Aaron Rodgers told Pat McAfee during his weekly appearance on McAfee’s show that he did not want to hear a single question about the “Brady versus Rodgers” matchup. However, it remains the dominant storyline headed into their game in Week 6. The two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks have only met twice as starters in their careers, and split the matchup. In 2014, Rodgers won 26-21 at home in Green Bay, and in 2018 Tom Brady took a 31-17 victory in New England.
Rodgers and the Pack
Rodgers has been picture-perfect under center through the Packers first four games. He’s passed for 1,214 yards and 13 touchdowns, with no interceptions and zero turnover-worthy plays. The Green Bay quarterback spoke to the lack of turnovers after their Week 4 win against the Atlanta Falcons. “We haven’t really had a ball on the ground, we really haven’t had defenders getting touches on the ball much. There haven’t been a lot of turnover-type plays.”, said Rodgers.
Besides having a new weapon after the breakout performance from Robert Tonyan in that Week 4 game, Rodgers will now get his star wide receiver back for the marquee matchup against Brady. Davante Adams will return from rehabbing a hamstring injury and has participated fully in practice all week.
Brady and the Bucs
On the other side of this Hall of Fame matchup, Brady has been somewhat inconsistent so far for his new team. Brady has thrown multiple interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, and the 43-year-old quarterback was unable to close out games against the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. However, the biggest issue for Brady has been Mike Evans and Chris Godwin not being healthy. Even with them both missing time, Brady has silenced the doubt of his arm strength and bought into the Bruce Arians offense. It has led to him attempting 30 passes of 20 yards or more this season.
“When Brady was in New England, their system was constantly evolving. Brady can diagnose what you’re doing very well and he gets the ball out very fast, even when he’s throwing downfield. If you don’t do a good job disguising looks, you’re going to be in for a long day. It may be cliché, but he’s playing chess while you’re playing checkers,” -Packers Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine
With Adams, Evans, and Godwin all expected to play on Sunday afternoon, expect the fireworks to come early and often. This game will be a back-and-forth affair between two of the best to ever do it, and the outcome will likely be decided in the air and in the turnover battle.
Game Info
Date: October 18, 2020
Start Time: 4:25 P.M. est
Location: Tampa, FL
Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Points Spread: GB -0.5 (-105) | TB +0.5 (+125)
Moneyline: GB (-115) | TB (-115)
Over/Under: O 55.5 (-110) | U 55.5 (-110)
Prediction
The deciding factor in this game will either be the production of Rodgers and Brady or the production from two running backs named Jones. Aaron Jones and Ronald Jones have played key roles for their respective offenses in the last two weeks. An explosive performance by either back could open up the playbook even more for their quarterback. Based on the success that the Packers’ Jones has had in 2020, Green Bay appears to have the offensive edge. Za’Darius Smith will be lined up against Tristan Wirfs and will give Brady much more trouble than Rodgers will have with the Tampa Bay defense.
Final Score: Green Bay Packers 38, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31
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