Not much talk about Rashan Gary. He seems to have disappeared, while early on he seemed to be taking advantage of Micah’s double and triple teams. Do you think he is the key this weekend, and maybe the rest of the season? If he steps up, including against the run, this could keep this late-season run going.

November is over. It’s a new month and Gary is going to be massive for the Packers down the stretch, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Lukas Van Ness‘ foot injury. Teams will be zeroing in on Parsons now more than ever. It’s up to Gary and the rest of the defensive front to capitalize.

Troy from Menomonee Falls, WI

In reference to Bill from Menomonie, MI’s question about deferring, someone compiled data on which team scored the most in each half in all games from 2005 to 2009. They found that on average the kicking team scored more points. Apparently, there is a way to opt to kick to begin both halves, but I don’t see anyone testing this idea, even if the stats are still true.

Does that person have any information more recent than games played when “Boom Boom Pow” was topping the charts?

Gary from Chippewa Falls, WI

Will the Packers review old Lions footage to get a feel for what Ben Johnson did against the Packers?

I’m sure that’s something Matt LaFleur and the coaches considered when game-planning for the NFC North before the season, but there’s 12 games of film out there now of Johnson running this Chicago offense.

If we make Caleb Williams have to beat us with his arm, our defense should be able to force more negative plays then they will against Love. Don’t expect a ton of pressure and sacks this week, but I loved how Hafley drew up some 7/8 man on the line looks last week and hope we keep seeing more of that on third down.

The Packers have had a lot of luck with those overloaded fronts that morph into simulated four-man pressures. We’ll see what Chef Hafley cooks up for this one. He had two solid gameplans for Williams last year.

I love that Path to the Playoffs is back, although it makes me a bit sad another regular season is only a month from ending. Looking at the Detroit/Dallas game tonight I would suggest a Detroit win based on the rest of the schedule. Detroit still has the Rams and Bears while Dallas has a much easier final four games. Plus, a Dallas loss gives the Pack more breathing room based on the tie.

I will never question the master. Spoff knows the playoff chessboard better than anybody. I see the argument both ways. I get why it’s advantageous for the Lions to take a sixth loss, but the Packers may need their help against the Los Angeles Rams and the Bears in the finale.

Will you be rooting for the Lions or the Cowboys on TNF? According to NFL.com, a Cowboys loss drops them to a 6% chance of making the playoffs while a win raises them to a 31% chance. A Lions loss drops them to a 23% chance of making the playoffs while a win raises them to a 58% chance. If math is allowed in the mid-week chat, I’d say a Cowboys win might be best because it keeps both teams in a “longshot” scenario to make the playoffs, but I’d hate to see them gain more momentum.

There is one undisputed fact from Spoff’s take on Dallas/Detroit – it is a toss-up with five weeks left on the schedule. Whiskey Old-Fashioned Sour or Whiskey Old-Fashioned Sweet. It’s purely a question of taste.