The Week 7 matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos presents an opportunity for either team to snap a two-game losing streak. And both have had plenty of time to digest their most recent setback, with the Packers (3-2) coming back from their bye and the Broncos (1-5) playing last Thursday night. These similarities are probably why Green Bay is a small favorite.

Advertisement

Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High. CBS will handle the broadcast.

Nothing has gone right for the Broncos in Sean Payton’s first season as head coach. Denver has lost big (by 50 points to Miami in Week 3) and painfully close a few times, and the Broncos’ only victory so far is by three points against the 1-5 Chicago Bears.

Much of the criticism has been directed towards quarterback Russell Wilson, but he’s among the league leaders in touchdown passes (12) and has thrown just four interceptions. The problem is that Wilson’s mistakes (he also has lost two fumbles) have come at the worst possible times, and he’s made several other head-scratching decisions.

Ideally, the ball wouldn’t be in Wilson’s hands as much as it’s been – especially since he’s getting sacked an average of three times per game – but the running game hasn’t produced many big plays. Even though undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin has been a pleasant surprise, averaging 6.6 yards per carry in limited action, the Broncos have just one rushing touchdown so far. Green Bay’s defense has been particularly generous against the run, giving up 143.4 yards per game (28th in the NFL), so this is as good a game as any to try and get more out of McLaughlin and Javonte Williams.

As for the Packers, coach Matt LaFleur hopes the bye gave his players a chance to reset and refocus. No one needed a break more than quarterback Jordan Love. Faced with the unenviable task of trying to fill Aaron Rodgers’ shoes, Love got off to a terrific start, throwing six touchdown passes with no interceptions in the first two games, but has struggled since. He tossed five interceptions total in back-to-back losses to Detroit and Las Vegas and enters this game ranked 29th in the league in passer rating.

Love has gotten even less support from his backfield than Wilson. Injuries at the running back position and to the offensive line have contributed, but the reality is that Green Bay is 27th in rushing offense (81.6 yards per game). The bye offered some time to rest and recover, so perhaps Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will look more like they did last season when they combined for more than 1,800 rushing yards.

Advertisement

Fortunately for the Packers, Denver is dead last in the NFL against the run. The Broncos are coughing up 172.3 rushing yards per game, nearly 30 yards more than Green Bay. This is one game where staying grounded may not be the worst strategy.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Buy them here.

What are the odds for Packers vs. Broncos?

Storylines for Packers vs. Broncos

How Jordan Love and the Packers offense can get back on track

Broncos’ plan for Jerry Jeudy should coincide with expanded role for Marvin Mims

Expert picks for Packers vs. Broncos

(Photo of Matt LaFluer and Jordan Love: Ian Maule/Getty Images)