A key contest in the NFC is on tap to cap off Sunday’s NFL action when the Philadelphia Eagles (9-1, 4-1 home) host the Green Bay Packers (4-7, 1-4 away). The Packers own the all-time series, holding a 28-17 advantage. The Packers knocked off the Eagles, 30-16, the last time these two teams tangled in 2020.
Sunday’s kick-off is at 8:20 p.m. EST inside Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles are a 6.5-point favorite, and the over/under total is 46.0 points.
What to Know – Green Bay Packers
A promising start to the season has turned ugly for Green Bay, losers of six of its last seven contests. The Packers are on the verge of knocking themselves out of the playoffs, sitting five games behind the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.
The season hasn’t gone as planned for veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers hasn’t been able to build the chemistry with any of the wide receivers like he had with Davante Adams, and his passing numbers have shown it. The 18-year pro has thrown for 2,542 yards and 19 touchdowns while tossing seven interceptions.
Starting running Aaron Jones is having another successful season out of the backfield for the Packers. The star running back has averaged 5.4 per touch this year, tallying 778 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Jones is also used in the passing game, adding 248 yards and three touchdowns receiving.
Allen Lazard paces the Packers receiving core even after missing two contests this year. Lazard has caught 38 of 66 targets for 529 yards and five touchdowns. Rookie wideout Christian Watson has burst onto the scene in the last two games, tallying five touchdowns and 155 yards.
What to Know – Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia has the best record in the NFL, but the Eagles have looked shaky over the last two weeks. The Eagles dropped their first contest of the year in Week 10 against the Commanders and came from behind to beat the Indianapolis Colts last week by one.
Jalen Hurts has attacked opposing defenses all year with his arm and his legs. The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,407 yards and ran for another 440 yards. Hurts has 15 touchdown passes and eight TDs rushing in 2022.
If the ball isn’t in Hurts’ hand, running back Miles Sanders is getting the rock. Sanders leads the Eagles with 757 yards rushing and has found the endzone six times. Backup rusher Kenneth Gainwell will get touches near the endzone, adding three touchdowns this season.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have benefited from Hurts taking a step forward as a passer in the NFL. Brown, who signed with the Eagles in the offseason, leads the team in targets (80), receptions (49), yards (785), and touchdowns (6). Smith adds 559 yards and three TDs in his second season in the NFL.
The Pick is In
The Packers are nearing must-win territory if they want to keep their postseason hopes alive. Philadelphia hasn’t looked the same over the last few weeks as they did to start the season, but the home-field advantage will be a big boost tonight. Green Bay battles and keeps this one close, but the Eagles notch their tenth victory.
The Pick: Green Bay Packers +6.5
