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After an impressive 3-0 start to the 2019 season, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers have jumped all the way to the top of William Hill’s NFC futures board.

Green Bay enters Thursday night’s marquee matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles (Fox/NFL Network, 8:20 p.m.) at 4/1 to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl (a 20 percent win equivalent). That’s tied with the Rams, the defending conference champion Los Angeles Rams.

Have the Packers really impressed that much? Bettors must think so or William Hill wouldn’t be defending so hard against their action.

There is a sense that Green Bay can still get better as Rodgers gains more familiarity with new head coach Matt LaFleur. Frankly, it’s the defense that has been driving victories thus far … holding the Bears, Vikings, and Broncos to 3, 16, and 16 points, respectively. Rodgers and the sluggish offense have mixed occasional big plays with long dry spells.

If Green Bay is undefeated against a reasonably challenging schedule while ranking 28th in total offense and 13th in total defense, what’s going to happen when the Packers’ offense starts to percolate?

Here’s a look at William Hill odds for the top NFC contenders:

Packers 4/1 (20 percent), Rams 4/1 (20 percent), Cowboys +425 (19 percent), Saints 7/1 (13 percent), Bears 17/2 (11 percent), Vikings 17/2 (11 percent), 49ers 17/2 (11 percent), Eagles 12/1 (8 percent), Seahawks 14/1 (7 percent).

If you’re wondering about the Giants, they’re 150/1. Fans believing Daniel Jones is going to arrive quickly as a rookie starter might consider a taking a flyer given that high return. There’s limited or no value betting contenders. You can see the nine teams listed already add up to a 120 percent win equivalent. Sportsbooks build a universe larger than 100 percent to create a house edge.

Green Bay outgained Denver just 312-310 last week, needing a 3-0 turnover edge to cover. Philadelphia outgained Detroit 373-288, but lost the turnover category 2-0 and allowed a kickoff-return touchdown.

Turnovers and special teams points are fickle in this league. Green Bay currently leads the NFL in turnover differential at plus-6. Philadelphia is tied for seventh-worst at minus-2. It’s reasonable to assume those will eventually tighten up, given overall team quality.

Do Rodgers and the Packers have another championship run in them? That likely will depend on the validity of other top threats. The Rams don’t look like an unstoppable juggernaut anymore. The Cowboys haven’t faced a real threat yet. The Saints may have to dig out of a hole if Teddy Bridgewater can’t keep them marching (Dallas visits New Orleans on Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. on NBC).

Undefeated Green Bay has control of its destiny. There are four months of destiny yet to control in this very competitive conference.

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