Here are some notes, facts and observations that you can sprinkle into your pre-game conversation in order to sound informed while you're hoovering chicken wings and getting ready to watch the game, which will be broadcast on ESPN and Channel 12.
The Packers have never won in Denver. Ever. They are 4-0-1 against the Broncos in Wisconsin, but 0-5 in the regular season and 0-5 in the pre-season in Colorado.
The Packers are appearing on "MNF" for the 15th consecutive season. Only the Broncos (16) have a longer streak.
Thanks to the Boston Red Sox, the World Series won't conflict with the game in Denver.
Look for Deanna Favre to be featured in the open to the broadcast this evening. Actor Vince Vaughn is slated to appear in the booth. The folks at ESPN just hope that he doesn't make any references to Joe Thiesman.
Green Bay has won eight of its last 11 games following the bye week, including a victory in Miami last season. Seven of the Packers' eight victories last season came after the bye. Since 2000, the Packers are a combined 43-24 following the bye.
Keep an eye on Packers running back DeShawn Wynn. He had trouble with cramps during a hot game at Lambeau Field. We're wondering if he will struggle with the altitude. The Packers have stressed hydration and getting proper rest this week, but the elevation impacts some athletes more than others.
Wide receiver Koren Robinson, whose suspension was lifted by the NFL, is listed as a game-time decision but it seems unlikely that he will play until next week in Kansas City.
You'll hear a lot tonight about the Packers having the worst running attack in the NFL and the Broncos having the worst rushing defense. Bottom line: if the Packers can't run the ball successfully tonight and at least set up play-action passes, they can pretty much abandon any hope of having a running game this year.
With Bubba Franks sidelined by a knee injury, Packers tight end Donald Lee may hear his number called early and often. The Broncos have strong cornerbacks in Champ Bailey and Dre Bly, so it could be tough for Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Co. to find open space.
Denver's defensive coordinator, Jim Bates, worked in Green Bay under Mike Sherman and was a candidate for the head coaching job that eventually went to Mike McCarthy. Bates knows Brett Favre very well and will have his players pumped for duty.
Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler has drawn some comparisons to Favre because he has the ability to avoid the rush and buy time for receivers to get open. That's crucial in his situation, because the offensive line in front of him is a disaster.
Packers kicker Mason Crosby should get a few cheers tonight. He played in college at the University of Colorado. Denver's kicker, Jason Elam, is one of the best in the business.
Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
