Packers vs. Raiders Betting Guide: Can Derek Carr Shine North of the Border?

Green Bay Packers vs. Oakland Raiders Betting Odds

• Spread: Packers -2.5
• Over/Under: 38.5
• Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET

The Packers and Raiders face off in Winnipeg in one of six Preseason Week 3 matchups on Thursday night. Let’s take a look at key storylines for both teams, complete with betting analysis.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers are largely bringing back the the same offensive group from last season in hopes of achieving better results in head coach Matt LaFleur's new-and-improved scheme.

It remains to be seen how that will go, but the defense at least has a chance to improve upon their status as the league's 28th-ranked defense in Football Outsiders' DVOA vs. the pass.

• The Packers gave out expensive four-year deals to free agents Preston Smith ($52 million) and Za'Darius Smith ($66 million) in an effort to boost their pass rush. They also drafted Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary with the 12th overall pick.
• The Packers addressed their hole at safety by signing former Bears starter Adrian Amos to a four-year deal worth $36 million. They also drafted Maryland safety Darnell Savage with the 21st overall pick.
• Further improvement and better health will be needed, but the Packers boast underrated talent at the cornerback position after selecting Jaire Alexander (18th overall), Kevin King (33rd) and Josh Jackson (45th) within the top-50 picks of the 2017 and 2018 drafts.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders haven't exactly been quiet about their love for first-round running back Josh Jacobs.

• General manager Mike Mayock noted, "This is a three-down back. He's explosive. He's tough. We're watching him pass protect."
• Head coach Jon Gruden said shortly after the selection, "If you're listening Josh, I encourage you to get some rest. We're gonna run you a lot."

And why wouldn't the Raiders want to feed the ball to Jacobs? The man can ball.

The likelihood that the Raiders trot out Derek Carr and Co. for a longer stretch than Aaron Rodgers has me leaning toward Team Hard Knocks in this one.

LEAN: Raiders +3