Total in Eagles-Packers Game Has Dropped from 48 to 45 in Just Over a Day
- With the Eagles still battling injuries and the Packers offense struggling, the over/under has dropped from 48 to 45. Should you jump on the over or play it safe for TNF?
- Will the Packers new found defense be able to contain star quarterback Carson Wentz and the Eagles as they look to stop a two-game skid?
- See the full odds for the Eagles and Packers Thursday Night Football game below
We’ve got Aaron Rodgers and Carson Wentz on tap this upcoming Thursday night. The names on the back of the jerseys would lead you to believe that this will be a high-scoring affair but both of these star quarterbacks have looked incredibly pedestrian during the early part of the year and the bookies have taken notice.
Packers vs Eagles Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Eagles | +4.5 (-105) | O 45 (-110) | +184 |
| Green Bay Packers | -4.5 (-115) | U 45 (-110) | -220 |
*Odds taken 9/24/19
Rodgers Struggling to Adjust to New Offense
Remember when everyone was saying that Rodgers needed a new playcaller? His former coach Mike McCarthy was outdated and to conservative? Where are those critics now?
Under new head coach Matt LaFleur, Rodgers and the entire Green Bay offense haven’t been as good as advertised. The newly revamped defense has been carrying this Packers team. Something seldom ever said about any team Rodgers has ever been on, but it’s the truth. Rodgers and his new coach just haven’t been on the same page as of yet.
#Packers’ Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur. Presented without comment. Discuss. pic.twitter.com/PQW0nepN8V
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 15, 2019
The Packers are rank near the bottom of the league in nearly every statistical category including passing yards where they rank 27th with just 199.3 yards per game. Their new philosophy to establish the run in order to take some of the pressure off of Rodgers isn’t exactly working either. They check in at number 24 with only 89.3 yards per game in that department. There is a reason why it took merely one day for the over/under to drop from 48 to 45, but this could be a great opportunity.
To be fair to Rodgers he has faced three of the best defensive units in the entire league in the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. Still, much more was expected to start the season. Yet, even with the Packers not clicking on the offensive end, the Eagles vs Packers odds & stats are close.
Eagles Just as Bad
The offensive side of the ball has been bad for the Packers but things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing for Carson Wentz and his Eagles. They also rank towards the bottom of the league in just about every category on the offensive side of the ball as well. Passing the ball hasn’t been too bad as they have found a way to put up 265.3 yards per game and their rushing has been in the middle of the pack as they gain 99.7 on the ground, but there are some red flags.
According to Pro Football Focus, 3 of Carson Wentz’ deep balls were dropped today, including this one at the end of the game.
The rest of the entire NFL had a combined 3 drops on deep balls today. #Eagles
— Zac (@zacvoynow) September 23, 2019
Unlike the Packers, the Eagles haven’t exactly had to worry about facing stout defensive opposition so far this season. The Redskins, Falcons and Lions are good on defense, but they aren’t great.
How Do They Matchup Defensively?
Remember the days of the Green Packers having a great defense?
No? I don’t either, but this year they have turned things around. The rankings may tell you that the New England Patriots are the best ranked defense in the league but they have played two of the worst teams in the league in the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, without their quarterback Sam Darnold.
#Packers LB Rashan Gary bullies his way to his 1st career sack. pic.twitter.com/I0BGiaMlSA
— Steve Frederick (@_SteveFrederick) September 22, 2019
With the Packers taking on much better competition, it really is jaw dropping to see that they have only allowed 11.7 points per game. Good for second in the league so far.
The Eagles definitely have some work to do on that side of the ball. While giving up 26 points per game is pretty bad, let’s not forget that the rules of the NFL helps offenses a lot more than they do defenses but with that being said, it makes what the Packers are doing that more impressive.
Injury Factor
To say that the Eagles have been a bit banged up would be an understatement at this point. Just last week they were forced to cancel a team practice due to the number of players who were hurt. Amongst those on the sidelines were Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson. Both players were unable to go for Week 3 and the status for this game against the Packers is still up in the air.
Having two of your best wide receivers out is never a good thing but the Eagles can take solace in putting up 24 points in their Week 3 loss to the Lions. If at least one of those guys can go this coming Thursday, it can change the dynamic of the ball game.
What Should You Do?
It hasn’t been the start that either team has wanted offensively but let’s not kid ourselves here. This is still Aaron Rodgers and Carson Wentz that we are talking about here. The case can easily be made that they are both top-five quarterbacks, although they haven’t quite played like it yet.
The line has gone from 48 to 45 in roughly 24 hours. Jump all over it. Remember, the over/under for the Titans vs Jaguars was 38 points. You mean to tell me that the Eagles and Packers can’t exceed 45? Do yourself a favor and take the over in this one.
Hans Themistode has worked in sports journalism since attending Queens College, and has worked for several newspapers including the BX Times and Canarsie Courier, as well as writing for publications such as Fansided and The Clever. His work has also been featured on Bleacher Report.
