SNF Week 3: Packers vs. Saints odds, preview & prediction

After bossing consecutive division opponents in the Vikings and Lions to start the year, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will head to New Orleans to take on Drew Brees and the Saints this Sunday night (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC).

Can Green Bay build on their momentum, or will New Orleans overcome a stunning Monday night loss in Las Vegas? Let’s take a look.

Rodgers continues to compile eye-popping stats

The Packers’ recent victories owe plenty to the arm of Aaron Rodgers. He’s gone 50-for-74 (67.6 percent) through the air this year for 604 yards (8.2 yards per attempt) with a 6-0 touchdown-interception ratio. Only Russell Wilson has thrown more touchdown passes that Rodgers through two weeks (nine). The Saints’ pass rush can be intimidating, but Rodgers has been the beneficiary of an improved Packers O-line that’s surrendered just one sack through two games.

Jones adds balance to Pack attack

Green Bay tailback Aaron Jones is the NFL’s leading rusher through two weeks with 234 yards gained on the ground. He’s averaging 6.9 yards per carry, trailing only Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (7.5) heading into Week 3.

Saints stoppers looked shaky against Raiders

A week after flustering Tom Brady and the new-look Buccaneers, New Orleans’ defense was torched by Derek Carr and the Raiders in the first-ever game played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Raiders tight end Darren Waller tallied 12 receptions for 103 yards in his team’s 34-24 victory.

Sloppy penalties cost the Saints dearly in Week 2, as they incurred 10 infractions for 129 yards. Add in the six penalties and 112 yards from Week 1, and New Orleans has been the second-most penalized team in the league through two weeks (trailing only Arizona) with the most penalty yards against.

Top targets Thomas, Adams nursing injuries

Saints wide-out Michael Thomas suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 and he has not played or practiced since. Packers wide-out Davante Adams (hamstring) is "uncertain" to suit up for Week 3.

Trends favor the underdog and the Over

September has been kind to the Packers of late, as they’ve covered in six of their last seven games played in the first month of the season. But while their offense usually hums along early, their defense does not, as the Over is 21-7 in Green Bay’s last 28 September tilts.

Bettors should also note that the Saints are 4-9 against the spread in their last 13 games as a home favorite. Additionally, the Over is 10-4 in New Orleans’ last 14 September contests.

Predicted score: Packers 30, Saints 27

NFL pick: Packers spread