Alvin Kamara is nursing a groin injury, further complicating the Saints’ offensive plans.
For the Packers, a win would clinch a playoff spot and continue their strong 10-4 campaign. Reflecting on the team’s approach, LaFleur emphasized consistency and preparation: “Every game’s a new opportunity and a new challenge. You can’t just rest on what you’ve done. You’ve got to keep digging.”
This game also adds another chapter to the Packers-Saints rivalry. Last year, Green Bay mounted a stunning 17-point fourth-quarter comeback to defeat New Orleans 18-17 at Lambeau Field. Jordan Love led the charge, throwing for 259 yards and accounting for two touchdowns, while Rashan Gary tallied three sacks in a dominant defensive performance.
With playoff implications for the Packers and cold weather as a potential equalizer, Monday night promises to deliver an intriguing battle under the lights at Lambeau Field.
