Here is what the specialists are predicting for Sunday’s Patriots-Packers recreation

If Jones is not getting back from a reported excessive knee sprain (he is taking it day-to-day, in case you have not heard), then it is puzzling why he hasn’t had seemingly-miraculous tightrope surgical procedure but. Get again on the taking part in discipline quicker than swallowing a bottle of TB12 magic tablets.

Regardless, it can (seemingly) be Brian Hoyer swimsuit up and take the snaps underneath middle when the Patriots face the Packers within the late window on Sunday afternoon. The excellent news is that the backup cannot presumably be any worse than Jones has been the previous three weeks. He’s the worst-rated quarterback within the NFL.

Don’t depend him? Now, you wish to try this anyway.

This week’s predictions:

Globe Workers: 5 of six (Ben Volin) picked New England (+9.5).

Tony Massarotti, 98.5 The Sports activities Hub: Patriots (+9). “This looks like an opportune time to cite the phrases of the Massive Boi, Greg Bedard, who as soon as famously mentioned: Do not sleep on Brian Hoyer. Murray is the outlier right here, however let’s give attention to the information. Proper now, the autumn from Mack Jones to Hoyer does not really feel so nice. . The Packers have had bother scoring and their finest weapons are within the backfield. The most secure wager right here might be underneath 40.5, however we do not do over-unders right here. You are studying that proper. Present — minus Murray — likes to cowl the Pats.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports activities: Packers 27, Patriots 14. “The Patriots shall be with out Mack Jones in it, which suggests it is Brian Hoyer at quarterback. That is not an excellent factor in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay protection. The Packers are additionally again on the offensive line, which can assist the passing recreation. I feel that is the case right here. The Packers are large.” .

CBS Sports activities Workers: Seven of eight (Dave Richard) choose the Packers (-9.5).

Gerry Dulak, Pittsburgh Submit-Gazette: Packers 30, Patriots 14. “Aaron Rodgers beat Tom Brady in final week’s marquee matchup in Tampa. Now he will get to match ways with Brady’s former coach, Invoice Belichick. However the Packers are greater than Rodgers. They’ll run the ball and get behind the quarterback, particularly the backups.”

ESPN Workers: All packers.

David Hill, New York Occasions: Patriots (+10.5). “Mac Jones appeared powerful in New England’s loss to the Ravens final week, however sprained his ankle within the fourth quarter after shedding the sport. Brian Hoyer, a 14-year NFL veteran, will substitute him. The market has proven little religion in Hoyer, who’s 1-12 as a starter because the 2016 season, as the road moved from 8.5 to 11 as excessive Sunday after Jones’ harm. It sat at 10.5 on Wednesday. The Patriots have but to cowl the unfold this season, however get the most important unfold on the board this week.

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Occasions: Packers 31, Patriots 13. “The Patriots could have Brian Hoyer at quarterback with no weapons and a nasty offensive line. Inexperienced Bay’s protection is hard, and Aaron Rodgers is getting used to his new weapons.

Michael Hurley, CBS Boston: Inexperienced Bay (-9.5). “In all probability likes the Packers right here, even with a completely wholesome Mack Jones. I understand the Packers aren’t actually the Packers, however this appears like the proper week for them. Plus, Aaron Rodgers remains to be Aaron Rodgers. Plus, nearly as good as New England’s protection is, it is nonetheless can also be a unit that makes errors. Going through the Patriots D in Inexperienced Bay after taking part in the Bucs D in Tampa goes to be a welcome change for the Packers.

Jimmy Kempski, Philly Voice: Packers (-9.5). “Mack Jones will miss this recreation — and certain many extra — with a excessive ankle sprain. His alternative is (verify notes) … Brian Hoyer. Hoyer hasn’t gained a begin since 2016. He is 0-1 in 2020, 2019 Was 0-1, 0-6 in 2017 and 1-4 in 2016. He is misplaced 11 straight begins.”

USA TODAY Workers: Packers throughout the board.

Frank Schwab, Yahoo! sports activities: Patriots (+9.5). “The lookahead line on this recreation final week was Packers -6.5. It is now 9.5 and when you’re affected person you could find it at Patriots +10 later within the week. Is Mack Jones’ harm actually value a 3.5 level unfold? I do not suppose so. I I am going to belief the Patriots protection to maintain it shut.”

MMQB Workers: All packers.

Shail Kapadia, The Ringer: Patriots (+9.5). “Inexperienced Bay is clearly the higher crew, however here is a state of affairs the place the Patriots are in a position to run the ball and it is a bit of bit ugly. It is a selection I would remorse once I roll over Sunday night, however . . .”

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting Information: Packers 30, Patriots 10 (Iyer’s “Lock of the Week.”) “The Packers are again after their ordinary Week 1 mess with Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers taking part in the perfect offense-defense complement. Rodgers outplayed the GOAT final week and now he’ll be in his previous shell in opposition to a shocking Invoice Belichick protection. The Patriots must hope That Brian Hoyer, filling in for the injured Mack Jones, can dig deep to search out one thing extra within the passing recreation whereas working closely. That will not work nicely on the highway of their present dysfunctional offense.”

Invoice Bender, The Sporting Information: Packers 24, Patriots 15. “Mac Jones (knee) standing is in query, which suggests Brian Hoyer shall be at Lembaugh Subject in opposition to a tricky Packers protection that ranks sixth in scoring protection via three weeks. The unfold may be very excessive due to Inexperienced Bay’s offensive struggles and the way Invoice Belichick can exploit a few of them. .Nevertheless, Rodgers does play sufficient video games at dwelling – the place he’s 23-2 within the common season since Matt LaFleur took over.

Mike Florio, Professional Soccer Discuss: Packers 28, Patriots 20. “A Tremendous Bowl matchup that by no means occurred could be nothing however tremendous for a crew that has gained six of them.”

Michael David Smith, Professional Soccer Discuss: Packers 28, Patriots 13. “With Mack Jones injured, the Patriots’ stagnant offense will look even worse. The Packers ought to cruise.”

Thirty-five eight: Packers, 73 %.

Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com: Packers 21, Patriots 15. “Mac Jones’ harm is a disgrace as a result of the Patriots’ offense was exhibiting indicators of life. They’re first in speeding DVOA and have been throwing the ball higher downfield than Jones’ rookie 12 months. It is laborious to think about Brian Hoyer doing that, particularly on this matchup. The Packers are averaging 16 per recreation It’s tough to even give 10 marks.

NFL Pickwatch: 99 %, Packers (-450).

Right here it says: Packers 37, Patriots 20. This isn’t a sign of how unhealthy Brian Hoyer shall be. It is a warning in regards to the totality of obstacles going through Patriots.