This could be the fastest moving game of the wild card weekend as both teams are near the top of the league at rushing. Green Bay, No. 5 (146.87 YPG) while Philadelphia is No. 2 (179.3 YPG). These teams met in Week 1 in Brazil with the Eagles coming away with a 34-29 victory. But can they do that again?
Green Bay Packers
The Packers biggest strength has been the run game with Josh Jacobs, who had a fabulous season with 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns as Green Bay went from 15th to fifth in rushing his season. That improvement speaks volumes of how well the offensive line has played allowing the league’s third-lowest sack rate at 4.3%. The run defense has been stout, seventh best in the NFL but has its hands full with Saquon Barkley who ran for 109 yards and two TDs vs the Packers in the season opener. Injuries are the biggest concern for this team as CB Jaire Alexander is out with a knee injury, WR Christian Watson tore his ACL last week, and Jordan Love suffered an elbow injury vs the Bears, but should be good to go. With issues in the secondary, we could see the Eagles try to take advantage as Green Bay gave up 10 touchdown passes to the Lions and Vikings, so it could be an area Philly will try to exploit. Defensively, The Packers forced 29 turnovers, third most while Xavier McKinney had 8 interceptions, 2nd most overall.
Philadelphia Eagles
The NFL’s No. 2 running team was led by Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley who ran for more than 2,000 yards in 16 games and helped Philly average 179 rush YPG. The Eagles 4.91 YPC was fifth best overall and that helped them lead the NFL in time of possession at 32 minutes, 23 seconds per game. While the run game has been successful the passing game was 29th in yards, just 187.9 YPG and the second-highest sack rate in the league. Top receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith missed three games each with injuries. The big question for the Eagles will be can they have success in the passing game if the Packers, who had the 7th best run stop defense, if the ground attack is contained. Jalen Hurts, still dealing with concussion protocol, and we should know by week’s end his status. Additionally, the defense has been much improved, No. 1 in total yards, No. 1 in passing yards and No. 2 in scoring defense. Last season the Eagles were 31st against the pass. Overall, when healthy, the Eagles are the most complete team in the NFC.
Prediction: OVER 45.5
While the run game for both teams could mean long clock eating drives, both teams have the players to score points and they rank 7th and 8th overall for points scored (Eagles 27.2 PPG, Packers 27.1 PPG). This feels like a game that could start slow but we should see points in the second half as teams make adjustments.
Game Betting Odds
Packers +4.5 (-110)
Eagles -9.5 (-110)
Total: 45.5
Moneyline: Green Bay +195, Philadelphia -225
Recent Betting Trends
Green Bay is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games
The Packers 3-11 SU in their last 14 games in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games
The Eagles are 12-1 SU in their last 13 games
Philadelphia is 7-0 SU in their last 7 home games.
