Everything is being made of Aaron Rodgers returning for this game. There are four factors to consider, though, that should temper the high enthusiasm of Rodgers' return.

No. 4: Rodgers has missed the past seven games. So he could be rusty. Very rusty. His teammates have made the adjustment to Brett Hundley. Now they must revert back to Rodgers against a defense that gives up the fifth-fewest yards in the NFL.

No. 3: Rodgers was out with a broken right collarbone. He's going to have to be careful and the Packers know this. That should limit his running, which is one of the things that make him great. Rodgers can't afford to take any shots. Green Bay has surrendered 43 sacks. That's third-highest in the league. Rodgers must curb is recklessness. He will be under orders to be careful. That could reduce his effectiveness.

No. 2: Carolina is home and tied for first in the NFC South Division. The Panthers need to win, too.

No. 1: Carolina is the better team. The Panthers are 9-4 and playing well with five wins in their last six games.

The Panthers have a far better defense than the Packers, who rank 26th in total yards, don't rush the passer well and have a cluster injury problem in their secondary. Carolina just put up 31 points on the Vikings, who have a top-three defense. Cam Newton can go hot and cold. This should be one of his hot games against a defense that especially struggles versus mobile quarterbacks.

The Packers have beaten one winning team since Week 2 and that was 7-6 Dallas.

Rodgers coming back is a nice story. But the deck is stacked against him and Green Bay in this matchup.