Week four of the NFL schedule kicks off with the Green Bay Packers taking on the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. The home side hold a 2-0 record in Wisconsin and have won four of the last five meetings between both sides.
Yet, this will be far from plain-sailing for the cheeseheads. New head coach Matt LaFleur wants to run the ball more, and with 174 yards and three touchdowns, Aaron Jones has been a huge part of the offence.
However, coming up against some strong defences, his 3.78 yards per carry is lower than that of Jordan Howard, who is just part of the backfield timeshare in Philadelphia.
In week one, the Chicago Bears D stopped Jones in his tracks, allowing just 39 yards from 13 attempts.
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 23: The Chicago Bears defense celebrates after an interception by Danny Trevathan #59 of Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Against the run, Philly have impressed, ranking second in rushing yards conceded. This is going to be a game for Aaron Rodgers to show how this offence, and his game, has evolved, even if he won’t be able to count on play-action.
However, the Eagles defence is not the Bears’, managing just two sacks and two interceptions this season. They may be able to stop the rush, but they are vulnerable through the air.
There will be points on the board.
Both offences are now rolling and, despite injuries to DeSean Jackson for Philly and Jimmy Graham for the home team, they both have enough weapons to score big in this one.
Aaron Rodgers will not be happy to only average 197.3 passing yards, but will take solace in the fact the Eagles have the third-worst passing defence.
This is going to be a close game, so I’d advise you ignore the spread at 3.5. Instead, with Rodgers and Carson Wentz lining up, I’d look at this meeting as two trigger-happy and dangerous QBs going into battle. Expect the ball to be in the air a lot and for them both to put points on the board.
Total match points: Over 46 – 10/11
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 22: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lincoln Financial Field on August 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Eagles are a team some think can go all the way to the Super Bowl, and offensively, you can see why. In three games they’ve put up 32, 20, and 24 points, but this is by far the best D they have faced.
Wentz will know this and if Nelson Agholor can get manage his slippery hands, he should add to the 803 yards and six touchdowns against the Pack.
After a gruelling 10-3 win over the Bears on opening night, Green Bay have improved game after game, scoring three touchdowns against Von Miller and Bradley Chubb last week.
Only against the crushing Bears D did they fail to top 20 points. Philadelphia’s defensive unit is not on that level.
Back both teams to score 20 points – 5/4
Lambeau Field is one stadium where home advantage really counts. The crowd are ferocious. You would be too if you had to join the ticket waiting list on the day of your birth to have a chance of ever grabbing a season ticket.
As close as this game will be, you have to give Green Bay the edge. They are second in the NFL in points allowed and come off the back of two huge wins. They have established Aaron Jones as a run threat and have one of the best signal-callers in the league.
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is enjoying an impressive start to his sophomore campaign and with 170 yards, is only 18 behind Davante Adams, Rodgers’ go-to man. In 21 targets he has yet to drop the ball and has one touchdown.
If Green Bay come out on top, you know MVS is going to be involved in the red zone, especially if Rodgers is without Graham too.
Green Bay to win and Valdes-Scantling to score anytime 11/5
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