Packers at Redskins: Game preview, odds, prediction
By Rashawn Wong
The Washington Redskins will try to stay on pace in the NFC East division as they host the desperate Green Bay Packers on Sunday night football.
The Washington Redskins did themselves a huge favor last week by winning against the Minnesota Vikings. They come into this game with a 5-3-1 record, good enough for third place in the NFC East three games behind the Dallas Cowboys. The Green Bay Packers caught a surprise loss last week when the Tennessee Titans dominated them. Outside of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have looked extremely unfamiliar to a majority of NFL fans this year. Sitting at third in the NFC North division boasting a 4-5 record, the Packers will need to win this week to keep pace with division leading Detroit Lions.
Green Bay travels to the nation’s capital having lost a bit of their edge this season, coming into this game with three straight losses. Green Bay has been desperate for answers on both sides of the ball. Despite his 6th place ranking, Aaron Rodgers has been playing barely above average. Their defensive ranking is just above that of the Los Angeles Rams, something that has been a staple in assisting them making the playoffs every year since 2007. With the NFC North division being so weak, the Packers are still right in the thick of a playoff race.
Washington needs to win this game to solidify their chances of making it to the playoffs as a wild card. Kirk Cousins is coming off the best two performances of the season – 720 yards and four touchdowns – and will need to take advantage of a depleted Packers secondary to win this game. The Redskins should know what to expect in this one as they were just knocked out of the playoffs last year at the hands of Green Bay.
Odds:
Point spread: Green Bay +3
Over/Under: 50.5
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Prediction:
This primetime matchup has the makings of being a good one as it features two teams both desperate for victories. The Packers are looking to end their skid and the Redskins are looking to stay in the hunt. Since this game features two of the weaker defense squads, expect a quarterback shootout between Cousins and Rodgers. Washington will give Green Bay all they can handle, but the Packers should come out victorious in this one behind the play of Rodgers.
Pick:
Packers 34, Redskins 24