Packers vs. Falcons: NFL Week 2 Odds & Picks (2023)
Make sure to check in with BettingPros throughout the year for top picks and predictions for each and every NFL game. Our writers dive into their favorite picks and predictions for every remaining game on this weekend’s NFL slate. And let’s take a closer look at Packers vs. Falcons.
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NFL Week 1 Odds, Picks & Predictions: Packers vs. Falcons
Both teams are riding high, coming off of impressive Week 1 wins over divisional rivals. And while Packers QB Jordan Love was solid in his first start as the guy in Green Bay, I’m not ready to anoint him as the next coming of Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre just yet. Love benefitted from not only a tremendous gameplan but from playing against what could be one of the league’s worst defenses in Chicago. Atlanta’s defense should prove to be more formidable. In addition, this is schematically a bad matchup for the Packers’ defense that’s historically struggled against the run. Chicago still managed to average 4.2 yards per rush, and this Packers D allowed opponents to rush for five yards a carry a season ago, and that’s partially by design. If we learned anything in Week 1, it’s that Arthur Smith wants to win with his running game. And Atlanta’s offensive line should control the line of scrimmage far better than Chicago’s did. Throw in the fact that Aaron Jones, Green Bay’s most important offensive player, could miss the game with a hamstring injury. The Packers offense won’t have nearly as much explosiveness with AJ Dillon taking the lead, and an inability to establish the running game could put Love in more dire situations. This line has flipped in Atlanta’s favor, and I’d still take Atlanta at -1.5 or better.
Pick: Falcons -1.5 (-110)
-Matt Barbato
What is Betting Against the Spread?
Betting "against the spread" refers to the act of choosing the winning team based on a numeric handicap placed on the team that oddsmakers believe is superior, rather than picking the outright winner. For example, if the Rams face the Bengals, and oddsmakers set the spread at Rams -3.5, you would need Los Angeles to win by 4 or more points in order to cash your Rams bet.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Over/Under is a wager based on how many points you think will be scored in a specific game. Oddsmakers set the total, and bettors decide whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number. If an Over/Under is set at 44.5 points and you bet Over, you will need the combined score of both teams to be 45 points or higher to win your bet.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific matchup. The moneyline favorite carries a minus designation, like -130. This means that you need to wager $130 to earn a $100 profit. Conversely, the underdog carries a plus designation, like +110. This means that you win $110 in profit on a $100 bet.
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