In what could be a preview of Super Bowl 50, the Green Bay Packers and defending champion New England Patriots open the preseason. What we see here will be much different than February, but the Pack plans on trotting out the first-string offense while the Pats prepare for the first month of regular season life without Tom Brady.
ODDS
Based on being the home team, New England opened as 3-point chalk with a total of 37.5. Are the Patriots’ fourth-stringers better than Green Bay’s?
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Aaron Rodgers is making the trip to Foxborough for the preseason opener and the two-time reigning NFL MVP plans on playing. “I’m not sure how much time I’ll play, but I’ll be there. And I think we’re going to go with the starters for a little while.” It’s typical for starters to get a series or two in before hitting the sidelines, leaving snaps for Scott Tolzien, who completed 8 of 12 attempts for 124 yards in last year’s preseason opener. Expect fifth-round pick Brett Hundley to see a series as well.
Tom Brady missed Tuesday’s practice preparing for a hearing in the legal dispute over his suspension. Brady was suspended by the league for the first four games of the regular season but can play the preseason games. However he didn’t play in the preseason opener last year, the fourth time in his career he skipped the first game. Whether or not Brady plays, second-year man Jimmy Garoppolo will take the next step in his development and toward perhaps being the starter for the first four games of the season. Expect him to see plenty of action with Ryan Lindley, who signed just this week when Matt Flynn was released, likely to take a few snaps.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy’s approach to preseason play this year appears to be running contrary to how he handled the exhibition games last August. A year ago, McCarthy held out Aaron Rodgers, as well as running back Eddie Lacy and receiver Jordy Nelson from the preseason opener. The three, along with defenders Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, also didn’t play in the final preseason game. The Packers then proceeded to lose two of their first three games for the third straight season. It’s the type of slow start McCarthy wants to avoid this season with Green Bay considered a favorite to win the Super Bowl.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“You have to show it in practice in order for me to feel comfortable making those throws in the game. That’s kind of what this is all about. You make some of these throws and see how the guys respond. And, if they’re making the plays, then they’re going to get more opportunities in the preseason and probably be around for the regular season. If they’re not making those plays, they probably won’t be around.” – Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on putting the so-called 50-50 balls up for grabs to his young receivers.
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, the projected starter, is nursing a knee injury and will serve a one-game suspension at the start of the regular season, opening up competition for his snaps that starts in the preseason opener. The Pats have three solid options in Brandon Bolden, Travaris Cadet and James White and all three should get plenty of opportunities against the Packers. The job is Blount’s, assuming he recovers from his injury and doesn’t fall off the wagon, but the Pats need a third-down back and the three will get plenty of chances to win job.
INJURIES
While the Packers are poised to put a first-string offense on the field, it’s uncertain if their defense will be at full strength. Linebacker Clay Matthews hasn’t been cleared to play after missing a week of practice with a sore knee. Also, defensive linemen Mike Daniels and Letroy Guion didn’t practice Tuesday and are doubtful.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
If Green Bay wants to avoid another slow start to the season is there a better way than knocking off the defending champs? The Packers plan on using their starting offense for what Aaron Rodgers said would be a “little while.” We’re not sure how long that is in preseason NFL terminology, but it sounds like more than a series. And if that’s the case, the Pack can do some damage against a New England defense that has some holes to fill.
Green Bay 24, New England 17
The NFL odds for this Sunday contest were first released by BookMaker and the Patriots were positioned as 3-point favorites with a total of 37.5. Now you can wager in-game while the action unfolds with BookMaker's live betting option.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker sportsbook! The matchup between the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots is set for Thursday, August 13, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.
