The Divisional Games are where we get to see the favorites come into the playoff mix after they all took the Wild Card Weekend off. There is some debate as to whether that free week helps or hinders a team, and will get some idea of an answer when the Green Bay Packers head into University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ to face the Cardinals. Kick-off for this one is set for 8:15 PM EST on Saturday, January 16 on NBC. Click here for our NFL betting lines.
McCarthy: We’re not going to be an underdog. That’s not us. We’re going out to Arizona to win. We expect to win. #GBvsAZ
The Cardinals have been installed as a home favorite for the Divisional Game versus the Packers on Saturday night. They are likely to stay that way, but there is always the possibility that the odds could shift a little over the next couple of days. Keep checking back in with MyBookie for odds updates and all the big game previews.
Why Bet on the Cardinals to Win Straight Up
The Cardinals ended the season with a very impressive 13-3 record, which included a 6-2 record on home field. They did lose their last home game of the season to the Seahawks in rather humbling fashion, but since they really had nothing to play for in that one, it can be somewhat excused. While the Cardinals are a team built on offense this season, they are still a very good defensive unit. They had a pair of home games this season where they held the opposition under 10 points, and that included a 38-8 win over the Packers on week 16. Arizona has excelled in night games this season, and are a perfect 5-0 heading into this one. They were also a very impressive 10-2 against conference opponents this season, which is why they are one of the favorites to go all the way to Super Bowl 50 this year.
Arizona ended the season with an impressive 13-3 record.
Why Bet on the Packers to Win Straight Up
While teams play the regular season looking to make the playoffs and avoid the Wild Card, there are some who actually benefit from the extra postseason game. The Packers are one of those teams, as they entered the playoffs needing a confidence boosting win. That is exactly what they got when they spanked the Washington Redskins 35-18. It took them a moment to get rolling, but once they did, Rodgers and company proved that they deserve to still be playing in January. The Packers were a respectable 5-3 on the road this regular season, and they also put together a winning record in conference play. Yes, they already lost to the Cardinals in Arizona, but we all know how hard it is to beat the same team in back to back games. If the Packers can play the way they did in Washington, this could be a great match-up.
Betting Prediction
There is always the danger that the Cardinals might look at that 38-8 win over the Packers a couple of weeks ago and think they have this one wrapped up, but that end of season loss to the Seahawks should have given them a pretty good scare. I like the Cards to win, but not as comfortably as the last time out.
