- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: December 23, 2024
- Who: New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers
- Time: 5:15 p.m. PST
- Where: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)
When the Green Bay Packers take the field against the New Orleans Saints, all eyes will be on how quickly the Packers can establish their dominance.
With a spread of 3.5 points in the first quarter, I’m betting on the Packers to come out swinging and take a solid lead before the second quarter even begins. Let’s break down why this is a smart play.
New Orleans
With the Saints missing key players like Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara, the Packers’ defense can focus on pressuring Rattler and forcing him into mistakes.
Now, let’s talk about the weather. It’s no secret that playing in Green Bay in December can be brutal, and rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler is facing a steep learning curve.
Primetime Saints in Lambeau ⚜️#Saints | @CaesarsSports pic.twitter.com/c3HFPII7ht
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 23, 2024
Reports have surfaced that he’s been preparing for the cold by hanging out in meat freezers—yes, you read that right.
While that might be a creative approach, it’s hard to replicate the intensity and unpredictability of an actual game day. Rattler’s inexperience, combined with the frigid conditions, could lead to a slow start for the Saints.
In terms of matchups, the Packers’ offensive line has been solid, allowing Love the time he needs to find his targets.
The Saints’ defense, while capable, has struggled against teams that can establish the run and pass effectively. With Josh Jacobs expected to get a heavy workload, the Packers can set the tone early by running the ball and opening up play-action opportunities for Love.
Green Bay
First, the Packers are one of the best teams in the league at scoring early.
They’ve consistently shown the ability to put points on the board right out of the gate, making them a formidable opponent in the first quarter.
In contrast, the Saints are more middle-of-the-pack when it comes to early scoring, which puts them at a disadvantage in this matchup.
Merry Gameday! pic.twitter.com/8FTuLIda6e
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 23, 2024
The Packers, on the other hand, are riding high after a strong performance against the Seattle Seahawks, where they won 30-13. Quarterback Jordan Love has been on fire, boasting a passer rating of over 100 in his last five games.
He’s not just managing the game; he’s making explosive plays and keeping the offense moving.
Moreover, the Packers have a knack for capitalizing on early mistakes from their opponents.
If Rattler struggles to find his rhythm, which is likely given the circumstances, the Packers could easily take advantage of any turnovers or three-and-outs.
This could lead to a quick score, putting them up by a touchdown or more before the Saints even have a chance to settle in.
Saints-Packers Best Bet
Laying 3.5 points with the Packers in the first quarter at -125 odds feels like a smart move.
With their ability to score early, Rattler’s inexperience in the cold, and the Packers’ recent form, I expect Green Bay to take control of this game right from the start.
So, grab your bets and get ready for a thrilling first quarter as the Packers look to make a statement against the Saints.
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
