Two NFL blue bloods face off in primetime Sunday night as we get to see debatably the 2 greatest quarterbacks of all time go head to head. The all time series is tied 5-5, while the teams have split their matchups 1-1 with Brady/Rodgers at the helm.
Green Bay is coming off a heartbreaking 29-27 loss to the Rams last week. In week 5, the Packers lost 31- 23 to the Lions, beat the 49ers 33-30 in week 6, and had a bye in week 7.
The Patriots have won 5 straight, most recently a 25-6 win over Buffalo on Monday night. In week 6, the Patriots beat the Chiefs 43-40, and beat the Bears 38-31 in week 7.
The Patriots are 6 point favourites in BetOnline, with an O/U of 56.5.
When the Rams kicked a field goal to go up 2 and you knew Aaron Rodgers were getting the ball back with over 2 minutes left, it almost felt like a guarantee he would get them into field goal position…at least until Ty Montgomery fumbled the ensuing kickoff return. Rodgers was spectacular as per usual, making big throws down the field and setting his receivers up for success. He finished with just 1 TD, but completed 18/30 passes for 286 yards, averaging 9.5 yards per attempt. Davante Adams continues to be Rodgers go to guy, catching 5 balls for 133 yards.
The rookies Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown (NFL All Name Team selections) each caught 2 balls for 45 yards and 31 yards respectively, and Valdes-Scantling had a TD. Many had clamored for Aaron Jones to be given the #1 role of the 3 running backs, and he may have secured that with his performance Sunday. He outsnapped Jamaal Williams by over double, and TyMont was shipped to Baltimore on Tuesday. Jones finished with 12 carries for 86 yards, including a 33 yard TD scamper on a draw up the middle.
Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark make up a formidable interior pass rush, with each totalling over 6 pressures against the Rams, and Clark had 2 sacks, bringing his total to 4 on the season from primarily the nosetackle position. Jaire Alexander was spectacular in the backend, breaking up 5 passes and sticking with Brandin Cooks the whole game.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
WR Geronimo Allison (hamstring) – questionable
WR Randall Cobb (hamstring) – questionable
C Corey Linsley (knee) – questionable
T Bryan Bulaga (knee) – questionable
While the scoreboard may indicate differently, the Patriots had to grind out a win against Buffalo Monday. This game was 12-6 going into the 4th quarter, and a long Patriots drive and subsequent pick 6 sealed the game. Tom Brady threw 45 times, completing 29 for 324 yards in the contest. Julian Edelman and James White were the main beneficiaries, catching 9 balls for 104 yards and 10 for 79 respectively. Rob Gronkowski was targeted 8 times, but caught just 3 balls for 43 yards as he was shut down for the most part. The run game was a nonfactor for the most part, as James White rushed 8 times for 15 yards, and Cordarelle Patterson was utilized in the backfield for 10 carries for 38 yards.
Pass rush is a bit of an issue for the Patriots, as they have no consistent pass rushing threat, but rely on manufactured blitzes for their sacks. They are sound in the backend however, and Bill Belichick does an excellent job scheming up coverages to fool opposing quarterbacks
Injuries and Inactive Watch
CB Eric Rowe (groin) – placed on IR
WR Julian Edelman (ankle) – questionable
WR Josh Gordon (hamstring) – questionable
RB Sony Michel (knee) – questionable
This is gonna be a fun game to watch regardless, as the class of the quarterback position will be on full display. Rodgers will have to do a bit more on his own, as he does not have the friendly scheme to give him easy throws, and the Patriots are going to throw the kitchen sink at him, fully aware of his talent.
The Packers just don’t have the defensive playmakers to slow down Brady and the Pats offense. If Michel is back this week, it gives the Patriots the ability to be more dynamic in their playcalling, especially if they have a bit of a lead down the stretch. We think Rodgers is a transcendent talent, and does enough to at least give the Packers a chance at a backdoor cover or win.
Final Pick: Packers (+6)
About The Author
