The slumping Philadelphia Eagles come into Thursday’s matchup having dropped two straight games in which they were favored. The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, have yet to lose this season and will look to keep their undefeated season alive.
Injuries will play a huge factor for both sides in this matchup. For Philadelphia, injuries to top receivers Alshon Jeffery and Desean Jackson have made it difficult for Carson Wentz to make plays. The Eagles dropped seven passes on Sunday, including two that would have gone for touchdowns. Nelson Agholor’s hands have turned into sticks of butter, rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside has been underwhelming, and Mack Hollins has stepped up but had a costly drop last week. DeSean Jackson won’t play Thursday but Jeffery will. Corey Clement is questionable. It will be a massive bonus for Wentz to have Jeffery back on the field.
For the Packers, tackle Bryan Bulaga and running back Aaron Jones were both limited participants in practice this week, while Jimmy Graham did not participate with a groin/quad injury. Jones and Bulaga are both likely to play Thursday while there is legitimate concern Graham may have to sit out. Graham has had little production with just three catches for 30 yards and a touchdown in the Packers’ first three games. Having all of his weapons healthy will undoubtedly help Aaron Rodgers exploit an Eagles secondary that has struggled to start the season.
The Packers and Eagles last faced off during Week 12 of Carson Wentz’s rookie season in 2016. Despite a complete lack of a run game, Aaron Rodgers carved up the Eagles defense for 313 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers won the game, 27-13. Historically, the Packers lead this series 27-16. It’s just the second time Carson Wentz will have faced Green Bay, whereas this will be Aaron Rodgers’ ninth time facing the Birds. He is 5-3 in his career against them but hasn’t lost in games against them that he’s started.
On the other side of the ball, the Packers have had a much better defense to start this season. Their defense has allowed just 11.6 points per game in comparison to the Eagles’ 26.0 points per game allowed. Philadelphia cornerback Ronald Darby was playing poorly to start the year, coming off a torn ACL he suffered in November of last season, and it’s now been announced he’s out this week with a hamstring issue. It was clear Darby was not at his best, and it will be interesting to see if fellow corners Rasul Douglas, Avonte Maddox, and Sidney Jones can step up in his absence.
Game Info:
Date: September 26, 2019
Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Stadium: Lambeau Field
TV Info: NFL Network
Betting Odds:
Point Spread: PHI: +4.5 (-110) | GB: -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: PHI: (+172) | GB: (-200)
Over/Under: 45 – Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Prediction:
Having Alshon Jeffery healthy and playing could give the Eagles the edge in this one. Carson Wentz should be in for a big game, and this will definitely be a high scorer.
Final Score: Eagles 31, Packers 27
2 Responses
Nailed it.
Nailed it.