Green Bay Packers 2019 NFL betting preview

Green Bay Packers at a glance

2018 record: 6-9-1, third in the NFC North Key additions: S Adrian Amos, LB Za'Darius Smith, LB Preston Smith Key losses: LB Clay Matthews, WR Randall Cobb, LB Jake Ryan

Overview

For a season that started with a vintage Aaron Rodgers come-from-behind win against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, things turned south in a hurry. A ridiculous tie against the Vikings in Week 2 set the stage for an entire season’s worth of disappointment, culminating with a loss at home to the bottom-dwelling Cardinals in Week 13.

The Packers ended the season with a record of 6-9-1 straight up and against the spread, and the underwhelming result caused some major organizational changes. Three of the biggest names to Packers fans were sent on their way, with new names signed via free agency to take their place.

Gone are Clay Matthews, Randall Cobb and Mike Daniels. These three were fundamental to years of Packers’ success and it will be interesting to see the dynamics of the team without these leaders. Also gone is long-time coach Mike McCarthy, who most would agree had exhausted his time in Green Bay, with a very obvious tension with Rodgers, which made things untenable.

To counteract these losses the Packers have done something very abnormal for the organization—they have brought in free agents to fill the gaps. For a team that has always prided itself on developing draft picks and leaning on those players, this is a fascinating and fundamental change of direction. The biggest signings all came on the defensive side of the ball, with linebackers Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith, and safety Adrian Amos joining the ranks. The Packers will likely be tougher on defense.

With all of these changes in mind and a new coaching staff in place, what do we think about the Packers betting odds for the 2019 season?

Super Bowl odds: +2000

If things break right and Rodgers plays to form without injury, this is obviously a great price for a team that has made upgrades on defense and has the most gifted quarterback in the league.

NFC Championship odds: +1000

This seems like a slightly better bet if you believe the Chiefs and Patriots are the best two teams in the NFL and one of them is the likely Super Bowl champion.

NFC North odds: +190

I don’t love the value on this one. If the Packers win the North, they will most certainly be conference champion contenders as well. The North is arguably the toughest division in the conference and its winner should be favored to win that half of the bracket. I’d rather take the +1000.

Odds to make the playoffs: -115

If you think the Packers are good enough to contend in the North, I like this wager much better than winning the division. It’s juicier, but it’s easy to think two teams from the North will make the playoffs this year.

Regular season win total: 9

This number feels about right for Green Bay's regular season win total, as seven wins seems nearly guaranteed. But will the Packers get another three? I lean slightly to the over, and so does the public.

---

Are you all-in on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers? Visit BetAmerica today to see our wide selection of NFL odds, props and futures.