Packers vs. Patriots Prediction, Injury Update & Picks

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Pushing The Odds with Matt Perrault

Packers’ Defensive Pressure and Offensive Weapons Create Problems for the Patriots

Christian Gonzalez will likely shadow Christian Watson, but the Packers still have other weapons, including Matthew Golden and Tucker Craft. Even if Gonzalez takes Watson out of the game, Green Bay has other answers. That makes the Packers the pick in this matchup.

The Patriots’ lengthy injury report makes them difficult to back. Matt Collins is returning, which should help, but AJ Brown, Trayvon Henderson, Hunter Henry, Kevin Bynard, Christian Barmore, Carlton Davis and Morgan Moses are all questionable. More than half of those players would need to be active before betting on New England becomes appealing.

Drake has done incredible things, while Pop Douglas and company have found ways to get the football into his hands. However, Hunter Henry is a key part of the offense. If he cannot play, it would be a significant loss.

AJ Brown’s status is less concerning at the moment because the Patriots made the Super Bowl last year without him. The trade has been a disaster so far, but it could still work out if Brown helps during the playoffs. Stefon Diggs was excellent in the regular season before disappearing in the playoffs, which is why he is now with Washington and why the Patriots needed another postseason option.

The ideal scenario would be for Brown to sit this week, miss next week’s game against the Lions in Germany and then rest during the bye. That would give him three weeks to recover from his knee injury and high ankle sprain, although the Patriots may decide to bring him back this weekend.

Jordan Love is another major factor. If Gabe jackets, the questionable rookie out of Illinois, cannot play, the Patriots will have no pass rush. Giving Love time to sit in the pocket and find his preferred matchup would be a major problem. The over is appealing, along with the Packers.

Jonathan Gannon also has Green Bay’s defense playing well. Over their last five games, the Packers rank eighth in pressure rate, even without Parsons, who is expected to return next week. The defense has been flying around, using two-high coverage and overloading certain sides of the offensive line to generate pressure with the blitz.

With Green Bay’s offensive options and its defense creating consistent pressure, the Packers should get the job done.