NFL Football
2011-09-08 - New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
American Football : North America : NFL
Thursday, September 8th, 2011, 8:30PM US
(1:30AM GMT)
PREVIEW
The lockout is but a memory now and the new season is upon us. Wisconsin will be the location for the first game of the season as the defending champions, the Green Bay Packers, host the previous Superbowl champions, the New Orleans Saints. Are you ready for some football?
Green Bay return almost the same team as last year, which means the Saints are going up a very strong opponent. Aaron Rodgers have erased memories of Brett Favre in an excellent season where he led the Packers to their 3rd Superbowl in franchise history. Green Bay beat Pittsburgh in the big game 31-25, and will bid to pick up where they left off, scoring heavily via the pass.
Aaron Rodgers is back to lead the pass offence and the team might just be stronger if they can keep TE Jermichael Finley and RB Ryan Grant healthy throughout the season. The pair missed a fair chunk of last season due to injury. Their inclusion means the champs are stronger.
The Saints have Drew Brees, who led this team to a fantastic 31-17 tonking of the Indianapolis Colts to give New Orleans something to cheer about a couple of years ago. Drew Brees is looking for a 6th straight season throwing over 4,300 yards and at least 26 touchdowns!
Drew Brees is the main reason this team was ranked 3rd in passing offence last season, but they are coming up against a very dangerous defence. Also, Reggie Bush isn't with the Saints any more.
Green Bays defence allowed the 2nd least points last season, and made the 2nd most interceptions. They ranked 1st in pass efficiency defence and bring back 10 starters from last season.
Also, New Orleans brings a defence that isn't too shabby. They allowed the 4th fewest passing yards last season.
BETTING VERDICT
With Drew Brees throwing the ball for the Saints, they can never be written off, and with the spread set at 4, above the key number 3, I am loathe to suggest a bet on Green Bay ATS.
Brees and his team will be a threat until the last minute but Green Bay will simply want to win this, not cover any spread. It would be a shame if they decide to kick a field goal instead of going for a touchdown at any stage, thus killing a bet.
The last 7 Superbowl champions have all won their first game of the next season. I see no reason why Green Bay should be opposed at Lambeau Field, where they posted a 7-1 record last season. The odds are short at 1.50 so I would suggest taking them to lead at HT and FT.
For the main bet, I am betting against any team to score 3 times without reply. Both defences are stingy so neither offence is going to be allowed to run riot.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Green Bay Packers
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Bet :Either Team To score 3 Unanswered Times - NO @ 2.40 (Bet365)
Also consider:
Green Bay HT/FT @ 2.00 (Bet365)
