Packers poised for revenge
It's tough to overshadow the NFL's best running back, but Adrian Peterson almost seems to be an invisible man at the moment.
The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers meet Sunday at Lambeau Field in the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers sequel. It's more about Favre and his grudge against the Packers, but Rodgers surely wants to avoid getting swept by the graybeard who once blocked his path to becoming a starter.
While waffling on his retirement decision, Favre showed little respect for Rodgers, who is maturing into one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Rodgers and Favre have put up nearly identical passing numbers this season. Rodgers ranks second in the league in passer rating (110.8) behind Indianapolis' Peyton Manning.
What's most impressive is Rodgers has thrown only two interceptions despite weak protection from his offensive line. He has been sacked a league-high 25 times, including eight sacks in the Packers' 30-23 loss at Minnesota on Oct. 5.
In the first meeting, Green Bay's defense concentrated on stopping Peterson and held him to a season-low 55 yards on 25 carries. The result: Favre won the game with his arm.
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers will show Favre a different and more effective scheme this time. Green Bay's defense, ranking No. 3 overall and No. 4 against the pass, is improving under Capers.
The counter argument to the Packers' recent success is they have whipped up on weaklings Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis.
The Vikings have been more impressive against better opponents. But they again will miss Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield, who is out with an injured right foot.
If the Packers protect Rodgers better, he has the wideouts to hit the Minnesota defense for big plays.
Peterson is the wild card; he can turn a game by himself. But I'll look for Rodgers to get his revenge against Favre as the Packers get a close cover as 3-point favorites.
We're seeing line inflation on a few games this week. But I have no interest in betting against the Colts or on the Oakland Raiders.
The Colts are 121/2-point favorites over San Francisco, after Las Vegas Sports Consultants sent out 91/2 as the suggested opening line. San Diego is a 17-point favorite over Oakland, and the LVSC opener was 141/2.
Four more plays for Week 8 (Home team in CAPS):
• RAVENS (-31/2) over Broncos: In the NFL, it's all about when you play an opponent, and this is a bad time to play Baltimore after its three straight tough-luck losses. The Broncos were rolling, and the bye week might disrupt their rhythm. Denver's defense should keep this tight, and laying 31/2 is dangerous, but the situation calls for a play on the Ravens.
• Rams (+4) over LIONS: It's too odd to see Detroit, 1-22 in its past 23 games, favored by more than a field goal. St. Louis' Steven Jackson continues to run hard and is third in the league in yards rushing with 635. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson might not play.
• Giants (Pick) over EAGLES: The Giants are 21-6 straight up in their past 27 road games and have covered four straight at Philadelphia. Eli Manning is slumping, but the Giants are due to get it together after back-to-back losses. New York's defensive line will pressure unreliable Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb.
• Falcons (+101/2) over SAINTS: This is a real gamble, but I think Atlanta is an underrated team. There's only one other reason to bet against Drew Brees and the streaking Saints, 6-0 straight up and against the spread. The LVSC opening line was 71/2, so the underdog is getting a few extra points, and that might be enough.
Last week: 3-1-1 against the spread
Season: 17-17-1
Las Vegas Review-Journal sports writer Matt Youmans can be reached at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.
