With Jones expected back, the Packers will get back on track

By GERY WOELFEL

There has been plenty of parity in the NFL in recent years.

But the line between winning and losing has never been thinner this season.

Just peruse the standings and you can’t help but notice there isn’t one undefeated team – and the season has barely begun.

Another example of the NFL’s competitive balance is the Green Bay Packers’ schedule to date. In their five previous games, the point spread in any of those games was never more than three points.

In three of those games, the difference in the final score was four or fewer points. In two of those games, the difference was one point: The Packers beat New Orleans 18-17 and lost to Atlanta 25-24.

Today, the Packers play the Broncos in the Mile High City and, surprise, surprise, the odds-makers expect yet another tight game. The Packers are 1-point favorites.

That point spread, to this veteran scribe, is shocking. After all, the Broncos are in total disarray and off to the worst start in franchise history.

What’s more, the Broncos rank last in the NFL in defense, allowing an insane 440.3 yards per game. They are also dead last against the run, yielding a ridiculous 172.3 yards per game.

Which brings us to Aaron Jones, the Packers’ talented all-around running back. He’s only played two games this season because of a hamstring injury.

But Jones, whose importance to the Packers’ offense can’t be overstated, is expected to play today and figures to jump-start the team’s anemic offense.

So, while the odds-makers peg the Packers to win a close game, I envision the Packers to easily cover the spread.

Prediction: Packers 24, Broncos 13.