NFL WEEK 4
GREG COTE'S THURSDAY PICK
EAGLES (1-2) at PACKERS (3-0)
Here's why all that hand-wringing about Dolphins tanking and No. 1 pick is wasted effort
Line: GB by 4.
Cote's pick: GB 23-16.
TV: 8:20 p.m. Thursday, Fox/NFL.
Desperate Eagles coming off two consecutive losses and unbeaten Packers at Lambeau suggests a Week 4 kickoff worthy of your eyeballs. The need-it-more factor is clearly in Philly's corner if you attach much weight to that sort of intangible stuff, and it could be why the point spread fell from 4 {. But most everything else more quantifiable points to Aaron Rodgers and the Gee Bees. Pack's stout pass defense and a rush that already has produced 12 sacks should make it a struggle for Carson Wentz. Especially because he will likely be missing DeSean Jackson (groin) again, and have Alshon Jeffery (calf) at less than 100% even if he plays. And the burden on Wentz is only underlined by Philly's mediocre ground game. I would shy away from an over/under (45) that could be volatile, but feel pretty good about Mr. Rodgers in his neighborhood covering a modest point spread.
