NFL Picks: The Green Bay Packers faced growing doubts and concerns about their playoff viability after a 1-2 start but have since won and covered four consecutive games to remind everyone why they are a top shelf favorite in the NFC North. The New Orleans Saints were one of the most improved defensive teams in the NFL last year but are regressing at a rapid rate as they are again getting outscored in shootout games and putting too much of a burden on their offense and QB Drew Brees.
The Saints will host the Packers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Sunday night with coverage on NBC starting at 8:30 PM ET. New Orleans opened as a one-point favorite with a total of 51.
Defenseless Saints
New Orleans is 2-4 both straight up and against the spread and 5-1 over the total. The Saints blew a late lead at Detroit last week in a 24-23 loss. New Orleans ranks 2nd in the NFL for total offense but 28th for scoring defense.
Pack Pays Back
Green Bay is 5-2 SU, 4-2-1 ATS, and 6-1 over the total after their 38-17 domination and home payout against Carolina last week. The Packers rank fourth for scoring offense and 11th for scoring defense.
Matchup and Pick
Green Bay has covered the spread in six out of their last 10 away games. The Pack has gone over the total in 11 out of their last 14 road tilts. New Orleans has been a great betting value at home and has lost just three out of their last 16 matchups against the spread at the Mercedes Benz Superdome. The Saints have gone over the total in five out of their last eight home games.
New Orleans has covered the spread in three out of their last four meetings with Green Bay. The Saints and Packers have gone over the total in nine out of their last 10 meetings. The Saints have won and covered the spread in their last two home games against the Packers. The Packers and Saints have gone over the total in their last three meetings at the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
We’ll call for the Saints (-1) and over the total of 51 in this matchup.
