After a nail-biter against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Green Bay Packers move on to face the third of their four AFC South opponents for the year in the Indianapolis Colts.
With the Packers at 7-2 and the Colts at 6-3, this November matchup holds major playoff implications. Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers faced off just last season in one of the three losses under Matt LaFleur during his first year at the helm. Rodgers will also face off against Xavier Rhodes again, the corner who played for Minnesota from 2013-19.
The biggest concern for the Packers coming into Sunday will be the health of their top two cornerbacks, Jaire Alexander and Kevin King. With Alexander moving through concussion protocol and King working through a quad injury, both returning will boost a Green Bay defensive unit that relies on their shutdown corner, Alexander. Alexander is tied with Jalen Ramsey for the least yards allowed per coverage snap played at outside cornerback (0.57).
Matt LaFleur spoke to needing Alexander on the field this week. “Yeah, he’s still working through concussion protocol. Obviously, with what he brings to the defense we hope to have him available,” said LaFleur.
On the offensive side of the ball, Rodgers should have Allen Lazard back after he was activated from injured reserve. With Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, and Lazard healthy, Green Bay averages 10 points per quarter and is undoubtedly one of the best offensive units in the NFL.
“On offense, they’ve got a lot of weapons. They’re fueled by one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and one of the best receivers in the NFL. It’ll be the toughest test of the year for our defense,” said Colts coach Frank Reich.
Defensively, the Colts will look to retain their claim as the top defensive unit in the NFL. With Justin Houston, Kenny Moore, and Khari Willis all not practicing earlier in the week, Indianapolis may have an uphill battle on Sunday. Although the Colts have allowed only 19.7 points per game in 2020, they face a Packers offense that is averaging 30.8 points per game and will be at full strength for the first time since Week 2. The only bright side for the Colts is swingman Tyler Ervin likely will be on the sideline for Green Bay. Without the havoc created from Ervin’s pre-snap motions, Indianapolis will be able to disguise more looks and focus on Rodgers and Davante Adams.
Even though Davante Adams nursed an ankle injury all week, he should be the focus of the Green Bay offense. Adams is tied for the league lead in touchdown catches, 9, with Adam Thielen and Tyreek Hill. Adams is also 3rd among receivers in 1st downs and leads the NFL in targets per game. Even after missing two games due to injury, Adams leads the NFL in yards per game with 105.9 and the next closest is Deandre Hopkins with 95.7. If the Colts want to stop the Green Bay offense, keep Rodgers off the field and keep the ball out of Adams’ hands.
Game Info:
Date: November 22, 2020
Start Time: 3:25 PM CT
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Stadium: Lucas Oil Stadium
TV Info: FOX
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Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: GB +1.5 (-110) | IN -1.5 (+110)
Moneyline: GB (+100) | IND (-130)
Over/Under: O 51 (-110) | U 51 (-110)
With favorable conditions inside at Lucas Oil Stadium, this game will likely not be the defensive matchup everyone is expecting. With 43, 37, and 35 point performances inside this season, Rodgers is in line for another explosive performance. Due to the money line and the spread being such similar bets, a parlay of Green Bay on the spread, money line, and an over could win big on Sunday.
Prediction:
This will be a close game, but do not pick against Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have their top two receivers back, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is performing better than ever and Green Bay wins the tight end vs. safety battle with Robert Tonyan outperforming whoever ends up playing at safety for the Colts on Sunday. Phillip Rivers will give the Green Bay defense a run for their money. With Alexander and King returning, Rivers does not have the offensive weapons to match the Packers’ high octane style of play.
Final Score: Green Bay Packers 28, Indianapolis Colts 24
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
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