NFL Wild Card Packers vs. Redskins Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
The Packers have been in a funk but can they shake out of it today to pull off a small upset versus the Redskins at 4:40PM ET?
In the final matchup of Wild Card Weekend, the Redskins are a 1-point home favorite versus the Packers according to oddsmakers from online sports book RealBet.eu. After the line opened as a pick'em, the number jumped back and forth all week between Green Bay being a 1-point favorite, and Washington being -1. As for the total, the number opened at 46.5 and that's where it currently sits.
The public has also been torn about this matchup. Earlier in the week the Redskins were receiving roughly 53% of the wagers, but our NFL public betting page indicates that 52% of the wagers are now on Green Bay. The Packers are a favorite among public bettors but given their struggles the past two weeks, clearly the public views today's game as more of a tossup.
The Pick...
The Packers have struggled badly offensively the past two weeks, mainly due to injuries along the offensive line but also because their receivers are struggling to create separation. This has led to Aaron Rodgers not only having to deal with constant pressure inside the pocket, but even when he does buy himself time there's nobody open. Green Bay's offense is completely out-of-sync heading into today's game.
That said, Rodgers is an experienced quarterback that is working with an experienced play-caller in Mike McCarthy. Even though Washington is the hotter team, McCarthy should put together a game plan that revolves around Rodgers getting the ball out of his hands quickly. While the Pack may have to be methodical on offense, if Eddie Lacy and/or James Starks can get the running game revved up then it would go a long way to Rodgers having a good day. The Redskins have played well defensively at times, but still rank 28th in total yards allowed, 26th in rushing yards allowed, and 25th in passing yards allowed per game. Green Bay should be able to get going today.
NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND FREE PICK: GREEN BAY PACKERS +1