Green Bay Packers: Mitch Mansfields' "Go-To Gamble Of The Week"

Guaranteed Gamble of the Week Record: 1 - 0

 

It’s time for this week’s “Go To Gamble of The Week.”  No teasers or parlays to complicate things, my gambles are those of the life altering variety.  One of those, “Here are my car keys, deed to my house, and 20 year contract to my wife’s vagina, I want San Diego -3… let’s do this shit!”

With round 1 of the playoffs, this weeks’ “Go To Gamble of The Week” may seem like a tough one, but its not—I am definitely going with a road team.  The NFL has become a league where it has been well documented that home field advantage is overrated, so I am taking the +3 Vegas gives all road teams and running.

Of all the road teams, I love the Packers the most.  A young, mobile gunslinger with enough experience and swagger to handle the pressure, a solid D, and decent running game pitted against one of the most schizophrenic teams in NFL history.

Sure, The Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals may show up at any moment like last year, but with an ailing Bolding, another year older Warner, and a struggling running game, I’m betting not.  Momentum is a large part of the playoffs, and no one is peaking better than the Packers.  The Chargers likely have peaked too soon (ala the 2008 Indianapolis Colts), leaving the Packers as the most realistically dangerous opponent.

With Rodgers at the helm, the Packers are the No. 5 passing offense in the league, and can throw the rock at will to the equally dynamic duo of Jennings and Driver.  Meanwhile, the Cardinals are ranked No. 23 in the league against the pass. Obviously, not ideal for Arizona.

In the end, it really comes down to Rodgers.  Along with Phillip Rivers, they are clearly the next generation of elite level NFL quarterbacks, and with this ideal first round match up he is poised to take his resume to the next level.  Take the Packers road pick-em, and otherwise enjoy this weekends NFL playoff magic.

Book it.

For more Mitch Mansfield articles go to www.shotsfromthewatercooler.com.