On paper this heavyweight matchup between the red hot Arizona Cardinals and the streaking Packers should be the GOAT of Thursday Night Football games. The Cardinals are still searching for respect in the league despite being the only undefeated team remaining. The Packers are dismantling every team in their path since Aaron Rodgers’ horrific display in week1. Both of these teams have something to prove and boat load to gain with a win in Glendale on Thursday.

Aaron Rodgers is out to prove yet again that he is one of the best quarterbacks of all time. He will certainly have that chance if he can pull out a win in State Farm Stadium. Especially without his 2 lead receivers in Adams and Lazard. Rodgers will also have in his mind the lack us success he has had in the Cardinals stadium. Most recently the Divisional Playoffs of 2015. A win for the Packers will go a long way in proving Rodgers’ dominance and help to secure an elusive number 1 seed in the NFC.

As for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, this is an opportunity to establish some respect. Despite being undefeated, with wins against the Titans, Browns, and Rams, the Cardinals are still jockeying for respect among the NFL elite. It is unfortunate even a win will not help the doubt bestowed upon the Cardinals. The Covid-19 absences for the Packers set up a narrative ripe to downplay any Cardinal victory. It is for this reason that the Cardinals cannot listen to the outside noise. They must listen to their own words to be 1-0 every week. It is imperative to stack up wins to reach the number 1 seed in the bunched NFC. With the prize of securing aa first round bye and home field advantage.

Thursday Night Football is often seen as game with poor play, a poor matchup, or both. However, this week should stand out as an outlier for years to come. The potent offense and rugged defense of the Cardinals with Kyler Murray against the heroics of Aaron Rodgers should create a memorable battle with much on the line.