Green Bay Packers Vs Philadelphia Eagles: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against Spread

One of the best NFL Games opening week will be the Green Bay Packers traveling to play the Philadelphia Eagles September 12th. New Eagles QB Kevin Kolb will be tested in his first game by a tough Packers defense. Good news for Kevin Kolb will be that Charles Woodson's partner in crime in the secondary, Al Harris, will be out for this game. Atari Bigby will aslo be a key secondary member missing in this game.

Passing Attack for Green Bay Packers & Philadelphia Eagles Should be High Powered

Kevin Kolb started two games in the 2009 NFL season in Donovan McNabb's absence and threw for over 300 yards in both games. Based on this, the Philadelphia Eagles front office felt emboldened to trade their star quarterback McNabb to an NFC East rival and roll the dice with Kevin Kolb.

Kolb will have a young pair of wide receivers that were impressive in their rookie seasons. DeSean Jackson was the flamboyant wide out that could also return punts with style and amazing speed. The short receiver showed incredible heart but his size could also be his detriment.

On the other side of Kolb will be Jeremy Maclin, also a sophomore. Maclin is a steady and reliable target that Kolb will take advantage of in single coverage. Brent Celek is a big tight end that is a big target across the middle. Celek has good hands and can make yardage after the catch.

The Green Bay Packers passing attack is now led by a seasoned veteran in Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers also has three reliable targets that are diverse in their skill level. Greg Jennings is the breakout receiver capable of separating from the defense for the long ball.

Donald Driver is the wily veteran that is one of the best possession receivers in the NFL and Jermichael Finley is the huge target across the middle that rarely drops passes. Rodgers sprays the ball around and knows how to get the most out of his receivers. The edge in the passing game goes to the Green Bay Packers over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Two Strong Defenses Will Fight Against Two Productive Offenses

The Green Bay Packers defense is stong in all areas but if there is a weakness heading into this game. Al Harris and Atari Bigby will be missing from this game and their absence will be felt. Look for Jeremy Maclin to have a big game with DeSean Jackson getting most of the attention.

Another key factor for the Green Bay Packers is sophomore Clay Mathews. Mathews is the engine on this Green Bay defense and the leader is definitely Charles Woodson. The Green Bay defense relies on opportunities and Mathews is a game changer.

Jim Johnson, the defensive coordinator for years with the Philadelphia Eagles, passed away before the 2009 NFL season. Johnson's death put the vaunted Philadelphia Eagles defense in a funk for most of the NFL season and the Eagles fell in NFL Playoffs to the Dallas Cowboys.

Sean McDermott will be in his second year as the defensive coordinator and a team like the Green Bay Packers will be perfect for this teams scheme. The Eagles are a speed defense and they will be flying all over the field in this game against Rodgers. Look for the Philadelphia Eagles to get at least two interceptions on Rodgers and at least two sacks. The edge on defense goes to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Green Bay Packers -1.5 vs Philadelphia Eagles: Pick Against the Spread & Breakdown

When high powered offenses face stifling defenses the game usually turns into a grind it out game. Both quarterbacks may end up with 300 yards passing but they will be under pressure all game. The Green Bay Packers are the visiting team and when it comes to placing a bet on a close game, the home dog is almost always the pick. Take the Philadelphia Eagles +1.5 points to cover the spread and win the game straight up.

sources:

Las Vegas Hilton Superbook NFL lines Week One
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.profootballtalk.com
www.nfl.com