Week 8 in the NFL kicks off with an intriguing battle between two NFC powerhouses. The Green Bay Packers travel out West to face the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams have a combined record of 13-1 and are coming off rather easy Week 7 wins. Both teams are battling the injury/COVID-19 bug heading into this matchup, but we could be looking at an early NFC championship preview. So grab a beverage, take a seat and let’s review all the keys to making money with our Thursday Night Football betting information! As always, our gambling information is provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Week 8 TNF Betting Guide: Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals
Arizona is currently a -6 point (-110) favorite and the over/under is set at 50 (-110). If you’re a gambler that doesn’t like laying the points, Arizona is currently -275 on the money line, while the Packers are +220.
Both teams have key players out. It was announced on Wednesday that J.J. Watt (shoulder) is out for the Cardinals. DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) is questionable, but he should play. The Packers will be without exceptional wide receiver Davante Adams, he is in the leagues’ COVID-19 protocol.
Key Metrics
The Cardinals are the only undefeated team remaining in the league
The Packers have covered the spread in each of their last six games
Arizona has won the last three head to head matchups, including the playoffs
Both teams are 6-1 ATS (against the spread) in 2021
Five of Green Bay’s seven games have gone under the points total
How the Green Bay Packers Cover
Green Bay is going to need to use Aaron Jones often in this game. Jones is the clear-cut number one back for the Packers, and he has big-play ability all over his game. With the aforementioned Adams out, Jones will need to be the focal point of the offense for the Packers. While Aaron Rodgers is capable of making plays with any receiver, losing Adams is a big blow. Tight end Robert Tonyan will need to step up and don’t be surprised if Randall Cobb catches his fair share of passes. The Defense will need to keep Kyler Murray in check. The Cardinals signal-caller is wonderful at extending the play and buying time for his receivers to get open. The Packers front must bring the pressure.
How the Arizona Cardinals Cover
Arizona needs to continue to execute its game. Murray is averaging over 286 yards per game passing. He has 17 touchdown passes compared to only five interceptions. The two-headed monster of James Conner and Chase Edmonds, collectively average over 100 yards per game on the ground. Edmonds has yet to score a touchdown this season, but he has 95 touches already through seven games, so beware, the scores are coming. Even though Watt is out, Chandler Jones returns. Jones had five sacks in the opener against the Tennessee Titans. His presence needs to be felt for the Cardinals on Thursday Night.
The Pick
This is a tricky game. No pun intended as we enter Halloween weekend. Some key parts are missing for both teams, but both have been red hot. The Cardinals are out to prove they are no fluke. The Packers want to keep making that week one loss to the New Orleans Saints a distant memory. This game should feature some scoring and big plays. Even with the loss of Adams, the Packers have enough on the offensive side of the ball to keep this close.
Packers +6 and Over 50
Bonus Prop Play
Aaron Jones – Anytime touchdown scorer -121
(Jones has scored in six straight games where GB was an underdog)
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