The Green Bay Packers are known for their high-flying offense led by star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but it’s their defense which has been getting the job done during the preseason. The team has gone 3-0 thus far in the exhibition schedule and has allowed only an average of 10 points per game.
The Packers won’t be playing their starters in Week 4 of the preseason but will nonetheless aim to remain stingy when they travel to play the Kansas City Chiefs.
This Week 4 preseason matchup will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Packers +3.5
Chiefs -3.5
Over/Under 38
Odds Analysis
The Packers’ strong preseason may have resulted in some backers, as they have gotten plenty of action on their side as slightly more than field goal underdogs.
That half-point can be extremely important as it would help Green Bay cover in the event of a loss by three points. The over-under could be a high total if Green Bay is able to build upon the other three defensive outings in the preseason.
Quarterback Rotation
The Packers won’t play Rodgers in the preseason finale as it is an unneeded risk. They want him to be healthy for the regular season and Rodgers doesn’t need the experience.
Green Bay could look to get backup Brett Hundley some time. He is 5-of-7 passing for 67 yards in limited work after dealing with an ankle injury for much of the preseason. If Hundley is able to go, the Packers may want to give him significant playing time in this one.
There are two rookies in the rotation as well. Joe Callahan has gotten the most work, completing 41-of-64 passes for 356 yards and two touchdowns against zero interceptions.
Marquis Williams is just 6-of-15 for 55 yards with a pick. If WIlliams isn’t cut before the game, he hopes to play in order to make one final better impression.
The Chiefs are expected to likewise sit their starter, Alex Smith. He is 32-of-46 for 354 yards and a touchdown this preseason and also doesn’t need any more work.
Backup Nick Foles was signed late but has done well, completing 24-of-35 passes for 235 yards. Aaron Murray is 15-of-23 for 165 yards and an interception.
Kevin Hogan and Tyler Bray have gotten limited work as it is tough for Kansas City to rotate in five quarterbacks. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs divvy up the playing time in the final game.
Coaching History
Packers coach Mike McCarthy has a career preseason record of 23-19. He has gone 8-3 over the past three seasons, including the undefeated mark this year with one game remaining.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid is 33-38 in his career during the preseason. He went 4-0 a year ago but the team hasn’t been as good in 2016 with a 1-2 record.
Free ATS Pick
It’s crucial to figure out the playing time expected for the backup quarterbacks in this matchup. Chances are the Packers will want to get Hundley some work since he hasn’t gotten a lot of reps because of the injury.
Hundley has shown promise in the past and could be a key cog. On the flip-side, any playing time for Foles would be a plus for the Chiefs.
Foles is still learning the offense, so maybe Kansas City will want to give him work, although it also wouldn’t be a surprise if he sat.
This game seems like a toss-up, and since the Packers are the underdogs, they are the value play. Picking them against the spread or on the moneyline could pay off nicely to add to the bankroll before the regular season.
NFL Odds: Packers 17, Chiefs 16
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