Until recently, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But numbers don’t lie, and over the last 12 months, Rodgers’s stats have dipped to average. Will his struggles continue, or will he regain his past form?
What’s With Mr. Rodgers?
Since Week 7 of last season, something has been off with Aaron Rodgers. Entering last Sunday, he had compiled a meager 83.6 quarterback rating over the previous 16 games, which is a far cry from his previous ratings of 101 or higher for six straight seasons. He hasn’t passed for more than 300 yards in a game in 12 straight contests.
More concerning are the turnovers. In that 12-game span, Rodgers has tossed 10 interceptions, which is a big jump considering he hasn’t thrown for 10 or more in a full season since 2011. We’ll see if he can get back to his old ways on Thursday when the Packers host the Chicago Bears. Green Bay is an 8-point favourite as we go to press.
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets: Matchup of Slumping Teams
The Jets have started the season 1-5, but their schedule up to now has been arguably the most challenging. Their schedule is beginning to lighten up; their next four games are against teams at or below .500, starting with the Baltimore Ravens this week.
The Ravens are also looking to get back on track. They started the season 3-0, but have now lost three straight games by a combined 11 points. This is a critical showdown for two teams trying to change their trajectory. Neither team is laying points for this match; the game is currently a pick.
Steelers Continue to Fall Short
In the last three years of the Mike Tomlin era, the Pittsburgh Steelers have frequently looked like Super Bowl contenders, but have consistently fallen short. This season, the Steelers are 4-2 SU and ATS and were blown out in road games in Philadelphia and Miami – two games where the Steelers were favoured to win. Now those losses have been compounded by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s injury; he’s expected to miss four-to-six weeks.
The Steelers are 7.5-point home underdogs to the New England Patriots this week, and hit the road to face the Baltimore Ravens the following week. After their bye, they’ll showdown with the red-hot Dallas Cowboys. It’ll be an uphill battle for the Steelers.
Important Injuries
Ben Roethlisberger (PIT): The Steelers’ starting quarterback is out this week after tearing his meniscus. He’s now expected to miss four-to-six weeks. Landry Jones will start in Roethlisberger’s place.
Jordan Reed (WAS): Reed missed last week’s game due to a concussion. The Redskins tight end has now suffered at least six concussions in his NFL career and may miss this week’s game versus the Detroit Lions.
Eddie Lacy (GB): The Packers have a running back situation. Lacy is expected to miss multiple weeks, and backup James Starks is already out, too. Green Bay acquired KC Chiefs Knile Davis, who’s now the Packers’ only healthy running back.
*Odds as of October 19, 2016