Green Bay Packers: 3 Matchups to Watch in Week Ten

Green Bay Packers’ Cornerbacks vs. D.J. Chark

This is the matchup that has the most uncertainty attached to it, mostly because of injuries. Jaire Alexander is listed as doubtful with both a concussion and a hand injury, and Kevin King is questionable with a quad injury. Even D.J. Chark, who would’ve been the constant in this scenario, was added to the Jaguars injury report Thursday with an illness that is not COVID-19. If Chark can’t go, with rookie receiver Laviska Shenault ruled out for the game, the Jaguars would be very light on weapons for Jake Luton, who is making just his second NFL start.

In that start, Luton leaned heavily on Chark, targeting him twelve times and completing seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. If Chark goes, he will likely be looked to again to carry the load offensively. That strategy will go many different ways depending on who his primary defender is.

If Jaire Alexander plays in this game and is allowed to follow Chark across the field wherever he lines up, this matchup turns into a non-factor. Jaire Alexander has quickly shown himself to be one of the NFL’s premier shutdown corners, and even a talented guy like Chark won’t be able to have any sustained success. Alexander has locked up Adam Thielen, Calvin Ridley, and Will Fuller recently, and Chark could very likely be the next in his collection.

Without Alexander, the uncertainty grows for the Packers. Kevin King is certainly a capable cornerback, but not on the level that Jaire is, and in that case, Chark would see his targets and receptions rise, but an explosive game is still unlikely. Where it really gets into the weeds is if it ends up being Josh Jackson, who has performed admirably in King’s absence, but not against number one receivers. Even so, if he plays well against Chark, he could earn himself a lot more respect, playing time, and maybe a contract extension, though his contract does go for one more season. If it is Jackson, it is likely that Chark will have double-digit targets and catches.

What do you think is the most important matchup for the Green Bay Packers this week, or which are you most excited to watch? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @DairylandXpress.