2012 NFL Picks: Green Bay Packers Over/Under Odds, Schedule, NFC and Super Bowl Odds

2012 NFL Team Predictions: Green Bay Packers Vegas Over/Under Odds, Schedule and Forecast:The Green Bay Packers were rolling last season. Fresh off a Super Bowl title, they flirted with an undefeated season and ultimately finished 15-1, winning the NFC North and compiling the best record in the NFL. Back-to-back championships seemed almost inevitable at times, but another title run ended before it really even began. Green Bay lost to the eventual champion New York Giants in the divisional round of the playoffs, and after losing just one game during the regular season, the Packers exited the postseason without winning a game. It was no doubt a bitter end to a promising year, but with a high-powered offense still intact, don’t close the window on a possible Green Bay dynasty just yet.

At the center of the offensive attack is quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The defending MVP had arguably the most efficient season ever by QB. He finished the year with 45 touchdowns compared to just six interceptions, posting by far the highest quarterback rating in the league. Rodgers has a cannon for an arm and is deadly accurate, and his ability move around outside the pocket adds an almost-unfair dimension to his game. Since becoming a starter, his average season has been 4,259 yards and 33 touchdowns. As long as he is under center, the Packers’ offense is dangerous.

While Rodgers it the biggest reason that Green Bay led the NFL in scoring last year, the fact that he has plenty of weapons at his disposal doesn’t hurt. Receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson both have big play speed, and tight end Jermichael Finley is one of the most athletic players at his position. Veteran receivers Donald Driver and James Jones are reliable targets, as well, and second-year receiver Randall Cobb should only see his role expand after being one of the top kick returners in the game as a rookie. In short, this offense is loaded, and with veteran center Jeff Saturday brought in to bolster an improving offense line, the Packers should easily approach or even exceed their 35.0 points per game average from a year ago.

Of course, the reason that Green Bay wasn’t able to repeat as champs was because of its defense. The unit ranked in the bottom half of the league in scoring defense, allowing more than 22 points a game. The Packers did actually lead the NFL with 31 interceptions last year, but that stat is deceiving. Green Bay allowed more passing yards than any other team last year, and teams threw the ball so much against the Packers’ struggling secondary that they had added opportunities to make a few big plays. The pass rush was equally at fault, and the Packers tied for third-fewest sacks in the league last year. In attempt to fix the issue in 2012, Green Bay drafted defensive end Jerel Worthy and outside linebacker Nick Perry. Both players were strong pass rushers in college, and they should provide an immediate boost. If Green Bay can get more pressure on opposing QBs this season, the secondary will also improve by default.

As if this team needed help compiling a solid record, Green Bay has the NFC West and AFC South on their schedule, which will more than offset the fact that the Packers play in one of the better divisions in the NFL. Granted, playing in the NFC North and all the defending division winners will make an undefeated season difficult, but a division title is well within Green Bay’s reach. In fact, Rodgers and company have enough offense firepower to challenge for the best record in the conference. If the defense can improve, another Super Bowl run could be on tap for the Packers.

Prediction: 12-4, NFC North Champs

2012 Green Bay Packers Odds
Odds to Win Super Bowl: +580
Vegas Team Wins Over/Under Odds: 11.5 Wins
Odds to Win NFC North: -300
Odds to Win NFC: 3/1

2012 Green Bay Packers Weekly Schedule
DATE OPPONENT TV
09/09/2012 vs San Francisco N/A
09/13/2012 vs Chicago N/A
09/24/2012 at Seattle N/A
09/30/2012 vs New Orleans N/A
10/07/2012 at Indianapolis N/A
10/14/2012 at Houston N/A
10/21/2012 at St. Louis N/A
10/28/2012 vs Jacksonville N/A
11/04/2012 vs Arizona N/A
11/18/2012 at Detroit N/A
11/25/2012 at NY Giants N/A
12/02/2012 vs Minnesota N/A
12/09/2012 vs Detroit N/A
12/16/2012 at Chicago N/A
12/23/2012 vs Tennessee N/A
12/30/2012 at Minnesota N/A

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