Saints (2-0) at Packers (1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Packers by 2
Saints’ keys to victory: Create big plays and lean on the run game. The Saints had four players with a reception of at least 20 yards in Week 1 and 236 receiving yards in Week 2. They possess the playmakers in the passing game to create more big plays. Chris Olave is the primary target for Derek Carr but Rashid Shaheed and Juwan Johnson can be big-play creators. Can the Saints rely more on their running game? The Packers just allowed 211 rushing yards to Bijan Robinson and the Falcons. Former Packers RB Jamaal Williams returns to Lambeau Field as the Saints’ lead back.
Packers’ keys to victory: Win the turnover and protect/pressure battles. The Packers haven’t turned the ball over this season, so playing clean on offense remains a priority. The defense must find ways of disrupting the Saints and producing a takeaway or two, especially in the second half. The Packers failed to convert one takeaway into points in the first half and got no turnovers in the second half of Week 2. At the line of scrimmage, the Packers need to keep Jordan Love comfortable in the pocket while also pressuring Derek Carr enough to keep the Saints from long drives and explosive plays.
Matchup to watch: Saints WR Olave vs. Packers CB Jaire Alexander. Olave is one of the most productive young pass catchers. Alexander has a history of erasing receivers as a shutdown corner.
Who wins? The Saints are coming off a short week and playing a second consecutive road game, giving the Packers an advantage in their home opener.
Packers 24-21