This upcoming edition of Thursday Night Football (TNF) in America will feature the Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) vs. the Green Bay Packers (3-0). Oddsmakers favor the Green Bay Packers (-5) at home versus the injury-prone Eagles.
Oh, the difference an offseason can make. Last year the Philadelphia Eagles were defending their 2018 Super Bowl title and looked like they could pull off a repeat until they were stopped short in the playoffs by Drew Brees and company. Last year the Packers were hoping to make the playoffs but to no avail.
The 2019-20 season so far has not been good for the Eagles who have suffered several critical injuries. There are currently 12 Eagles listed on their injury report going into week four. The Packers have fared better with their perfect start, but also have 14 players listed on their injury report.
The Eagles only win so far this season was over the 0-3 Washington Redskins, and they only pulled that game off by 5 points. The Eagles will need to pull things together really quick as their schedule gets a lot tougher in coming weeks. After the Packers, the Eagles next few games will include the Jets, Vikings, Cowboys, Bills, Bears, a bye week, and then the Patriots. If they play like they have been playing, they could easily be 2-8 after those games.
The Packers have shown great resilience despite being riddled with injuries themselves. This year the Packers have a new coach, a healthy quarterback, and a perfect 3-0 record going into week 4. Last year the Packers had to deal with the Rodgers / McCarthy feud which resulted in the team missing the playoffs for the second year in a row.
This year is the first NFL season since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was struck down and states have enacted sports betting laws. So far 16 states have enacted domestic sports betting laws while another 20+ have considered it or are in the process of passing new laws.
Only two states have enacted state laws that coincide with federal gambling laws allowing 18+ bettors to wager on sports; Rhode Island, and Montana. Other states require bettors to be over the age of 21.
Online sportsbooks are not allowed to offer state-regulated services across state lines. US residents looking to bet on these games will either have to travel to states that provide the service our use offshore sportsbooks that cater to US residents. Offshore sportsbooks typically tend to have more betting options and more favorable game lines. Betting on the Super Bowl or other NFL games online is legal under the current framework.
Thursday Night Football Odds via Bovada:
Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers
Spread: Green Bay -5 (-105), Philadelphia +5 (-105)
Win: Green Bay -230, Philadelphia +190
Total: Green Bay U45.5 (-110), Philadelphia O45.5 (-110)