NFC Championship Betting Odds: Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in a thriller in the divisional round of the playoffs to advance to within one game of the Super Bowl.

Mike McCarthy’s men last reached the NFC Championship game in the 2014 campaign and held a 16-point in the second half, only to lose due to a freak turn of events as the Seattle Seahawks won the contest in overtime at Century Link Field.

As a result of their heartbreaking loss, the Packers will be even more determined this time around against the Atlanta Falcons to ensure that they secure the win and with it the chance to compete for the Vince Lombardi trophy.

Breaking Down The Betting Options

The Packers have been on a roll since Aaron Rodgers declared that they would run the table following their hammering at the hands of the Washington Redskins at the end of November.

McCarthy’s men have won their last eight matches on the spin, with Rodgers arguably producing the best football of his career.

Green Bay’s offense has found full rhythm with the quarterback putting on a clinic in the first half of the divisional round against the Cowboys, notching three touchdowns on the first three possessions of the game.

Defensively the Packers appeared to get wore down by Dallas’ brutal running game in the second half of the contest. Ezekiel Elliott and company appeared to wear down their defensive line, while Dak Prescott exposed their secondary with a series of excellent throws.

McCarthy cannot let that happen this week as the Falcons have a superior offense to the Cowboys and perhaps the Packers themselves as Matt Ryan is capable of going throw-for-throw with Rodgers.

Due to both side’s potent offenses, taking the over on total points scored of 61.5 with Bovada sportsbook at 1.91Bet €100 to win €19191/100Bet £100 to win £191-110Bet $100 to win $1910.91Bet HK$100 to win HK$191-1.10Bet Rp100 to win Rp1910.9100Bet RM100 to win RM191  would be the best option, with the potential of an abundance of points to be scored.

On the money line, the Packers are slight underdogs at 2.90Bet €100 to win €29019/10Bet £100 to win £290+190Bet $100 to win $2901.90Bet HK$100 to win HK$2901.90Bet Rp100 to win Rp290-0.5263Bet RM100 to win RM290  therefore that’s an enticing punt to take due to Rodgers’ form, while backing him to throw over 2.5 touchdowns at 1.57Bet €100 to win €15757/100Bet £100 to win £157-175Bet $100 to win $1570.57Bet HK$100 to win HK$157-1.75Bet Rp100 to win Rp1570.5700Bet RM100 to win RM157  is equally as appealing.

Meanwhile, taking McCarthy’s men on the +4 spread is also must given the propensity for close contests during Championship weekend, along with the quarterback’s outstanding displays in the post-season.

Why The Packers Could Win

There’s one simple answer why the Packers could win – Rodgers. The 33-year-old has been sensational since he stated that his side would win out the rest of the campaign, even after being blown out by the Redskins on the road.

Green Bay were 4-6 at that time and are now competing in the NFC Championship game. It’s like the Packers’ offense flicked a switch and they were back to their form of the 2014 campaign when the quarterback won the MVP award for the second time.

McCarthy and Rodgers were maligned early in the campaign for the club’s struggles, with suggestions made that the Packers coach could be fired at the end of the season.

However, Rodgers responded, while Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams found the peak of their abilities to drive their side into the playoffs, overhauling the Detroit Lions at the top of the NFC North.

The Packers faced a tough wildcard round fixture against the New York Giants. They initially struggled, but once Rodgers connected with a Hail Mary at the end of the second quarter it was plain sailing as he destroyed their secondary.

The 33-year-old was even better against the Cowboys, making precise throws to put them ahead in the first half. When the pressure was on and the Packers needed huge yardage to get into a field-goal range, Rodgers produced brilliance by throwing on the run and down the sideline where Jared Cook made an incredible catch.

Mason Crosby knocked the field goal through the posts confirming the victory. Should the quarterback produce a similar display in the Georgia Dome it might be enough to send Green Bay to the Super Bowl.

Why The Packers Could Lose

Injuries are mounting for the Packers, with Nelson already sidelined due to a rib injury. Adams suffered an ankle problem during the game against Dallas and is not expected to practice until Saturday, leaving his availability in doubt.

Their secondary is beginning to crumble with ailments as well, with Morgan Burnett joining Quinten Rollins and Sam Shields on the sidelines.

Offensive lineman David Bakhtiari and TJ Lang suffered knocks against the Cowboys, forcing them to leave the match at certain points. They will battle through the NFC Championship game, but neither will be 100%, potentially leaving Rodgers exposed.

The injuries – particularly in the secondary – allowed the Cowboys back into the match last Sunday, with Prescott and Dez Bryant capitalising on Ladarius Gunter’s poor coverage, while Damarious Randall also had his issues. Burnett’s ailment adds to the issues in the back end as rookie Kentrell Brice was pressed into action.

Facing the potential MVP of the league in Matt Ryan and the best offense in the NFL, these are not the sort of problems you want to have. One of the most impressive aspects of Ryan’s play this term has been his ability to spread the ball out amongst his receivers even without the presence of Julio Jones.

Taylor Gabriel, Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy and tight end Austin Hooper have answered the call this season, while Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have offered a huge threat out of the backfield. Should Ryan continue his fine form; Green Bay will have a tough time stopping the Falcons from putting points on the board.

This will put huge pressure on Rodgers to perform on the other side of the ball. Nelson and Adams have to be on the field to alleviate the strain on the quarterback as without them it could be another defeat on Championship weekend for McCarthy and his team.

Tips Summary

Total points scored over 61.5
Sunday 22nd January 15:05 ET (20:05 GMT)
Odds: 1.91Bet €100 to win €19191/100Bet £100 to win £191-110Bet $100 to win $1910.91Bet HK$100 to win HK$191-1.10Bet Rp100 to win Rp1910.9100Bet RM100 to win RM191

Green Bay Packers to beat Atlanta Falcons
Sunday 22nd January 15:05 ET (20:05 GMT)
Odds: 2.90Bet €100 to win €29019/10Bet £100 to win £290+190Bet $100 to win $2901.90Bet HK$100 to win HK$2901.90Bet Rp100 to win Rp290-0.5263Bet RM100 to win RM290

Green Bay Packer to cover +4 spread
Sunday 22nd January 15:05 ET (20:05 GMT)
Odds: 1.95Bet €100 to win €19519/20Bet £100 to win £195-105Bet $100 to win $1950.95Bet HK$100 to win HK$195-1.05Bet Rp100 to win Rp1950.9500Bet RM100 to win RM195

Aaron Rodgers to throw over 2.5 touchdowns
Sunday 22nd January 15:05 ET (20:05 GMT)
Odds: 1.57Bet €100 to win €15757/100Bet £100 to win £157-175Bet $100 to win $1570.57Bet HK$100 to win HK$157-1.75Bet Rp100 to win Rp1570.5700Bet RM100 to win RM157