The NFL has not exactly saved the best for last in Week 16 as Monday night hosts, the Green Bay Packers, are one of the two heaviest favourites of the whole week when they take on the New Orleans Saints.
The Packers (10-4) could have secured a play-off place before kick-off if other results go their way but if not a win over the Saints would get them in regardless.
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Matt LaFleur’s team are still only third in the powerful NFC North this season but with the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings both boasting 12-2 records the division looks set to send three teams to the play-offs.
The Saints are on the comeback trail after firing head coach Dennis Allen in Week 9 following a run of seven successive defeats.
Interim head coach Darren Rizzi has helped the team to an improved 5-9 record with three wins in their last five games, and they would have also upset the Washington Commanders last Sunday had they converted a late two-point attempt in a 20-19 loss.
Rizzi is facing an uphill battle this week as he will likely be without his starting quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara due to injuries but the Saints have at least restored some respectability over the last month.
They lost by only one point when they visited Lambeau Field last season but are unlikely to get that close this time.
We’ve put together a three-leg bet builder suggestion for the game which pays out at 19/2 if successful.
Bet Builder Tips
- Green Bay Packers Handicap -13.5
- Match under 43.5 total points
- Tucker Kraft over 0.5 receiving touchdowns
Bet Builder odds: 19/2
Packers should sew up play-off place in style
Whether it’s down to results elsewhere or their own efforts, the Packers should be able to start preparing for the play-offs on Monday night.
The famous green-and-gold franchise overcame some early adversity when quarterback Jordan Love was injured in their opening game against the Eagles in Brazil in Week 1 and have lost only narrowly to their divisional rivals the Vikings and Lions since.
They have a solid all-round team, ranking in the top five for offence and the top 10 defensively, and they are also well-balanced on offence with Josh Jacobs having a great first season with the team at running back while Love can seek out a talented group of receivers led by Christian Watson and Jayden Reed.
The Saints have shown a lot more fight in recent outings but they haven’t met a team as strong as the Packers since Rizzi took over and with the inexperienced Spencer Rattler potentially starting at quarterback they could suffer a wide-margin defeat.
Scoring could be limited by cold conditions
The Packers have held their opponents under 20 points in four of their last five games, with the irrepressible Lions being the exception, and they can still cover the large handicap in a relatively low-scoring game.
The Saints could struggle to get anything going on offence as a dome-based team playing in likely freezing conditions and the Packers should be able to churn out their sixth home win of the season.
The Saints have held their last six opponents to no more than 23 points but may struggle to get far into double figures against a solid defence.
Kraft can sneak into end zone
Green Bay tight end Tucker Kraft is having an excellent second season in the NFL and can add to his touchdown tally against the Saints.
Kraft has the most receiving touchdowns on the team with seven, including two in his last four appearances against the 49ers and Lions.
With Jacobs and the Packers’ battery of wide receivers to worry about, defences can often allow Kraft to escape their clutches and he has developed into a useful weapon for QB Love.
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Bet Builder Tips
- Green Bay Packers Handicap -13.5
- Match under 43.5 total points
- Tucker Kraft over 0.5 receiving touchdowns
Bet Builder odds: 19/2
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All odds correct at time of writing
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