NFL Wild Card Playoff Picks: Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Wild Card Playoff Picks: Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles

by Jack Chambers for Wannamakeabet.com

Date: Sunday, January 12, 2025
Time: 8:15 PM ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Broadcast: NBC, Peacock
Spread: Eagles -6.5
Total: 46.5

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Game Overview

The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles meet in a highly anticipated Wild Card showdown under the bright lights of Sunday night. The Packers, led by the emerging Jordan Love, have returned to playoff form after a season of rebuilding. Meanwhile, the Eagles, spearheaded by MVP-candidate Jalen Hurts, who is coming back for the first time since a concussion three weeks ago, are looking to replicate last year’s playoff dominance.

Both teams bring unique strengths to the table: the Eagles boast one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, while the Packers lean on a mix of youth, veteran leadership, and Matt LaFleur’s dynamic play-calling.

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Team Breakdowns

Green Bay Packers

• Offensive Strengths:
  Jordan Love has matured into a capable starter, benefiting from the development of a young receiver corps featuring Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Tight end Luke Musgrave has been a key weapon in critical situations, while Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon provide a balanced and effective backfield tandem.
• Defensive Strengths:
  The Packers’ defense, anchored by Jaire Alexander and Rashan Gary, has been opportunistic all year. Green Bay thrives on creating turnovers and applying pressure with a versatile front seven. However, stopping the run remains a concern.  And run the Eagles will with Saquan Barkley, who nearly ran for 2,000 yards this season.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Offensive Strengths:
  Jalen Hurts continues to dazzle with his dual-threat capabilities, orchestrating a high-octane offense that features A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as primary targets. Tight end Dallas Goedert adds an additional layer of reliability, and D’Andre Swift has brought explosiveness to the run game.  And the anchor in the backfield, Saquan Barkely, ices the cake of this team of offensive weapons.
• Defensive Strengths:
  The Eagles’ defensive line, led by Haason Reddick and Jalen Carter, has been relentless. They rank among the league leaders in sacks and disruptions. Philadelphia’s secondary, while strong, has occasionally struggled against quick-passing attacks, leaving an opening for Green Bay’s play-action game.  But the secondary is excellent and has prevented the deep ball all season long.

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Key Matchups

1. Jalen Hurts vs. Packers’ Pass Rush
   Hurts’ mobility will test the Packers’ front seven. Rashan Gary and Preston Smith must generate pressure while maintaining containment to prevent Hurts from breaking loose for big gains on scrambles.
2. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon vs. Eagles’ Front Seven
   Establishing the run is critical for Green Bay to stay competitive. Philadelphia’s interior defenders, including Jordan Davis and Fletcher Cox, will look to dominate the line of scrimmage and force the Packers into passing situations.
3. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith vs. Packers’ Secondary
   Jaire Alexander will likely shadow A.J. Brown, but containing both Brown and Smith is a tall order for Green Bay’s secondary. Big plays in the passing game could tilt the balance in favor of the Eagles.
4. Jordan Love vs. Eagles’ Pass Rush
   Love’s ability to process quickly and avoid mistakes under pressure will be crucial against an Eagles front that can overwhelm even elite quarterbacks.

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Betting Angles

Spread: Eagles -6.5

The Eagles are the favorites at home, where they have been dominant in recent seasons. While Green Bay has shown resilience, Philadelphia’s offensive efficiency and defensive firepower give them the edge.  When the Packers have faced offenses like this (read: Detroit Lions) it did not go well for them.

• Lean: Eagles -6.5

Total: 46.5

This game has the potential for points if both offenses execute effectively. However, the Packers may struggle to keep pace with the Eagles if Philadelphia’s defense asserts itself early.

• Lean: Under 46.5

Prop Bets to Consider

• Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown Scorer (-110): Hurts’ ability to find the end zone with his legs is a consistent factor.
• A.J. Brown Over 85.5 Receiving Yards (-115): Brown’s physicality and route running make him a mismatch for most defenders, even Jaire Alexander.
• Jordan Love Over 0.5 Interceptions (-125): The Eagles’ pass rush and opportunistic secondary increase the likelihood of Love making a mistake.
• Aaron Jones Over 55.5 Rushing Yards (-110): Jones remains a focal point of the Packers’ offense and is likely to see significant touches.

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Prediction

The Eagles’ talent, home-field advantage, and postseason experience make them the clear favorites in this matchup. While the Packers have enough firepower to keep it close, Jalen Hurts’ poise and playmaking ability will ultimately carry Philadelphia to victory.  The Packers will have to play a perfect game and turn Philly over more than once if they are going to get the win here.

Final Score Prediction: Eagles 30, Packers 20

Best Bets:

• Eagles -6.5
• Over 46.5
• Jalen Hurts Anytime Touchdown Scorer
• A.J. Brown Over 85.5 Receiving Yards

Wild Card Playoff Picks: Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles