Preview and predictions for Sunday Night Football

The Green Bay Packers head to Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Eagles Sunday night. While the Packers are trying to crawl their way back into postseason contention, the Eagles look to remain atop the NFC. Philly is a touchdown favorite (total at 46.5 points), according to NFL odds.

Are These the Packers?

The Green Bay Packers were 27-17 home losers to the Tennessee Titans a week ago last Thursday, that after snapping a five-game losing skid. They've struggled with consistency all season, evidenced by a 4-7 record entering this game. Green Bay never led against the visitors, having surrendered more than 400 yards and 21 first downs to the Titans. Green Bay is now a faltering third in the NFC North.

Once-mighty Green Bay is below the once-awful Detroit Lions in the division, both chasing the long-gone Minnesota Vikings. The Packers found a way to defeat the Dallas Cowboys a couple of weeks ago, so the ship hasn't capsized totally.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his new cast of receiving characters have not gelled. Rodgers is top ten in passing yards and touchdowns passes (along with seven interceptions) this season, but not nearly the usual MVP-caliber effort of past seasons. Oh, and there’s that newly-confirmed broken throwing-hand (right) thumb.

With no wiggle room, Green Bay needs to turn it around in a hurry, It hasn’t missed the playoffs since 2018.

If you're a believer, Green Bay is +650 to find a way in this season, as per NFL playoff odds.

Eagles a League-Best 9-1

The Philadelphia Eagles enter this game with the best record in the NFL. The Eagles are currently 9-1, lone loss a couple of Mondays ago against the Washington Commanders. Philly did rebound with a one-point road win against the Indianapolis Colts last week, remaining one of the wagering favorites to win the Super Bowl. 

Despite the win, Philadelphia still had some issues. They didn't lead until the final 80 seconds, and what has been a vaunted offense has scored just 38 points over the last two games.

Philadelphia's been quite active in free agency of late, as they have added both Linval Joseph and Ndamukong Suh in an attempt to replace the production rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis provided. Ever since Davis’ (high-ankle sprain) injury, Philly hasn't been as stout against either the run or the pass, in need of as many reinforcements as possible as it tries to win a title.

Eagles in a Close Contest

There's no question that Green Bay needs this game more than Philadelphia. However, those chemistry issues plaguing the Packers, along with "consistent inconsistency" and Rodgers' infirmity make it tough to back the Pack. Philadelphia hasn't been at its peak in their last outings, and a touchdown is a big spread against Rodgers. Philly will win this game, but the Packers keep it close, take the seven.

The total at 46.5 is interesting, as the Packers have only hit over that number once in their last five, Philadelphia twice in its last five. It’s not hard to suggest the under here.