Wildcard Weekend's Best Bet - Giants at Packers



Preview and betting advice for the Sunday afternoon playoff matchup between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers.

The weekend's top wild card game is at Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon

After three games of many back-up quarterbacks and questionable Super Bowl contenders, the NFL will likely save the best for last late on Sunday afternoon. The New York "football" Giants travel to legendary Lambeau Field for a 4:40 PM EST kickoff against the Green Bay Packers. We're still days away, but right now game forecast calls for sunny skies and temperatures into the mid-teens. Good news is that both Hall of Fame potential QB's are healthy. Bad news is many supporting players are not or potentially not focused.

Hmmm. That's a sly reference we're making to New York Giants superstar Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants popular wide receiver drew world-wide attention to himself by flying down to Miami on Monday to attend a Justin Bieber nightclub private party. Of course, two TD's and a few amazing catches will help the world forget but was this the best judgement call in the huddle?

NFL Wildcard previewThe wagering line at leading offshore sportsbook Bovada reflects the public's renewed confidence in the Packers. Currently at -4.5, this game would have been at best a pick-em back in late November before the Pack went on a tear with Aaron Rodgers rolling. Green Bay has ripped off six straight wins after four consecutive losses and covered five of those games against the spread.

But keep in mind Giants leader Eli Manning has won two playoff games in Green Bay before, and more importantly, it's the defense that should give the Giants a good chance at a major upset bid. New York has given up more than 25 points just one time all season, way back in Week 3 against Washington. This is an incredibly potent defensive unit that has been underrated all season long.

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The bettors surely have noticed as the Giants have gone 4-12 in the Over/Under log for the Total according to statistics leader Statfox. Right now, the Total sits at a tenuous 44.5 at most online sportsbooks and it might be possible for that number to be shaved an extra half point before game time. Especially if the weather turns nastier at Lambeau. Also, throw in the fact that New York has only surrendered an average of 15.1 PPG in the last eight games. With Green Bay's offense not being as explosive compared to year's past, the Under surely get a lot of attention here.

For what it's worth, the Packers took care of business in the head-to-head matchup between these two teams in the fifth week of the NFL season, winning 23-16. Interesting that at that time, Green Bay was favored at home by -6 and the total was around 50 points.

NFL Odds: Giants-Packers at Lambeau Field

New York Giants    (+4.5) -105
Green Bay Packers (-4.5) -115
Game Total: 44.5

Nobody romps here and we can expect both the well-estimated game line and total at Bovada to remain in doubt until the very end. The only "sure thing" seems this game comes down to the last two minutes with both proven pressure quarterbacks wanting the football last having a chance to win.

Glenn Greene covers the games from a betting angle every week exclusively at OSGA.com. For weekly betting insights, inlcuding previews and picks from Glenn, click here.


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