The Green Bay Packers head to Cincinnati in this week to face Andy Dalton and a young Bengals squad. Let’s decide if the Packer's being favored by three is indeed warranted and, moreover, whether or not we should be taking the points
or laying them.
Week 2 review
The
Packers didn’t put much effort into their second preseason game, and it showed
this past week. Aaron Rodgers did have a nice drive down the field to hook up
with Jordy Nelson for a touchdown, but other than that, the Packers substitutes
couldn’t do much against the might of the Browns. Cleveland dominated Green
Bay, 35-10.
The
Bengals, on the other hand, got their second preseason win of the year, taking care of the Falcons 24-19. Andy Dalton was 8-14 with 125 yards and a touchdown, and his backups threw for 228 yards.
This week
If ever there was a time to get Rodgers on the field for more than one drive, it is this
week against the Bengals. Although the Bengals are one of the
better teams at defending against the pass, I think
Rodgers has to play most of the first half in order to get his
timing settled for the regular season.
Dalton should do the same, so for at least a half, I expect to
see some real football. Neither team can afford an injury,
so we must keep our expectations to a minimum.
I expect it to be close in any case; it surprises me that the
Packers are such a big favorite. The Bengals are no pushover, and so far in
the preseason 2011 playoff teams are playing very well ATS. Obviously, this game is
between two playoff teams from last season, but the home crowd will help keep this game close for Cincy.
The Sharp Pick
Even
though it goes against their previous preseasons, I think the Packers have
turned over a new leaf. They aren’t gunning for preseason wins like they before. Between 2009-2011, the Packers were 8-4 SU in the
preseason, but they have started this one 0-2.
I’m not
sure what is up with the Packers, because the Browns’ first string was playing
pretty well against them in the first quarter and the early part of the second. The
Packers were the worst team in the NFL last year in against the pass, and it
looks as if they might not have gotten any better in the offseason.
I think
the Bengals are the play here. Cincinnati has the defense to hold Rodgers and
company at bay while their passing game can be expected to pressure a below average Green Bay secondary. The Bengals have scored three touchdowns the second half so far in the preseason. Without their starters in Green Bay, in two preseason games, the
Packers have scored only nine second half points. If the Bengals can grab a
lead, it should be all over. Take the points.
My Pick: Bengals +3