Packers will persevere and overcome injuries

By GERY WOELFEL

For the second straight week, the Green Bay Packer will enter a game as the underdog.

And, for the second straight week, I fully expect the Packers to prove the Vegas oddsmakers wrong.

The Packers are 2.5-point ‘dogs in their game today against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. Last Sunday, they were 1-point ‘dogs against the Chicago Bears in Chicago.

The Packers, of course, annihilated the Bears 38-20. I don’t envision the Packers beating the Falcons by 18 points, just like they did the Bears. But I do anticipate the Packers winning this game by double digits.

And that’s even with the Packers beset by injuries, including ones to arguably their best two offensive players: running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) and offensive tackle David Bakhtiari( (knee). Both are listed as questionable and likely won’t suit up for the Falcons’ game.

Yet, even if Jones and Bakhtiariand don’t play, the Packers are still the superior team. That’s especially true on defense where the Packers possess a glut of talent. That defensive talent was on full display against the Bears and it figures to be against an Atlanta offense that doesn’t inflict the fear of God into anyone.

The Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 last Sunday, no thanks to their offense. The Falcons managed just 91 yards passing, which is pathetic by today’s NFL standards. They had 221 yards in total offense, which, amazingly, was 60 yards fewer than the Panthers.

The only way the Falcons prevail today is if their stars are aligned, meaning their young studs – running back Bijan Robinson, receiver Drake London and tight Kyle Pitts – suddenly play like veterans.

That’s asking a lot, especially against a Packers team that isn’t only good but playing with a ton of confidence.

Prediction: Packers 30, Falcons 20.