Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals betting tips and NFL predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals in Week Eight of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports NFL & Main Event, 1.20am Thursday

Best bets

Green Bay Packers +6.5
2pts 10-11 general

Under 50.5 points
1pt 10-11 general

Match preview

Thursday night's NFL matchup is the best game of the whole Week Eight schedule as the 7-0 Arizona Cardinals host the 6-1 Green Bay Packers.

The Packers have been hit by a Covid outbreak at an inopportune time and it could rob them of their top two wide receivers, but Aaron Rodgers has found ways to get the job done throughout his career and the Packers are the best bet in receipt of a healthy handicap start.

Star receiver Davante Adams was placed on the Covid reserve list on Monday, casting doubt around whether he’ll be able to suit up for this game, while defensive coordinator Joe Barry has tested positive and will not be on the sideline. Things got worse on Tuesday, when Allen Lazard, who was set to step up in place of Adams, was also placed on the Covid list, leaving Randall Cobb to lead the receiving corps, supported by tight end Robert Tonyan and the Packers' running game.

While that is a blow to the Packers, they have been playing extremely well in winning six straight games since an embarrassing 38-3 loss to the Saints in their opener and they are being dismissed too lightly by bookmakers with lines this big.

With or without Adams, the Packers can aim to exploit the Cardinals' run defence. While Arizona has given up just 6.5 yards per pass attempt,the third-best mark in the NFL, they have also allowed a worrying five yards per carry, the second-worst in the league. That stat isn’t unreliable due to any outliers, either, as the longest run they have conceded has been 29 yards. We could see a big game from Green Bay running back Aaron Jones, supported by AJ Dillon.

Arizona’s offense has been red hot but facing Green Bay will be a huge test of whether QB Kyler Murray and his offence are the real deal. The Packers defence has improved this season and they have given up no more than 17 points in three of their last four games.

Even with their coordinator missing, expect this unit to be highly motivated and looking to make a statement.

Both teams have points to prove, but Green Bay have a lot more experience in this type of game and that should show. Six points is too many to be giving to the Packers against anybody and especially in what could be a low-scoring game. The Packers' last four games have gone under the points line and this could be another.

The lowdown

Venue State Farm Stadium
Surface Grass
WeatherRetractable roof likely to be open. Clear, 24C
Vegas handicap Arizona -6.5
Vegas points line 55.5

Key stat

Green Bay's last four games have gone under the total points line.

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