7:30 p.m., ESPN, Channel-6

LINE -- Saints by 2 1/2.

BRIAN ALLEE-WALSH'S PICK

STREAKS, STATS: The Packers' Nick Collins, Charles Woodson tied for league lead with five INTs. . . . Green Bay defensive end Aaron Kampman in last meeting with Saints: three sacks, two forced fumbles, one recovery. . . . Packers plus-7 in turnovers, New Orleans minus-5.

Packers 24, Saints 23: Former Saints offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy returns to an old haunt tonight when his Packers face the Black & Gold in a nationally televised game from the Superdome. Who Dat Nation welcomes their heroes back after a road trip of biblical proportions -- 42 days and nights away from the Superdome. Although it's just Week 12, the game between these 5-5 teams has a playoff feel to it. The Pack is locked in a three-way tie for first in the NFC North, and the Saints are in the thick of the wild-card hunt. The Saints will cast their fate with MVP candidate Drew Brees and their usually high-powered offense, while the Pack will counter with a sticky-fingered defense that leads the NFL with 16 interceptions (six returned for touchdowns, plus one fumble returned for a score). Oh, by the way, that guy Aaron Rodgers is pretty good, too.