It would be easy for the Green Bay Packers to let out a collective sigh after their improbable run to the NFC North title. Following a loss to the Redskins in Week 11, Aaron Rodgers said the Packers could “run the table” and win the division. It was a laughable suggestion at the time. After all, the Packers had lost four straight and were 4-6. Rodgers’ prophetic statement rang true after the Pack knocked off Detroit on Sunday for their sixth straight win and fifth division title in six seasons. They’ll host the New York Giants in a Wild Card game on Sunday.
Kickoff for this Wild Card round playoff game is set for Sunday, January 8, 2017, at 4:40 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York Giants +3.5
Green Bay Packers -3.5
Over/Under 44.5
Odds Analysis
The Packers opened as a 3.5-point favorite and the betting public has backed the Pack with 59 percent of the early spread wagers. Green Bay was 7-point chalk when the clubs met at Lambeau in Week 5. A late New York touchdown allowed the Giants to get the push and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the line climb a bit more in this one. The Packers are 5-1 ATS during their six-game winning streak, and as usual, have been good at home with a 6-2 SU and 5-2-1 ATS record this season.
Injury Report
Jason Pierre-Paul – For the Giants to have success slowing down Rodgers and the Packers passing game, they’ll need to get pressure. That could be difficult with JPP still on the mend from his sports hernia surgery. Romeo Okwara has played well in JPP’s absence, but he has just one sack in the past four games.
Quentin Rollins – The Packers have had issues in the secondary all season long and Rollins likely won’t play against the Giants after sustaining a neck injury. Damarious Randall also left the Lions game with a knee injury and his status is up in the air. The group could struggle covering Odell Beckham Jr. and Co. on Sunday night.
Matchup to Watch
Rodgers and the Packers offense have been absolutely on fire during the six-game winning streak and it will be strength against strength in this one. Because of their MVP quarterback, the Packers are a very dangerous team entering the postseason. Rodgers stated a few weeks back that his team could run the table and he’s been the one to deliver on his promise. Rodgers has thrown 18 touchdown passes without a pick over his last seven games and over the team’s win streak, Rodgers has completed 71 percent of his passes for 1,667 yards and 15 scores.
Green Bay beat New York 23-16 when the clubs met in Week 5 in Wisconsin, and the game wasn’t as close as the score. A late Giants’ touchdown closed the gap and got Big Blue backers a push on the spread. That was one of the highest point totals against the Giants this season and the defense has been solid all year. The Giants are tops in red zone defense and have allowed 10 or fewer points in three of their last four games. The G-Men will have to slow Rodgers down and get one of its play makers to come up with a big game. That role will likely fall to Beckham Jr. and Eli Manning will have to keep from turning the ball over.
Free ATS Pick
The Packers are the hottest team entering the playoffs and look like a good pick to move on. But don’t count the Giants out. They haven’t been pretty and the offense has struggled despite having several weapons, but the Giants have won on the strength of a stellar defense. The club spent millions during the offseason to upgrade that side of the ball and the investment has paid off.
The Giants need Manning to be good against a Packers secondary that has some players down. If he connects with OBJ, Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard, the Giants can put the pressure on and that will play into the hands of the defense. But Manning has struggled for most of the season, the run game has been non-existent and the line has allowed too much pressure. Rodgers is on an epic run and that continues against the Giants in what turns into s shootout.
NFL Odds: Packers 26, Giants 22
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