Nover
| STEPHEN NOVER | NFL PROP | SUN, 09/10/23 - 4:25 PM |
|---|
| 469 GBP / 470 CHI Packers Wins (-110) | double-dime bet |
Analysis:
Packers OVER 7 1/2 Wins
The quarterback change from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love gets all the attention. Considering how poorly Rodgers played last season, though, the bar isn't that high for Love to match - if not exceed - Rodgers' 2022 production. Rodgers ranked 17th in passer rating. He had a mediocre 26-to-12 touchdown-to-interception raƒtio. His 219 passing yards per game ranked 19th.
Aside from that position, the Packers are amazingly stable. They are solid everywhere except at center and strong safety. Green Bay has excellent depth at running back, offensive line, receiver, defensive line and secondary. Their pass rush should be good with the injury return of blossoming star Rauhan Gary and drafting of No. 1 pick Lucas Van Ness. The run defense should be improved with Devonte Wyatt, a first round pick two seasons ago, projected to step up to give support to star run-stuffer Kenny Clark.
Love isn't going to be asked to carry the offense. He has a pair of stud running backs - Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon - to go with a number of youthful speedy wide receivers and tight ends. Love also has an above average offensive line headed by one of the best left tackles in the NFL, David Bakhitari.
The big intangible here is morale. It should be better without Rodgers and the high expectations that came with him and his haughty attitude.
The division isn't strong either. The Bears aren't contenders yet. The Vikings aren't going 11-0 again in one-score games and the Lions can never be counted on. The Lions' history is littered with disappointment.
Green Bay's schedule is far from taxing. The Packers draw the NFC South Division along with the Raiders and Giants. If the Packers go 3-3 in their mediocre division, 3-1 against NFC South teams and beat the Raiders and Giants, they have their eight wins with five games to spare.
