NFL Picks: Week 3 Saints vs Packers

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The Week 3 matchup on the NFL Schedule promises an enthralling encounter between the New Orleans Saints and the Green Bay Packers. Both teams come into this game with something to prove, and with the storied history and competitive spirit each franchise carries, this game is expected to be nothing short of a nail-biter.

BUSR NFL Lines

Spread: Saints +2 (-110), Packers -2 (-110) 

Moneyline: Saints +106, Packers -129

Total: O 42.5 (-110), U 42.5 (-110) 

Injured Saints

The New Orleans Saints have certainly made their mark early in the season. They are among the top three undefeated teams in the NFC South. Their opening week victory against the Titans was a confident start, which they later accentuated with a resounding Monday Night Football triumph over the Panthers. The Saints have been showcasing the kind of football that makes fans hopeful of a deep playoff run.

But all is not rosy for the Saints. The recent injury of Jamaal Williams on Monday Night Football is a significant setback. And while there’s curiosity about how long he will stay on the NFL Injury Report, the absence of Alvin Kamara, who won’t return until after Week 3, adds to their woes. However, the silver lining in this cloudy sky has been Tony Jones Jr. His twin touchdowns against the Panthers are a testament to his potential. Further, the team sees Taysom Hill leading the rushing charts with 12 carries and 79 yards. 

Derek Carr’s transition as the new quarterback for the Saints has been steady. While he hasn’t posted jaw-dropping numbers, he has effectively orchestrated two wins. The duo of Michael Thomas and Chris Olave has provided Carr with reliable receiving options. With Olave nearing the 200-yard mark and Thomas being Carr’s preferred choice, there’s an air of optimism about the Saints’ passing game developing as the season goes on. The challenging road lies ahead for the Saints as they face a daunting schedule, with four of their next five games being away fixtures.

Green Bay’s Home Opener 

On the other side of the field, the Packers are navigating the post-Aaron Rodgers era. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, especially with their offense averaging 31 points per game, putting them in the elite company of the second-highest in the league. The young quarterback, Jordan Love, seems to be finding his rhythm, already having six touchdown throws in just two games. The void left by Aaron Jones in Week Two was felt, but his stellar performance in the opener against the Bears hints at his pivotal role in the Packers’ scheme of things. AJ Dillon, with his 28 carries in two games, is proving to be a valuable asset as well.

The Packers are gearing up for their first home game of the 2023 season, with the Lions scheduled to visit them in the subsequent week. Predicting Green Bay’s trajectory is a bit tricky at this juncture, largely due to the unpredictability surrounding Jordan Love’s consistency.

Prediction 

Delving into the intricacies of this matchup and BUSR’s NFL Odds, the game promises a plethora of storylines. Derek Carr, despite his steady performances, hasn’t had a breakout game for the Saints yet. This matchup against the Packers might just offer him that chance. The Packers’ defense, having faced Justin Fields and Desmond Ridder, hasn’t truly been tested against a quarterback with a propensity to pass like Carr. This could be the differential the Saints are looking for. I’d bet on the Saints to cover the +2 spread and probably keep their streak alive. 

Given the current dynamics and form of both teams, it feels like the Saints might just have the edge in this contest. Their potential to strike early and maintain a lead looks promising. Keeping all factors in consideration, it seems prudent to back the Saints to cover the spread. All in all, football aficionados are in for a treat with this enticing showdown in the National Football League’s Week 3.