The NFL’s Thursday night matchup will be between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff is set for 8:20 P.M. Eastern on FOX.
The Packers started the season hot. They were undefeated through their first four games, but the Green and Gold have lost two of three since.
On the other side, San Francisco has had a strange season, especially after making it to the Super Bowl last year. Much of that has to do with having Jimmy Garoppolo healthy at quarterback.
Green Bay Missing Another Playmaker
The better that Aaron Rodgers plays, the more questionable the front office’s decision was to draft another quarterback in the first round of the 2020 Draft, which was loaded with talented receivers. Especially after the 4-0 start, this Packers team has proven capable of competing with the best in the league.
However, Green Bay is very dependent upon the play of Aaron Jones. He is questionable for this matchup and plays a pivotal role in their offense. Jones has missed the last two games with an injury and is not expected to play Thursday.
Jones has rushed for 389 yards and five touchdowns, also adding another two receiving touchdowns. Other than him, Rodgers has to rely heavily on Davante Adams, who has over 500 receiving and seven touchdowns.
It looks like the Packers will be in a fight with the Chicago Bears for the NFC North. Green Bay needs to win this game to pick up its sixth win and hopefully create some separation.
San Francisco in Tough NFC West
The 49ers are last in the NFC West at 4-4, which wouldn’t be too bad in many divisions. However, this is probably the best division in all of the NFL.
The Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and Los Angeles Rams all have playoff hopes this season. It is going to take a turn around for the 49ers to keep up.
San Francisco has been depleted by injuries this season, and it doesn’t help that COVID-19 is also preventing several players from dressing for this one.
Garoppolo will be out for this game with an ankle injury. Every time he has been out, it hasn’t been good news for the 49ers offense.
Prediction
This game will be the first meeting between these teams since the NFC Championship game in January of this year. The 49ers got the best of the Packers and went on to the Super Bowl.
However, because of the injuries of the 49ers, it looks like the Packers might get their revenge. The Packers are seven-point favorites in this matchup with an over/under of 48.5.
I have the Packers winning by two touchdowns, so taking them at -7 is a great pick. At full strength, it may be close, but not with everyone that the 49ers have out. It might not matter for Green Bay if Jones plays or not.
With Garoppolo out, I don’t think they score enough to hit the over. I’m also going to take the under for this matchup.
The bet is Packers -7 and under 48.5. Good luck!