Green Bay Packers Favored By 13 At Home Against Denver Broncos Sunday

October 2, 2011 – By Scott

 

 

Despite being undefeated this season, defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay has been in some tight games.  After winning their opener, a 42-34 shootout with the New Orleans Saints, they needed a come-from-behind win over Carolina the following week.  In these two wins, their defense was exposed as they gave up at least 475 yards of total offense.

 

They rebounded defensively against the Chicago Bears in Week 3 as they held the Bears to just 291 total yards in their 27-17 win.  Now on Sunday, they host the Denver Broncos who have been in some close games of their own.

 

The Broncos (1-2) have all three of their games decided by three points or less and head coach John Fox has been under scrutiny for some his play calling.  In last Sunday’s 17-14 loss to Tennessee, the Broncos had the ball with fourth down from close to the one foot line and leading 14-10 when Fox decided to go for it instead of getting the field goal.  Willis McGahee was stopped on the play and the Titans rallied to get the 17-14 win.

 

“Every play is a consideration,” Fox said. “When they work, you’re a genius and when they don’t, you’re an idiot.”

Fox isn’t the only one under scrutiny.  The fans have been screaming for Tim Tebow after the sub-par play of quarterback Kyle Orton.  In Sunday’s loss, Orton was not effective and passed for just 173 yards and threw two picks.  Now, they head into Green Bay hoping to turn things around and gain back the support of the Bronco faithful.

The Packers have been very effective through the air offensively behind the play of Aaron Rodgers.  However, they might be hindered on the ground against Denver as running back Ryan Grant has been ruled out with with a bruised kidney.  This hurts as the Broncos have held their last two opponents to a combined 110 yards rushing.  James Starks will carry the load Sunday with Grant being out.

In his career, Orton has had success against the Packers while with the Bears and is 3-1 lifetime as a starter against Green Bay.  However, he is with the Broncos now who are looking to get their record at .500.

NFL Football Betting Lines have tagged Green Bay favored by 13 over Denver on Sunday afternoon.  The OVER/UNDER in points is set at 46 1/2.