Packers might close as underdogs in playoff game at Redskins
On most occasions, the betting public will jump on the Green Bay Packers and put faith in quarterback Aaron Rodgers to deliver the cash in a big game. But that approach is no longer so appealing.
“Over the last half of the season, the Packers have left a bad taste in the mouths of many,” Westgate Las Vegas sports book director Jay Kornegay said.
Despite predictions by several bookmakers, Green Bay could go off as an underdog today in the weekend’s final NFL wild-card game. Washington is a 1-point home favorite at about half of the books, with the others at pick’em.
“The Packers-Redskins game is the most balanced game of the weekend,” Kornegay said. “The good news is we have equal support on both teams, the bad news is it’s the last game of the weekend and we can count on parlays to carry over to this game.”
Any parlays linking Kansas City and Pittsburgh remain alive.
The Chiefs closed as 3-point road favorites in a 30-0 blowout of Houston. The Steelers, 2-point road favorites, defeated the Bengals 18-16.
Dave Cokin, a Las Vegas handicapper and radio host, is backing the Packers, who opened the season 6-0 before going 4-6 in their final 10 games.
“But I’m just not buying the Redskins,” said Cokin (SmokinCokin.com). “They did some good things down the stretch, but none of that was against anyone who could play. Washington faced three teams that were over .500 this season and lost all three games. This team is in the playoffs because it plays in a terrible division.
“No question the Packers have declined thanks to all the injuries, particularly along the offensive line. That’s a concern here, but the numbers still favor Green Bay, and I’d rather ride the experience of Rodgers and the Packers as a whole.”
Seattle is a 4-point road favorite over Minnesota in today’s early game. The line dropped one point Saturday because of sharp action on the underdog. Kornegay said about 65 percent of the tickets are on the Seahawks.
“As expected, the Seahawks are still getting a majority of the support despite the announcement (running back Marshawn) Lynch is not going to play,” Kornegay said. “Whenever a popular team gets on a roll like the Seahawks, you can expect the books will be rooting for the other side.”
— Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.
