The Green Bay Packers seek a crucial win amidst a slump. Can they overcome what could be a sneaky New York Giants squad dealing with injuries and coaching changes?
The Green Bay Packers need to get back on the winning track. They've lost two in a row and the meat of their schedule is really coming up. Yes, they're still 5-3-1, but they've gone from first in the NFC to barely holding onto the seventh seed. They've also gone from first in the NFC North to third in the division, so getting a win here and at least stopping the bleeding is vital for Matt LaFleur and his team.
The New York Giants are 2-8 and on paper, this should be an easy win for the Pack -- even on the road.
The Giants just fired head coach Brian Daboll, they're without their young star quarterback Jaxon Dart (concussion), and they have several important players joining Dart on the injured list. That group includes, but is not limited to, star wideout Malik Nabers, star running back Cam Scattebo, and former No. 5 overall pick Jayvon Thibodeaux.
Again, by all accounts, this is a game the Packers should easily win, but nothing has come easily for the Packers this season. The scary thing is that this team has seemingly "played down" to its opponents this season. In the meantime, the Giants very well may get a boost because of the firing of Daboll.
It's going to be intriguing to see how this all plays out, to say the least.
Below, you'll find all the pertinent information you could need for this game:
Game Time:
12:00 PM Lambeau Time
TV Channel:
FOX
Odds:
Packers -7 per ESPN BET, O/U 41.5
Key Matchup: Giants QB Jameis Winston vs. Packers EDGE Micah Parsons
The Packers' defense may have struggled more with the rookie quarterback in Dart, who looks like he very well could be the real deal. Jameis Winston provides a unique challenge as well, though. Yes, he's likely to throw three interceptions because he's very loose with the football. At the same time, he could throw four touchdowns, because he's loose with the football and just lets it fly.
Winston has a big arm and can push it downfield. He's also a huge quarterback at 6-foot-4, 231 pounds.
If the Packers let Winston get into a rhythm, they may be in trouble. If Micah Parsons can get after him and rack up another multi-sack game, though, the Packers' defense could very well pitch a shutout.
Key Quote: Matt LaFleur on whether or not he's coaching for his job moving forward
"l'll leave that for everybody else to decide," LaFleur said. "I’ll just focus on the day to day."
"I feel like you’re always coaching for everything in this league," he continued. "That's just my mindset. It's always been that way. You can’t ever exhale. You gotta always be pushing. That's just my mindset, and that will be my mindset until they tell me not to coach anymore."
Prediction:
Packers 17, Eagles 10