New England Patriots (9-2) at Green Bay Packers (9-2)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisc. – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson

*Keys to the game: How badly do the Patriots need a fast start in Green Bay? In the first half of their past four home games, the Packers outscored opponents 115-9. To slow down QB Aaron Rodgers, coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots will side with following the recent lead of Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and do everything to try to stifle the explosiveness of Rodgers and the passing game. The Patriots figure to focus on coverage more than pressuring Rodgers. The counter? A hefty dose of Packers RB Eddie Lacy, who is also rounding into a better receiver on short dump-off passes.

The Patriots all but abandoned the run last week, but rarely does New England follow a trend for consecutive weeks. Tom Brady averages 7.2 yards per pass because of his biggest targets, TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Brandon LaFell. Bringing in power back LeGarrette Blount to go with speed backs Shane Vereen and recent overnight sensation Jonas Gray may cause Green Bay’s hit-and-miss run defense fits, particularly if the Packers are consumed with trying to get after Brady.

*Matchup to watch – Packers WR Jordy Nelson vs. Patriots CB Darrelle Revis: Matt Stafford’s nightmare day last week was a credit to a great collective effort by the Patriots’ secondary, and Revis was all over the field. CB Brandon Browner is a closer body type to Nelson but with limited long speed, would be done if Nelson beats the jam.

*Player spotlight – Packers OLB Julius Peppers: Speculation within the locker room was that Peppers, at 6-7, 280, might get his chances to shadow the indefensible Gronkowski. While Peppers is moving off the line more often, his primary niche is to disrupt Brady.

*Fast facts: The Patriots are one of six NFL teams in NFL history with 14-plus consecutive winning seasons, and the first since the 49ers from 1983-98. … The Packers leads the NFL at plus-15 turnover margin. New England is second at minus-11.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Possibly the best game on the 2014 NFL schedule is too close to call, but a great performance from one or both quarterbacks could tip the scales.

*Our pick: Packers 28-26