Raiders-Packers: Matchups to watch

It would be unfair and, really, false to say the Raiders are playing with house money in taking on unbeaten and untied defending Super Bowl champ Green Bay in their house on Sunday.Besides, the Raiders (7-5) have a little something to play for themselves as they enter the fourth quarter of the regular season -- their very playoff lives. So it's not like Oakland is merely playing the role of spoiler on the Frozen Tundra.Still, the run the Packers (12-0) are on is impressive. Having won 18 straight games, dating to last year and including the playoffs, the Packers can join the 1998 Denver Broncos as the only other defending champ in NFL history to start a season 13-0 and they also clinch a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs by beating the Raiders.
The Raiders? They have the same record as Denver in the AFC West, but are currently behind the Broncos due to tie-breakers.A look, then, at some key on-field matchups to watch Sunday afternoon from Lambeau Field:Raiders strong safety Tyvon Branch (33) vs. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12).TALE OF THE TAPEBranch: 6-0, 205, UConn, fourth seasonRodgers: 6-2, 225, Cal, seventh seasonWhile Branch is having breakthrough, Pro Bowl-type of season, Rodgers is having a season for the ages.Not only is Rodgers the first quarterback in NFL history to post 100-plus passer ratings in 12 consecutive games, he has thrown at least two touchdown passes in all 12 games thus far, joining only Johnny Unitas and Peyton Manning, but Rodgers' current career passer rating of 103.8 is the best in league history.Thus far this season, Rodgers leads the NFL in passer rating (125.3), completion percentage (70.6), TD passes (37) and yards per attempt (9.42) and is third in passing yardage (3,844).Many have said Rodgers, the Chico and Cal Kid, is having the best season a quarterback has had. Ever."That's a pretty flattering comment," he said this week on a conference call with Bay Area reporters. "I try and stay focused on what I've got to do to be successful each week, but the kind words are appreciated. I think you've got to keep it in the context of this season. It's hard to compare different years. I think if you look at it, I dont know that anybodys gonna be able to touch what (Tom) Brady did with his 50 touchdowns, and when Peyton (Manning) had 49 touchdowns."In a different time and era there were a number of good years before I was even, you know, an afterthought of being born. So I try not to compare years, but I appreciate the kind comments."It would be hard for any one player to slow Rodgers, let alone stop him. But Branch just might be the key, what with the way he can be used in hopes of keeping the quarterback off balance.The speedy and physical Branch has excelled against the run but has also played well in coverage this season and is always a threat to blitz."I take every game as a personal challenge, especially with a guy of his caliber," Branch said of Rodgers. "You know you've got to spend a couple more hours watching film, trying to pick up any little tips you can. Because he's that good of a player."With a guy of his caliber, there's a little more spotlight on it. But week in and week out, we want to do the same thing."Other matchups worth watching:Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (85) vs. Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (21) -- No Jacoby Ford and no Denarius Moore -- again -- means DHB will not be able to hide.No wonder the grin on his face only grew wider when asked what he saw when he watched film of Woodson, who is "probable" to play as he is recovering from a concussion suffered last week."Shoot, the (2009) NFL defensive player of the year, that's what I see," Heyward-Bey said. "I mean, good player. Smart. He's a vet. He knows football. He knows offenses and being a DB who can play safety, nickel, outside corner, I mean, he brings everything together for them."Woodson, who was the Raiders' No. 4 overall draft pick in 1998 and spent eight seasons in Oakland before signing with Green Bay in 2006, is tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions. He has a league high 24 picks since 2008.More than a few observers thought Woodson was entering the twilight of his career when he left Oakland. Instead, he's tapped into his Hall of Fame talent."Well, the fact that you mature as a player, you mature as a person," said Raiders defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan, who also had Woodson in Oakland in his first tour. "Charles had his first child, and he even said it, that when that happened to him, the sense of responsibility changed. And his whole life changed. I couldnt be more proud of Charles. I sit back and watch him every game. I love to pull (tape of) him out in the offseason and study him because the things that he does now, that he's getting all the recognition for, are things he still did here"The way he causes turnovers, the way he tackles, the ferocity in which he tackles, and goes after the ball, the strip, every single time, and the playmaking ability. It was a couple of weeks ago, that interception where he came over the top, he's the only guy that's going to make that type of play. It's fun to watch him, and I wish him wellbut not too much luck this weekend."Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) vs. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (52) -- WIth their three most explosive offensive playmakers -- Ford, Moore and Darren McFadden -- still sidelined by injury, Michael Bush and the offensive line are going to need a lot of help. Namely, from Reece.A converted receiver, Reece is a matchup nightmare for defenses. Which is why Chicago and Miami gameplanned exclusively for him and limited his touches the past two weeks.Matthews may draw the assignment of bird-dogging Reece, whether he lines up as Bush's lead back, as a tight end, or even wide. The Dolphins, in particular, shut Reece down."Yeah, they had a good package for him," said Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer. "We got him loose a couple of times, but obviously not enough. He's one of the best mismatches you'll find in the NFL as far as the position he plays and what he can do. But they had a good plan for him and we'll have a good counter for that plan this week and figure out more ways to get the ball in his hands."