Packers vs Cardinals betting odds – Cardinals lacking magic, health from last year

The Packers vs Cardinals betting odds is a rematch from Week 17 and while the final score isn’t likely to be the same, there is a very good chance the same teams win and lose. While the Cardinals were trying to take it easy and rest their starters last week, a few of them were injured. The Cardinals may be without Anquan Boldin this week and defensive members Calais Campbell and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie won’t be at 100%. Online betting cappers know that difference could be all that separates winning and losing in the playoffs.

Sportsbook Odds: Packers -1, O/U: 47

What’s On The Line?
Very quietly, the Packers won seven of their last eight games to finish the season and their one loss was a last-second miracle defeat in Pittsburgh. Overall, this team could be considered the hottest in the NFC right now and they are getting better by the week. Aaron Rodgers is finally getting some protection and the defense is improving weekly. This could be a dangerous opponent in the playoffs.

If the Cardinals were a stock, their value is dropping by the second and everyone is selling. The Cardinals lost three of their last six games to end the year and even their last two wins against Detroit and St. Louis were fairly uninspiring. They are happy to be back in the playoffs in back-to-back years because this franchise virtually never pulls that off, but they might be running out of gas a little bit.

Offensive Matchups: Packers vs Cardinals betting odds
The Packers offense is red hot right now and as mentioned, Rodgers is finally getting protection. After taking 41 sacks in his first 10 games, Rodgers has been sacked just eight times in the last six games. Running back Ryan Grant’s production has also improved over that span as he had 700 yards rushing with four touchdowns in his first 10 games (4.2 yards per carry) but finished the year with 502 yards rushing and six touchdowns in his last six games (4.9 yards per carry). Everyone knows about the passing game but now this team is running the ball and protecting the quarterback. They will be tough to stop.

For Arizona, their timing-based offense has been off recently. Kurt Warner can turn it on in the flick of a switch but this unit just hasn’t looked dangerous since a Week 13 win over Minnesota. Anquan Boldin may be out but the Cards are 5-1 without him in the last couple of years. Steve Breaston can be a good fill-in, but the Cards will expect Larry Fitzgerald to get blanketed. Arizona should use its running game to provide some balance this week but they often abandon it quickly. They would be wise to stick with it a little longer this week.

Betting Edge: Packers

Defensive Matchups: Packers vs Cardinals betting odds
The Packers defense has been smothering in recent weeks and they are a big reason why they are in the playoffs. The switch to the 3-4 has been smooth after an initial rough start and they simply don’t give up much. This is the No. 2 ranked defense in the NFL and they led the league with 30 interceptions. They also have the top-ranked run defense so there is a good chance they make the Cardinals one-dimensional this week.

Arizona doesn’t have nearly the caliber defense that Green Bay has but they do have experience. Last year, this unit overachieved in the playoffs and they will need to once again. They’ll have to force turnovers and generate pressure because the Packers have too many weapons in the passing game for the Cardinals to cover.

Betting Edge:Packers

Notable Injuries: Packers vs Cardinals betting odds
The Cards are not in great shape for this contest. Regardless of the stats without Boldin, the Cards don’t want to be playing without one of the top receivers in the NFL. At this point, even if he plays, he might be highly ineffective because of a high ankle sprain.

Top corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie also hurt his knee last week and although it wasn’t supposed to be serious, he has been hampered in practice and may not play.

Throw in the loss of left tackle Mike Gandy, a bruised thigh for safety Antrel Rolle who is questionable and some back spasms for guard Deuce Lutui and the general picture is that the Cardinals are banged up.

Betting Edge:Packers

Over/Under Picks: Packers vs Cardinals betting odds
The Packers will get their points and you have to figure that Arizona shows up with more than the seven points they scored last week. NFL betting cappers should expect a high-scoring affair and both teams will get their share of points.

Pick:Over 47

Outlook and Pick:Packers vs Cardinals betting
The Packers had the best turnover margin in the NFL, they are the better team and they are healthier. The lone drawback is they are on the road.

Even so, they’ve been a good road team all year long and they are simply hot right now. They won at Arizona last week and they’ll do it again versus the stumbling birds.

STAN'S PICK:Packers -1

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