NFL Week 16 Packers vs. Cardinals Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
With both teams fighting for playoff positioning in the NFC, today's Packers-Cardinals game at 4:25PM ET is one of Week 16's marquee matchups in the NFL.
Arizona opened as a 4.5-point favorite over Green Bay but the number jumped to 6 according to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI. The total has seen some movement, however, going from 49.5 to 50 points.
Even though the Packers have scored at least 27 points in three consecutive games, all is not right with their offense. In fact, quarterback Aaron Rodgers said following last Sunday's win over Oakland that Green Bay's offense lacks "clear-cut direction." The veteran QB also mentioned that the offense was too inconsistent versus the Raiders.
Part of that inconsistency has to do with the team's running game, which was excellent versus the Cowboys two weeks ago but lagged against the Raiders. Without Jordy Nelson, Rodgers hasn't had the same command of the passing game this season that we've grown accustomed to.
The Cardinals defense will play without safety Tyrann Mathieu, who tore his ACL last week in a win at Philadelphia and is out for the season. But given the underlying issues that have mounted for Green Bay offensively, Arizona should be competitive defensively today. Plus, the Cardinals' offense remains potent as ever under Bruce Arians, so they should cover this evening.
NFL WEEK 16 FREE PICK: ARIZONA CARDINALS -6