The Carolina Panthers welcome in a rare NFC North foe this weekend, as the Green Bay Packers come to town for a Christmas Eve showdown.
The 1:00 pm (EST) kickoff will pit the Panthers (2-12), coming off their second win on the season, a 9-6 win over divisional rivals Atlanta Falcons, against the Packers (6-8), who are looking to bounce back after two-straight losses.
Carolina is 6-11 all time versus Green Bay. Learn more about the series history here.
Here's what to know about them.
Dirty Yards Get the Yards
The Packers have been missing Christian Watson the past two weeks, taking away much of their deep threat ability. Without that facet of the offense, quarterback Jordan Love and company have instead turned to an intermediate passing game that is dependent on hard fought yards after the catch, turning short gains into those explosive plays.
Week-to-week, the face of those dirty yards can change, but in recent weeks, it has become a pair of rookies that are the face of the effort. Receiver Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft, both stepping up in the face of injuries to their respective teammates (Watson for Wicks, and Luke Musgrave for Kraft) have proven willing to carry defenders, hurdle defenders and push defenders out of the way when necessary.
Of Wicks' 491 receiving yards thus far this season, 37% have come after the catch. For Kraft, the big-bodied rookie tight end, he's put up a whopping 61% of his 216 yards have come after the catch. In the case of both pass-catchers, those yards after the catch are also coming after contact.
Reed's Reads
The Packers have a dynamic joystick in rookie receiver Jayden Reed. He's a playmaker who just needs the ball in his hands and he can take it from there. So, the Packers have let him do just that, employing his speed and ability to make the right read at the edge on jet sweeps, curl sweeps and end-arounds.
These quasi run-calls for Reed were primarily employed while running back Aaron Jones was recovering from a MCL injury. It provided a way to keep the Packers stretch ground game going, since AJ Dillon is more of a downhill runner. With Jones set to make his second start since the injury on Sunday, the need for Reed in this way isn't as great. But his talent still makes him a threat for coach Matt LaFleur to pull out the sweep options at any time.
Reed did suffer a toe injury on Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though, which could provide a blow to an already thin Packers receiving unit.
From Valentine, with Love
Jordan Love is the future on offense, and Carrington Valentine is that name to know on the defense. The rookie seventh-round corner has seen ample playing time this season, with Jaire Alexander dealing with a back, then shoulder injury, Eric Stokes spending much of the season on Injured Reserve, and Rasul Douglas being traded.
Valentine has 36 tackles, eight pass breakups and a fumble recovery, backed by a tenaciousness that refuses to be intimidated by the No. 1 receivers he's faced week-to-week in all 14 games this season.
View photos of Panthers matchups with the Green Bay Packers.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein leaps over the line for the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 12, 1999, in Green Bay, Wis. The Panthers won 33-31. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy is hit during a run by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) and Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) during an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 19, 2014, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Sam Mills (51) during the NFC Championship Game, a 30 - 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 12, 1997, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Sam Mills (51) during the NFC Championship Game, a 31 - 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 12, 1997, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 19, 2014, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White (92) rushes the passer during the NFC Championship Game, a 30 - 13 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Jan. 12, 1997, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Carolina Panthers play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Bank of America Stadium.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White (92) sets to rush during the NFC Championship Game, a 30 - 13 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Jan. 12, 1997, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) jumps over Green Bay Packers' Nick Collins (36) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Green Bay Packers' Morgan Burnett (42) tries to stop Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy is hit during a run by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker A.J. Klein during an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 19, 2014, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton passes against the Green Bay Packers during an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 19, 2014, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton passes agains the Green Bay Packers during an NFL football game Sunday Oct. 19, 2014, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) throws a pass under pressure from Green Bay Packers' Clay Matthews (52) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart runs for yardage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) loses his helmet as he is hit by Green Bay Packers' Charles Woodson (21) and Desmond Bishop (55) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams is tossed the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS, DEC. 27-28 FILE ** In this Nov. 30, 2008 file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) reacts as running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis. Williams leads the NFL with 20 touchdowns. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File)
Green Bay Packers defensive end Reggie White (92) puts pressure on Carolina Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins durin the third quarter of the NFC Championship game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 1997, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 30-13 to advance o he Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Mark Jones in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith breaks a tackle during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) celebrates with a teammate during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
ALTERNATE CROP Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) closes in during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Monday Sept. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) breaks away from Green Bay Packers defensive end Michael Montgomery (96) for a touchdown run during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Carolina Panthers' Brad Hoover (45) celebrates his touchdown against the Green Bay Packers with teammate Michael Gaines (84) in Charlotte, N.C., Monday Sept. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Mike Rucker during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Monday Oct. 3, 2005. The Panthers recovered the fumble, leading to their first touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeShaun Foster (26) tries to break from Green Bay Packers' Earl Little (21) for a 47-yard gain during the second quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Monday Oct. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Green Bay Packers' Donald Driver (80) sits on the turf as Brett Favre (4) stands in the background and Carolina Panthers players Mike Minter (30) and Al Wallace (96) celebrate after Driver failed to catch a Brett Favre pass on fourth down in the final minutes of the Panthers' 32-29 win in Charlotte, N.C. Monday Oct. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas (23) intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers' Robert Ferguson (89) during the second quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Monday Oct. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) drags Green Bay Packers' Na'il Diggs (59) into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown during the second quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Monday Oct. 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Brad Hoover (45) breaks the tackle of Green Bay Packers' Bernardo Harris (55) in the second quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Monday Nov. 27, 2000. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Green Bay Packers' Ahman Green (30) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Dan Morgan (55) after a short gain in the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Monday Sept. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Monday Nov. 27, 2000. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Green Bay Packers' Ahman Green (30) breaks through the line as Carolina Panthers players Lee Woodall (54) and Doug Evans (33) close in during the second quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Monday Nov. 27, 2000. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Green Bay Packers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
