Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles Preview

Lambeau Field is the stage for a much-anticipated Monday night clash between the playoff-chasing Green Bay Packers and the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers are looking to rebound from a gut-wrenching 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers, while the Eagles return from their bye week fresh and focused after a dominant 38-20 win over the New York Giants. Green Bay have been solid at home, but Philadelphia’s offensive firepower and newly-acquired defensive depth could tip the balance their way under the primetime spotlight.

Tip 1: Philadelphia Eagles (Money Line) @ 10/11 with bet365

The Eagles are rested, healthy, and riding a two-game win streak coming into this clash — in contrast to the Packers. Green Bay’s momentum was upset by the last-second field goal that condemned them to their first home defeat of the year last week. In that 16-13 defeat to the Carolina Panthers, they lost tight end Tucker Kraft, who compiled a team-high 489 yards receiving and six touchdown catches through the first nine weeks, to a season-ending knee injury. Several of Jordan Love’s other primary targets are banged up and questionable for the visit of the Eagles, who improved their defensive corps via a series of clever trades last week.

Former Miami Dolphins star Jaelan Phillips will add more penetration to Philly’s pass rush, while cornerbacks Michael Carter II and Jaire Alexander will bring some much-needed experience to the secondary. The Eagles are getting a couple of key players back on either side of the ball, with wide receiver A.J. Brown due to return from hamstring trouble and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson good to go again after a concussion. Green Bay are expected to lean on a run-heavy game plan that will revolve around their 10-touchdown star Josh Jacobs. 

But the Eagles have a much more balanced attack featuring a resurgent Saquon Barkley in the backfield and in-form tight end Dallas Goedert, plus dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts. He has accounted for 20 total touchdowns this season and leads an offence that ranks top in red-zone efficiency. Packers quarterback Jordan Love may struggle to keep pace if the Eagles get rolling early.

Tip 2: Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown Scorer @ 1/1 Paddy Power

The Eagles’ extensive use of the “tush push” to convert short-yardage situations has been a storyline ahead of this matchup because of the Packers’ proposal to make the play illegal this past spring. It didn’t get through the vote and remains a key part of Philadelphia’s arsenal down by the goalline. Hurts remains one of the NFL‘s most dangerous red-zone threats. He’s scored five rushing touchdowns this season, three of which were from one yard out, and has found the end zone in three of his last five games.

Meanwhile, Green Bay have allowed rushing scores in four straight contests and should expect to see the Eagles line up in their familiar formation should they get an opportunity from short-yardage on Monday.

Tip 3: Dallas Goedert Over 4.5 Receptions @ 11/10 bet365

Tight end Dallas Goedert has become a regular target in Philly’s passing game, especially on third downs and in the red zone. He’s averaging over four receptions per game this year and recently snagged nine catches for 100 yards against the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Goedert, who scored two touchdowns in the home win over the Giants late last month, benefits from Hurts’ quick-release throws against pressure.

Green Bay’s linebackers have struggled in coverage, allowing a league-high average of seven receptions per game to tight ends this season. With Brown drawing double coverage and DeVonta Smith stretching the field, Goedert should see plenty of underneath targets. Expect Philly to exploit mismatches over the middle and keep Goedert busy throughout.