The Green Bay Packers hit the road to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night. The Eagles (9-1) have the best record in the NFL and sit atop the NFC East division, leading the Dallas Cowboys (8-3) and New York Giants (7-4). They are 6.5-point favorite in this one against a 4-7 Packers team that is coming off a loss to Tennessee.
So, what can we expect from a betting standpoint Sunday night?
Sports betting analyst Eric Moody and Football Outsiders' Aaron Schatz provide their top plays for the matchup.
Note: Lines from Caesars Sportsbook unless otherwise indicated.
The Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5, 46.5) are favorites over the Green Bay Packers ahead of their NFC matchup on 'Sunday Night Football.' Both teams need a victory: The Eagles look to maintain their NFC East lead over the Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay hopes to keep its postseason hopes alive. What are your thoughts on this matchup, and do you think this will be a trap game for Philadelphia?
Moody: I recommend betting on the under. It's no secret that the Eagles love to run the football. Only the Bears average more rushing attempts per game than Philadelphia. Aaron Rodgers confirmed last week that he has been playing with a broken thumb. The injury has resulted in a decrease in his statistical production. During the Packers' first five games, Rodgers completed 69.7% of his passes with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He completed only 62% of his passes over the next six, during which he had 11 touchdowns and threw four interceptions. AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones have also played a greater role offensively for Green Bay following the injury. I don't anticipate a high-scoring game, but I think the Eagles will win easily. This Packers team averages only 18.4 points per game. The under is 4-1 in Green Bay's past 5 road games. In addition, the under is 6-2 in Green Bay's last 8 games following a straight-up loss.
Schatz: There is no such thing as a trap game. What exactly are the Eagles supposed to be looking forward to? Next week against Tennessee? Are they already looking forward to the Cowboys? Is the idea that they're going to lose four straight games looking forward to Christmas Eve? That the players will have trouble getting up for a nationally televised game on Sunday night? This game counts, and the Eagles will come to play. So will the Packers, though, and our projected line and total are very close to the Vegas line and total on this game, so I don't recommend playing it.
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Jalen Hurts is third in MVP odds (+650) and has thrown for 2,407 yards, 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions this season. He has also rushed 110 times for 447 yards and eight touchdowns. Hurts' passing yards prop is listed at 226.5 yards with a rushing yards prop of 48.5 yards? Do you think the Eagles' offense will find success against the Packers' defense and like Tennessee did last week, and will you take the over on any of his player props on Sunday night?
Schatz: The Green Bay defense is poor against the run, but ironically that's why I'm going to take the under on Hurts rushing yardage. The Packers have been very strong against quarterback rushing with the exception of a few long Josh Allen scrambles in Week 8. They've been easy for running backs to run on and I think the Eagles will have enough success with their backs that they won't need to have as many Hurts designed runs. And the Packers' pass rush doesn't force many scrambles. There have been only 10 quarterback scrambles against the Packers this year, 31st ahead of only Cleveland.
What is your favorite bet for Sunday night?
Moody: Eagles first half, -3.5. I think the Eagles will want to get off to a fast start after losing to the Commanders a few weeks ago and barely defeating the Colts last week. In the first half, Philadelphia leads the league with nearly 18 points, while the Packers rank near the bottom. It would be wise for the Eagles to impose their offensive will on the Packers' defense in order to force them to rely heavily on the passing game. With 33 sacks this season, Philadelphia's pass rush is imposing. It's the third most in the league. In addition, the Eagles have 13 interceptions, which is tied for the most in the league. Additionally, the Eagles must tighten up their running game. The first half of this game could be dominated by Philadelphia if these areas are tightened up.