As the Green Bay Packers gear up to face the short-handed New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on "Monday Night Football," they aim to secure their playoff berth with a win in Week 16.

If the Packers triumph, they'll officially solidify their spot in the NFC playoffs.

Can Green Bay improve their record to 11-4 and grab a crucial fifth win in six games since their bye week? Here are five critical storylines to follow during this highly anticipated matchup:

1. Will Josh Jacobs Dominate Again?

While the Saints have a reputation for being effective against the pass, the Packers are likely to exploit their running game to create offensive momentum early on.

Expect a substantial workload for Josh Jacobs, who has racked up at least 20 touches in four of the last five outings.

Establishing the run could tone down the pressure from New Orleans’ talented pass rush, allowing the Packers to dictate the pace of the game.

2. Can Jordan Love Keep His Hot Streak Alive?

Packers quarterback Jordan Love is riding high with a passer rating of 100 or better in five consecutive games.

The challenge on Monday will be to extend that streak to a remarkable six games against a Saints defense holding a passer rating of 83 this season.

A steady performance, particularly through play-action passes and generating deep shots, could indicate that Love is ready for postseason pressure.

Notably, he’s been careful with the ball, having gone nearly a month without an interception.

3. Spotlight on Rookie Edgerrin Cooper

With the absence of key linebacker Quay Walker, rookie Edgerrin Cooper will have another opportunity to shine after being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his last game.

Cooper’s ability to blitz effectively could provide much-needed pressure against the Saints’ rookie quarterback, Spencer Rattler.

The Saints will likely craft a game plan focusing on swift releases, but Cooper’s speed and agility could wreak havoc across the field.

4. Return of Star Cornerback Jaire Alexander?

There is a buzz around the potential return of star cornerback Jaire Alexander, who has been sidelined with a knee injury for the majority of the last six games.

After participating fully in practice all week, his presence could be a game-changer for the Packers' secondary as they gear up for the playoffs.

If he is unable to play, Carrington Valentine and Eric Stokes will need to build on their encouraging performance in Seattle, maintaining a strong rotation regardless of Alexander's status.

5. Tough Test for the Packers' Offensive Tackles

The Saints boast two formidable edge rushers, Carl Granderson and Chase Young, each with over 50 pressures this season.

This will present a significant challenge for the Packers’ offensive tackles, Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom, who are among the NFL’s elite in pass protection.

To secure a victory, the Packers will need to minimize pressures that could disrupt their offense, especially since turnovers might be essential for the Saints to have any chance at an upset.

Prediction: Packers 24, Saints 10

Despite having started the season strong under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, the Saints face significant challenges as they head into this game with key players like Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara unavailable.

In a matchup against a makeshift offense led by rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler, who has struggled with pressure and is winless as a starter, the Packers' defensive prowess is poised to shine.

While the Packers have demonstrated their capability to score over 30 points in recent games, this matchup may not hinge on that offensive explosion.

Instead, they are likely to secure a comfortable two-touchdown victory at home, setting the stage for a crucial playoff push.

Don’t miss this exciting showdown!