MNF betting preview: Packers to clinch playoff spot as big favorites vs. Saints

Don't hold your breath if you're hoping for a Monday night classic between the Packers and Saints. Green Bay (10-4) is favored by 14.5 points at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet, the largest of the week, as New Orleans (5-9) sends a banged-up roster to Lambeau Field with potential winter conditions in the forecast.

Case for the Saints

• Let's not waste any time - there isn't one. Without Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave, and with Spencer Rattler under center, the Saints' offense might be the worst in the league.

Case for the Packers

• The Packers, who can clinch a playoff spot with a victory, are rolling. They've won of seven of their past nine with their two losses coming to the Lions.
• They are extremely balanced, with an offense that scores the seventh most points and a defense that holds opposing teams to the eighth fewest.

Key trends

• The Packers are 8-6 against the spread (ATS) but have covered four in a row.
• The Saints are 6-8 ATS but have covered only three games in their past 10.
• The under has hit in four straight Saints games and four of the previous six Packers contests.

Pick: Packers -14.5

There's a strong possibility the Saints don't put double-digit points on the board, making the Packers' path to covering far simpler. The Saints' defense allows the third-most yards per game (392.6) and is beatable on the ground and through the air. Jordan Love has plenty of options in the passing game and can lean heavily on Josh Jacobs and the rushing attack, making this a nightmare matchup for the Saints.

Players to watch

Josh Jacobs - Over 89.5 rushing yards (-110)

It will be cold and potentially snowy at Lambeau Field, so the Packers should rely on Jacobs to move the ball and control the clock en route to a convincing victory. Jacobs has surpassed 90 rushing yards in four of his past seven games, none of which were against a team giving up as many rushing yards per game as the Saints.

Kendre Miller - Over 12.5 attempts (-135)

Kendre Miller will take over the starting running back duties with Kamara out. The Saints will want to take pressure off their rookie quarterback and utilize the ground game as much as possible. You can probably expect rushing attempts even if New Orleans is down big because this is a lost season for the Saints. Trying to see what they have in Rattler and Miller will be a top priority.

Miller, who's in his second NFL season, should be able to get 13 attempts with ease. The Saints have called the 12th most rushing plays per game (45.42%) this campaign.