NFL Thursday night football: Hot Packers, unbeaten Cardinals, Rodgers vs. Murray. Our pick | Opinion
NFL WEEK 8
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
PACKERS (6-1) at CARDINALS (7-0)
Line: ARI by 6 1/2.
Cote’s pick: ARI 27-23.
TV: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Fox/NFL.
The Game of the Week kicks off NFL Week 8 on Thursday night as King Sport closes in on midseason. And guess who’s gonna be stayin’ up past bedtime to watch? The Dolphins’ old 1972 Perfectos, that’s who! Because Arizona — the last unbeaten team — confronts defeat against Aaron Rodgers, who has led the Pack to nine wins in a row in prime time. Alas, don’t get your hopes up, Bob Griese, et. al. The Cardbirds are legit. They are No. 2 in scoring and give up the third-fewest points. Kyler Murray is an MVP candidate, and that secondary will really test Rodgers -- especially with top receiver Davante Adams in COVID protocol and almost certain to miss this game. (Same with GB defensive coordinator Joe Barry and WR Allen Lazard). I don’t see 17-0 for Zona — they still must play Rams and Cowboys among other toughies) and a loss here would not shock at all. But Cards have beaten Gee Bees four of past five in the desert, and this is the best ARI iteration yet. Point spread feels plump, though. Pack has covered in each of its six straight wins. Trust Aaron, who loves the lights, to do it again.
[Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of midday Wednesday. Picks for remainder of Week 8 games will appear online Thursday afternoon and in print Friday].
