We don’t know how many people have scratched their heads, or not, about how the Green Bay Packers have played so far this season. But those who forecasted that the loss of Davante Adams would have a huge impact were absolutely right. Did the first eight games of the season, Green Bay has been largely ineffective. And even though four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers has expressed no worries, we are not sure how long he can really bluff.
BetOnline patrons may have been expecting an offense that could get more points on the board, and maybe the Packers found something of a different direction, even in defeat last Sunday night against Buffalo.
We’ll see how that works out. But there may be too much trouble to overcome if they don’t defeat the Detroit Lions in the Sunday afternoon action that begins at 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field in the Motor City.
Last week, the Packers looked for a while like they might get blown out by the Buffalo Bills, but that was only a short while. They actually used their ground attack to shorten the game and make a few dollars for the people who supported them, losing 27-17 as a 10.5-point underdog.
They actually outgained Buffalo and did it not because Rodgers had a banner game but because Aaron Jones did. The Pro Bowler out of UTEP gained 143 yards, and you have to ask yourself why he is not used more often, as he is averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
In the football betting odds that have been posted on this game by the folks at BetOnline, Green Bay is laying points on the road.
Green Bay Packers -3.5 (-112)
Detroit Lions +3.5 (-108)
Over 49 Points -110
Under 49 Points -110
When you look at Rodgers and his stats, while they have not matched what he has done in his best years, he is ninth in the league in quarterback rating and has thrown only four interceptions through the first eight games. With 6.6 yards per attempt, though, he’s playing small ball, and obviously, things have been difficult as he’s had to replace Adams, an All-Pro and someone he had perhaps more chemistry with than any other wideout he’s ever thrown to.
And it’s not like he’s had a steady lineup of receivers to work with because injuries have really been a pain in the neck. Randall Cobb is currently on injured reserve, Christian Watson has had an injury-plagued rookie campaign, and Allen Lazard, who is probably Rodgers’ most reliable target, had to sit out last week’s game with a shoulder injury. Whether he plays or not will probably be determined right before game time.
The Packers, who have lost four straight games, have scored only 18.1 points per contest. One of the reasons for that is that they have not been able to connect when they’re in the red zone. Green Bay has scored on only 59% of its red-zone trips. And they should be doing better than that.
Maybe that happens this week against Detroit, which simply can’t play defense. Atleast that’s what the odds at best sites for football betting states. The Lions have allowed opposing passers to advance the ball 8.1 yards per throw. And they have allowed 69% completions, which is the worst in the league. They have allowed touchdowns on 73% of the occasions when the opposition gets into the red zone.
And the secondary had absolutely no answer for Miami last week, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combining for 294 receiving yards. You are never out of the game when you’re playing with Lions, and the Dolphins found that out after falling behind 20-7 early in the second quarter. From that point forward, Detroit scored only seven points, and Miami rallied for a 31-27 victory.
Granted, Detroit will not be facing the same kind of receiving personnel that Miami has. But they will indeed be facing a better Infantry. They’re giving up more than five yards per carry, and so Jones, along with his backfield mate AJ Dillon, will find that inviting. Green Bay ran for 208 yards as a team last week, and if they could readjust their mindset to going to the ground more than 39.9% of the time, they could really control things here.
The Lions could get their share of points, but their own backfield situation is a little shaky. Since Jared Goff lives off play-action, that part of the game could be afforded.
Will the Packers play like they’re mad at some point in time? Maybe this is the week, as we lay the points.
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