The New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers will meet this Friday for a preseason clash at Lambeau Field. The showdown will be the second preseason game for each team.
New Orleans is coming off a four-point loss to the Houston Texans during their first summer contest, while the Packers fell to the San Francisco 49ers this past Friday on the back of three Jordan Love interceptions.
What should you expect during this Week 2 NFL preseason matchup? Let’s look at current New Orleans vs Green Bay betting lines and determine the best bets to make this week.
Saints vs Packers Odds
The Packers are currently a three-point favorite as the home team, making this game with the Saints an even matchup in the eyes of the sportsbooks. As of Monday, the Over/Under is set at 39 points, which is about average among Week 2 preseason games.
Be sure to check out our NFL odds for up-to-date betting lines on NFL preseason action.
Saints vs Packers Implied Score
Packers 21, Saints 18
Sportsbooks expect a tight, low-scoring game between the Packers and Saints. This is common during preseason games due to the absence of regular starters. As a result, expect a modest game total.
Saints vs Packers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Saints vs Packers bet below.
Saints vs Packers Matchup
During the Packers’ loss to the 49ers, quarterback Love played 46 snaps (65%) compared to Danny Etling, who was in for 25 (35%). Love completed 13 passes on 24 attempts for 176 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Green Bay surrendered 20 first-half points to the 49ers and fell short of mounting a comeback with a final score of 28-21. The 23-year-old displayed obvious ball control issues, but the Green Bay offense did show positive signs after posting 19 first downs and 437 total yards, including a fantastic back shoulder toss by Love to Danny Davis for a touchdown.
A standout on offense for Green Bay, other than Davis, was rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who tallied three catches on eight targets for 45 yards and a touchdown. However, the Nevada product did surrender two drops during the contest.
Expect the Cheeseheads to spread the ball around against the Saints after hitting seven different wideouts for at least two receptions during their last game.
On the other hand, New Orleans quarterback Ian Book played in all but one series against the Texans. The second-year quarterback struggled mightily, completing 15-of-22 passes with an interception, fumble, and five sacks. Veteran Andy Dalton started the game, going a perfect 5-for-5 for 51 yards.
The only touchdown for the Saints was provided by 28-year-old running back Dwayne Washington, who caught all three of his targets for 18 yards. Rookie Abram Smith led the New Orleans backfield with seven carries for 30 yards but also fumbled during the process.
A player to watch may be wideout Dai’Jean Dixon, who led the Saints with three catches for 33 yards. The undrafted free agent has a chance to climb the depth chart due to his size and speed.
Saints vs Packers Prediction
Packers 24, Saints 17
If New Orleans plans to leave Dalton on the bench for the second week in a row, the Packers should have the edge with offensive playmakers.
There will likely be plenty of miscues on both sides of the field, but with the home crowd behind them, Green Bay should be able to secure the victory at Lambeau Field.
Saints vs Packers Bet Tips
The Packers have lost their last four preseasons games. However, Green Bay scored just 21 points in their previous three before matching that total in one contest against the 49ers.
New Orleans has lost two of their last three preseason bouts while averaging 17 points per game over that stretch.
Saints vs Packers Best Bets
Over 39 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
The Packers put 21 points on the board against the 49ers despite several big mistakes from their quarterback. A few big plays from Davis, Doubs, and Love should allow the Cheeseheads to make lightning strike drives at home.
New Orleans also has a track record of putting up around two touchdowns per game in the preseason, which should provide plenty of support to hit the Over this Friday, making this our NFL pick of the day.
Packers -3 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
As mentioned above, if New Orleans plans to sit Dalton for a majority of the game, Green Bay has the edge at quarterback. I expect mistakes to be made, but the Packers have the big-play ability to move the chains quickly.
Expect a close game with the Packers slowly pulling away in the second half.
