Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints Betting Preview
The Green Bay Packers begin their quest for a third straight NFC Championship Game when they take on the “host” New Orleans Saints in Jacksonville, Fla., on Sunday. The game is being held in Florida due to the damage from Hurricane Ida in New Orleans.
The Packers have lost the last two NFC Championship Games but are hopeful to reach another one — and win this time — with quarterback Aaron Rodgers at the helm after an uncertain offseason. The 37-year-old Rodgers is entering his 17th season with the Packers but coming off another outstanding campaign. Don’t Packers vs Saints Betting Preview
New Orleans is in a bit of a transition phase after long-time quarterback Drew Brees retired in the offseason. Jameis Winston has taken over the starting job under center, though he has a lot to live up to, following in the footsteps of a future Hall of Famer.
The Packers are favored by four points in this game, with the over/under for the contest set at 49½ points.
Still There
Rodgers gave hints of wanting to be traded in the offseason, but the Packers held firm on keeping him, especially after all he did last season. Rodgers threw for 4,299 yards and 48 touchdowns while tossing just five interceptions, leading the Packers to yet another NFC North division title.
Green Bay has a pair of weapons at wide receiver in Davante Adams (115 catches, 1,374 yards, 18 touchdowns) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (33 catches, 690 yards, 10 scores). The team’s running game was also solid behind the 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns from running back Aaron Jones.
The Packers were the highest-scoring team in football last season with 509 points, but can they continue that this year with everyone a year older, especially their quarterback?
Green Bay’s defense is good but a little farther down in the rankings when it comes to points allowed. The Packers allowed 23.1 points per game a season ago, with linebacker Za’Darius Smith making a big impact with 12.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. He’s dealing with some back issues right now, and his status for Sunday’s game is uncertain.
Big Difference
Brees played 15 seasons for the Saints, leading them to a Super Bowl title and rewriting the record books with his passing. The focus now shifts to Winston, who won the job in the preseason after spending last season as a backup.
The 27-year-old was a starter for the Buccaneers for five seasons but moved on after throwing for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions in 2019. He attempted just 11 passes with the Saints in four games in 2020.
The Saints will be without Pro Bowl wideout Michael Thomas, who is out after ankle surgery, but there is running back Alvin Kamara, who is a threat both running and catching the ball. Kamara had 932 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground in 2020 while also leading the team with 83 catches for 756 yards and five scores as a receiver.
New Orleans ranked fifth in pass defense a season ago, allowing just 217 yards per game, but it will be hard-pressed to keep the Packers to that number in this one. The team’s sack leader from a season ago, Trey Hendrickson, is now with Cincinnati, though Cameron Jordan (7.5 sacks, 51 tackles) can be a force up front.
Packers Earn Win
The Saints have played inspired ball when New Orleans has dealt with natural disasters in the past, and they will have the people of the city in their hearts in this one. But Rodgers and the Packers are too good offensively and should be able to pull away in this one for the easy victory, covering the spread.