Aaron Rodgers could return to practice soon, and may be on pace to return to the field on Dec. 17 against the Panthers. But will the Green Bay Packers still be playing meaningful games at that point? Green Bay has struggled mightily since the loss of Rodgers to a broken collarbone early in the season and are nearly out of the playoff hunt. They play in a must-win game in Week 13 at home against the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay had playoff aspirations themselves before the season began but have turned out to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this year. This could be a matchup of backup quarterbacks unless Jameis Winston is ready to go after missing several games due to injury.
The spread could be close as both teams are having trouble on the season.
This contest in Week 13 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Green Bay Packers
Over/Under
Odds Analysis
The Packers will roll once again with Brett Hundley, but there is no spread because of the instability surrounding Tampa Bay’s quarterback situation. It’s an important development as the Buccaneers could be favored or slight underdogs if Winston plays compared to bigger underdogs if he has to sit.
The scoring total could be on the lower end, although Tampa Bay does have a tendency to allow a lot of points, so the “over” could be an enticing play.
Injury Report
Jameis Winston — The Buccaneers starting quarterback is expected to return to practice this week, pending no lingering soreness. Winston has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the last three games, an injury he re-aggravated against the Saints on November 5th and originally sustained earlier in the season. Ryan Fitzpatrick has filled in for Winston and the has gone 2-1 in that time.
Clay Matthews- The Packers’ linebacker missed last week’s game against the Steelers. Matthews has 3.5 sacks this season and has long been Green Bay’s premier pass-rushing presence. He is an important cog on the defense, so keep an eye on his status.
Ty Montgomery - The Green Bay running back is dealing with a rib injury, which is a tough ailment to have as a ball-carrier that is hit a lot. The Packers are not expected to have Aaron Jones in this game, so Montgomery could have a sizable role if he plays. It is a favorable matchup against Tampa Bay’s porous defense.
Player To Watch
Brett Hundley -- The Packers have struggled without Rodgers, but their backup quarterback does seem to be getting more comfortable under center. Hundley had his best game of the season last time out, completing 17-of-26 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns, although his team still lost, 31-28, to the Steelers.
Hundley also played well two games prior against the Bears, but has also had his struggles. For the season, Hundley has thrown for 1,185 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has a completion rate of 61 percent but needs to take better care of the football.
Hundley is inexperienced so the growing pains aren’t a surprise. It’s critical he leads the Packers to a win this game if Green Bay has any chance to remain in the NFC wild card race.
Free ATS Pick
The Bucs have the more explosive offense if Winston plays, but it’s tough heading to Green Bay in December. The Packers are more used to playing in this type of weather, and Hundley is showing enough progress to believe in his ability to move the offense down the field.
The Packers are the pick to win this game, but it should be a close one.
NFL Odds: Packers 23, Buccaneers 21
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