NFL Free Picks - GB @ ARI

Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, January 10th – University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix – 4:40 PM ET
NFL Point Spread: Arizona -1, O/U 47

Last week these two played against each other, but it was only Green Bay who seemed to be trying. The Packers played their starters for most of the game while Arizona sat pretty much everyone. That resulted in a 33-7 win for Green Bay and set up a rematch in the desert. The Cardinals needed to rest because of the injuries to such key players as Anquan Boldin and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. However both of those stars are expected to play and contribute against a powerful Green Bay team that finished the season on a 7-1 run. Aaron Rodgers leads an incredible offense that averaged about 380 yards per game. The matchup of the weekend may be Cardinals receiver Larry Johnson (1,098 yards and 13 TD’s) against Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson (9 INT’s).

What The Packers Have To Do To Win

Green Bay won’t be able to dominate Arizona like they did last week, but a win against the defending NFC Champs is not too farfetched. Aaron Rodgers is on the verge of becoming a premier quarterback in the NFL, evident by him becoming the first QB in NFL history with over 4,000 yards passing in his first two years as a starter. That offensive explosiveness has the ability to overpower any defense. Rodgers and company must play to their strengths to beat the Cardinals. That means allowing Rodgers to throw the ball far and throwing the ball often.  

What The Cardinals Have To Do To Win

Green Bay finished the season 11-5, and in those five losses the Packers allowed, on average, five sacks a game. This will be the key to victory for Arizona: pressure on Aaron Rodgers. The Packers offense is incredibly explosive, but can be slowed down and disrupted if the Arizona defense can blitz successfully enough to force Rodgers to scramble and make plays he doesn’t necessarily want too. Arizona defensive linemen Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell each had seven sacks on the season, so the talent is there. The Cardinals cannot count on shutting down the Green Bay offense, but they can upset it enough to throw it off its game.
 
Outlook & Pick

The Cardinals used this season to prove they’re not a one-year wonder, and they did just that. They’re only the second team in this decade to make it to the playoffs the year after losing the Super Bowl (the Seahawks were the other). So yeah, they’re for real. The Packers feel they have enough offense to beat anyone in the league and yes, that includes the Vikings. The key will be whether or not Green Bay can protect their quarterback from a strong Arizona pass defense. With a strong defensive unit lead by veterans who made the big show last year, Arizona knows how to get it done. The Packers may get their sometime soon, but not now.  

NFL Point Spread Pick: Arizona -1 & over 47

Prop Betting: Team To Score First And Score In First Six Minutes

Both teams are going to be pass-happy at the beginning of game and get the all-important opening points. Both teams have the ability to stretch the field; this may come down to who wins the coin toss. I’ll go with Arizona. 

Prop Betting Pick: Arizona Will Score First, Score In First Six Minutes