It’s been a roller-coaster season for fans and bettors of the Green Bay Packers, but after an eight-week absence the one and only Aaron Rodgers is set to make his return under center vs the Carolina Panthers in Week 15 with the Packers’ playoff hopes resting on his shoulders.
Sportsbook opened the Pack as 2.5-point road underdogs with a total of 47.
Rodgers, who hasn’t seen the field since breaking his collarbone on October 15 against the Minnesota Vikings, has been medically cleared to play. Brett Hundley did his best to keep the Packers in playoff contention while filling in for the superstar, and at 7-6 SU the playoffs are still a possibility.
Green Bay will have to run the table like it did in 2016, and with Rodgers back at the helm it wouldn’t shock anyone if it happened. The Packers have injury problems all over the place, and the secondary was the latest unit to take a hit when cornerback Davon House left last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns with a back injury. House will join fellow corner Kevin King on the IR.
The Panthers are coming off a massive 31-24 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 and are tied with the New Orleans Saints atop the NFC South division at 9-4 SU. The Panthers defense has been excellent all year long and will need to step up once again vs the Rodgers-led Packers. The unit ranks fifth in total defense (302.1 yards per game), is seventh in stopping the pass (212.6) and tied for third against the run (89.5).
The Packers and Panthers are well known for participating in a lot of high-scoring affairs. In the last six meetings between the clubs, the OVER is a perfect 6-0.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Bettors who were going with the Carolina Panthers in this one found them listed as 2-point favorites on the betting line at Sportsbook. Fans betting on totals have seen that number set earlier in the week at 44.5 for Sunday.
OddsShark NFL prediction models pointed to a 29-13 result in favor of the Panthers on Sunday. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NFL matchups here.
Green Bay Packers vs Carolina Panthers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Supporters of the Green Bay Packers have seen them go 7-6 and 7-6 ATS so far this season, while the Carolina Panthers are at 9-4 and 8-4-1 ATS. In totals betting, the Panthers are 8-5, while the Packers are 9-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Carolina vs Green Bay injuries news.
The OddsShark Power Rankings have the Panthers at No. 13 and the Packers at No. 20 heading into this contest.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Carolina's No. 15-ranked offense, averaging 22.55 PPG, against a Packers defense that ranks No. 18 this week at 23.73 PPG. The Panthers aerial game is averaging 204 yards per game, less than the Packers secondary allows through the air, 244.09 YPG per game.
Defensively, the Packers feature the league's No. 21-rated road run defense, allowing 121.33 yards per game. The Panthers, meanwhile, rank No. 1 in rushing offense at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Green Bay comes off a game where it received a 3-TD performance from Brett Hundley in defeating the Browns 27-21.
Carolina is coming off a 31-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, where Jonathan Stewart scored 3 TDs on Sunday.
Next Betting Matchups
Green Bay home to Minnesota, Saturday, December 23
Carolina home to Tampa Bay, Sunday, December 24