Packers Falling Out of Super Bowl 53 Contention After Another Loss
- Week 9 loss to New England dumps Packers to 3-4-1
- Packers must end road slide to return to contention
- Bears, Vikings maintain value on Super Bowl odds
The Green Bay Packers face a tough road to the NFL playoffs after dropping a 31-17 decision to the New England Patriots as 5-point road underdogs last weekend.
With the defeat, the Packers now sit third in the NFC North standings with a 3-4-1, and have seen their Super Bowl odds plummet to a distant +4900 average.
Average Odds to Win Super Bowl 53
The Packers are now not only a little behind the Vikings and Bears in average Super Bowl odds, but entering desperation mode heading into Week 10.
Super Bowl 53 Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | +350 |
| New England Patriots | +500 |
| New Orleans Saints | +500 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | +550 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | +1200 |
| Green Bay Packers | +5000 |
*Follow the link in the table to see all betting options
Packers Plagued by Inconsistency
Consistency has been a massive challenge for the Packers this season.
Green Bay has failed to win straight up or cover in consecutive outings this season.
The Packers have also carried over their road woes from last season, going winless SU in four dates away from Lambeau Field, and now own a dismal 2-8 SU record in their past 10 road contests.
Despite the squad’s shaky first half to the current campaign, hope remains that the Packers can return to the playoff hunt during their stretch run.
Favorable Schedule Could Benefit Packers
Starting with their Week 10 date with the Miami Dolphins as 10-point home chalk, Green Bay will face six opponents in the second half of the season that currently sit outside the playoff picture.
The Dolphins travel to Lambeau Field with a respectable 5-4 record, but have been dismal road performers, picking up just one SU win in their past nine.
Green Bay Packers Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Week 10 – November 11 | vs Miami Dolphins |
| Week 11 – November 15 | @ Seattle Seahawks |
| Week 12 – November 25 | @ Minnesota Vikings |
| Week 13 – December 2 | vs Arizona Cardinals |
| Week 14 – December 9 | vs Atlanta Falcons |
| Week 15 – December 16 | @ Chicago Bears |
| Week 16 – December 23 | @ New York Jets |
| Week 17 – December 30 | vs Detroit Lions |
Road Turnaround Crucial To Green Bay Playoff Hopes
The Packers can also pad their record in upcoming home dates with the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions. However, it will be Green Bay’s performance on the road that will determine whether they return to contention for a playoff spot.
“These last two weeks on the road, we’re not finishing games.”
Coach McCarthy reviews #GBvsNE 📰: https://t.co/GmqsfA2W0a pic.twitter.com/as8IsuFTdZ
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) November 5, 2018
Green Bay has lost six straight on the road, and faces a tough road schedule down the stretch, including critical divisional matchups in Minnesota and Chicago.
Point production has been a massive issue for the Packers, who have averaged fewer than 20 points per game during their road slide.
Stingy Defense, Budding Offense Fueling Bears Resurgence
The Bears have emerged as one of the surprise stories of the 2018 NFL season during their climb to the top of the NFC North with a 5-3 start.
A stout Chicago defense has limited opponents to just 19.1 points per game this season, and has contributed to the Bears’ 3-1 record on home turf.
Tired of the negativity around Mitch Trubisky? Turns out you’re in good company. Tarik Cohen isn’t having it either. My thoughts on some of the ridiculous hot takes lately. #Bears #DaBears. https://t.co/Bsh8TM8hK7
— Patrick Sheldon (@P_Shels) November 6, 2018
Led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky, the Bears have also emerged as a deadly offensive threat, racking up over 29 points per game.
However, with the memory of four straight losing seasons still very fresh, Chicago has yet to breakthrough on the Super Bowl odds, where they continue to provide a lot of value as a +3000 wager.
Vikings Overcoming Shaky Start
The Packers visit Minnesota on Thanksgiving Weekend will likely be a must-win contest.
The Vikings took a step back after racking up a 13-3 record, posting just one win in their first four outings. But with victories in four of their past five, Minnesota currently controls the second NFC wild card, and remains just a half-game back of the Bears in the divisional standings.
The Vikings also maintain attractive +1600 average Super Bowl odds, but it was this past weekend’s clash of titans that featured the best two teams in the NFC this season.
Saints Emerging as Class of NFC
The New Orleans Saints continued their home field dominance over Los Angeles, picking up a decisive 45-35 victory as 2-point underdogs, handing the Rams their first loss of the season.
With quarterback Drew Brees at the helm, the Saints have been dominant at times during a seven-game SU win streak, scoring over 40 points on three occasions, while covering in their past six, and sport attractive +500 odds.
The Rams have also piled up big point totals during an 8-1 start. But the Rams have been a dismal bet, covering just once in their past six outings.
And with a challenging second half that features clashes with the Bears, Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles, they could struggle to maintain their perch as +350 Super Bowl favorites.
Daniel has been writing about sports and sports betting for over 23 years. The seasoned pro has contributed to the likes of Sports Illustrated, Sportsnet, NESN, Bleacher Report, OddsShark, the Globe and Mail, and The Nation magazine.
