The Green Bay Packers are favored in the NFL odds to win the NFC as the favorite pick to take North division. But while that’s great news for all Cheese Heads out there, they should barring major injury in the preseason. Two years ago, the Pack lost top receiver Jordy Nelson to a season-ending injury in a game that didn’t matter. So Coach Mike McCarthy could opt to rest many of his starters Thursday vs. Philadelphia.
Eagles vs Packers NFL Week 1 Preseason Odds & Game Info
When: Thursday, Aug. 10, 8 PM ET Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay TV: Local TV only Radio: http://www.siriusxm.com/nfl Stream Option: NFL Live Opening NFL Lines: Packers -1 (39.5)Eagles Receiver News
Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) has resumed practicing at Eagles camp. The former Bear, who signed as a free agent this offseason, He missed four days with a shoulder strain. Jeffery has battled shoulder problems before in addition to frequent soft-tissue injuries, but he should be considered healthy going forward. There is still no word on whether Jeffery will play in the preseason opener on Thursday.Jay Cutler as Replacement for Miami Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill
Speaking Monday, Eagles OC Frank Reich left the door open for Jordan Matthews to lose snaps to Nelson Agholor. Reich said the team’s plan at slot receiver is “a little bit different than last year.” “Every spot’s up for competition,” Reich said. “… Nelson’s had a real strong spring and camp, so the way we do it is kind of by play. Sometimes we’ll switch guys up.” Reich added that Agholor has “gotten over the hump” and is “making a ton of plays out there.”
Philly Adds To Defense
It’s not often you add a potential starter this late in the summer, but the Eagles might have in Corey Graham, who comes to Philadelphia after having spent his last three seasons in Buffalo. The 11-year veteran wasn’t cagey either about admitting his reason for signing with Eagles. The answer was actually quite simple: defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.NFL Betting Prediction: Teams to Start 0-5 in 2017
Schwartz and Graham reunite after spending a year together in Buffalo back in 2014. While under Schwartz, Graham registered a career-high 15 passes defensed to go along with two interceptions and 84 tackles. “We did very well that year, it was a good year for us in Buffalo. It’s a simple defense. He allows you to play very fast. You don’t have to overthink or anything like that, so he just wants you to get out there and play fast, make plays,” Graham indicated. “I enjoyed playing with him, I’m happy to be back here with him. I’m just glad they’re giving me this opportunity.” Schwartz expanded on the role Graham will have in the Eagles’ defense, and what he does well. “We’re going to start him off at safety,” Schwartz confirmed. “One of the things we like about him is that he’s a multi-dimensional player. He’s even played the nickel in the past. He’s played corner. He has the ability to match up against wide receivers. I think that’s one of his strong points. He made 100 tackles I think a couple years ago, so he’s a reliable player. I think that’s the bottom line. He’s smart, he makes quick adjustments. I was only with him one year, but he played in the division when I was in Detroit, with Chicago. He’s always been a good special teams player.”Rodgers Out?
It’s starting to look like two-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers will sit this game out. Brett Hundley practiced with the starters throughout Monday’s practice, while Rodgers ran the scout team instead. This is a plain sign that the Packers do not plan to have Rodgers on the field at all in Thursday’s preseason opener. On that note, Hundley looked very good, and will have plenty of opportunities to display his development on Thursday. He had a big connection with Randall Cobb on a deep throw at one point while the defense struggled in zone coverage.5 Things Every Bettor Should Watch for This NFL Preseason
In team (11-on-11) and pass-under-pressure (11-on-9) periods, Hundley completed passes to five different receivers and three different tight ends. While some of that is a function of going through reads to find the open man, some of it is intentional on Hundley’s part, too. “Especially now before the game, you want to see who you need to work with, who you’re good with, and develop that relationship with your receivers,” he said. Hundley was limited to one preseason appearances and 9 total passes in last year’s preseason thanks to untimely ankle injuries. His rookie preseason 2 years ago gave the last good glimpse of his potential. In the 2015 exhibition finale, Hundley went 16-for-23, throwing for 236 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The 142.4 QB rating signaled a strong future.Game Trends
- Eagles are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games on grass.
- Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Green Bay.
- Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
