Aaron Rodgers is likely going to make his preseason debut in Week 2 of the exhibition slate against the Oakland Raiders. But how much will the Green Bay Packers’ star quarterback see the field? That still remains to be seen. Rodgers can swing a point spread all on his own but he isn’t expected to factor much into the result as coach Mike McCarthy prefers instead to avoid injury. The Packers won their preseason debut against the Browns but if their starters continue to play very little, the Raiders could be the team to beat in this showdown in NFL gambling.
This Week 2 preseason contest will be held on Thursday, August 18th, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Odds Analysis
The Packers could be one of the best teams in the league in 2016, but McCarthy held 17 players out of the opener and he could be cautious in this one as well. Green Bay has a veteran group and little to prove in the preseason. The Raiders, meanwhile, are an up-and-coming team with a young quarterback in Derek Carr who could still benefit from the playing time. That could tip the scales in favor of the Raiders.
Quarterback Rotation
If Rodgers plays, he might not go more than one possession. As much of a superstar that he is, Rodgers may not be able to have a bunch of success with such limited playing time. Backup Brett Hundley was one of the most impressive signal-callers in the preseason a year ago but didn’t play in the opener due to a sprained ankle. He is getting better and could make his debut in this one, which would increase Green Bay’s chances of emerging victorious.
Undrafted rookie free agents Marquise WIlliams and Joe Callahan each played a half of football for the Packers in the opener. Williams was 6-of-14 passing for 55 yards with an interception. Callahan was considerably better, completing 16-of-23 passes for 124 yards and a score.
The Raiders had Derek Carr play two series in a 31-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the first week of the preseason, and he finished 3-of-7 for 44 yards. Matt McGloin was impressive as his backup, completing 5-of-11 passes for 41 yards and two touchdowns. Connor Cook took the reins at the end of the game, finishing 7-of-11 for 71 yards. Carr is a rising quarterback in the NFL and could play a bit more in this one, which would help Oakland’s chances.
Coaching History
Packers coach Mike McCarthy has a career record of 21-19 in the preseason. However, he has made it known in recent years that his main objective is to keep his stars healthy, which could result in a couple preseason losses in 2016.
Raiders coach Jack Del Rio has a career preseason record of 23-18. He found a lot of preseason success early in his career, but only went 1-3 last year with the Raiders throughout the exhibition slate. The Raiders have already matched that preseason win total this year and could very well surpass it against the Packers.
Free ATS Pick
The Raiders’ backups were impressive against the Cardinals as they pulled away for the easy win. Running back George Atkinson III had five carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns, and a repeat of that would give Oakland a big edge. Oakland’s starters could see more time than Green Bay’s, and based on the first game, their backups look solid. The Packers have the home field advantage, but if Rodgers sits for all but one series they may not end up with the win in this one.
NFL Odds: Raiders 24, Packers 11
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