The Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals are matching up for a second week in a row but the NFL lines for this contest are a little different. Last week, the Packers were a three-point favorite as the Cardinals rested – or tried to rest – their starters. This week, the Cardinals opened as a three-point favorite but the line has shifted into the Packers favor as several Cardinals injuries have surfaced. Don’t expect to see a blowout once again but you can still expect a Packers win.
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Gambling Advisor blog Pick : Packers -1
Last Week
Sports handicapping experts saw the Packers roll up the Cardinals 33-7 last week but the bigger loss for the Cardinals was not the game. Rather, it was the loss of a few key players who shouldn’t have been playing in the first case.
Receiver Anquan Boldin sprained his ankle and knee in Week 17 and is highly questionable for this week’s contest. While the Cardinals are 5-1 without Boldin in the last two years, they are still a much more lethal team with him in the lineup.
The Cardinals also lost cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to a knee bruise in Week 17 and while he’s more likely to play, he will still be limited by the injury. That’s on top of Antrel Rolle, who is dealing with a thigh injury, being questionable and left tackle Mike Gandy being out.
This is a lot for any team to deal with and the real question that needs to be answered is why were key players in the game if the game plan was to rest the starters.
This Week
The Cardinals are in a tight spot but they are at home and they have the experience. Unfortunately, the Packers are playing lights out football right now and are healthier.
Beyond that, they also have the better defense as their third-ranked unit led the league in rush defense, interceptions and turnover margin. The Cardinals unit simply can’t compare in those aspects.
The Packers offense is going to be tough to contain for the Cardinals and while this won’t be a blowout again, it’s likely to produce the same result as the Packers have too many edges. Look for a close Packers win on the road.
NFL Picks: Packers -1
