ProFootballDoc: Several Stars To Miss Thursday Packers vs. Cardinals Game

There's a big NFC clash this evening between Green Bay (6-1) against host Arizona (7-0), the only undefeated team left this season. Both squads have star players missing for this marquee matchup.

The Packers will be without Davante Adams and Allen Lazard due to COVID related issues. Meanwhile, J.J. Watt is out for the Cardinals with a likely season-ending shoulder injury, which we revealed is a dislocation with a torn labrum. 

The injury advantages have the Sunday five picks out to a solid 23-12 record against the spread. Tonight's matchup won't count to this total as we try to mimic the big Vegas supercontests. Also, when there is only one game, we still feel compelled to give you the health imbalances, even though we likely wouldn't feature that game if there were other choices.

ARIZONA -6.5 VS GREEN BAY

Green Bay's three top receivers have health related issues. Davante Adams tested positive for COVID and only has a "needle in a haystack" chance of testing negative to play. Allen Lazard is unvaccinated and has no chance to clear the five-day close contact prohibition, so he will miss. Marquez Valdes-Scantling should be activated off of IR in time to play tonight but is coming off a hamstring injury. Two members of the offensive line will miss as well. LT David Bakhtiari is practicing but has not been activated after last year's ACL tear, and center Josh Meyers is on IR for a MCL sprain. Two key Packers defenders, Za'Darius Smith (back surgery) and Jaire Alexander (AC joint injury) will miss, and Kevin King is likely out as well with a shoulder issue.

On offense, Arizona is very thin at center, and DeAndre Hopkins is said to be a game time decision with a hamstring but will try to play through. Zach Ertz is a welcome boost at tight end for Maxx Williams who has a multi-ligament knee injury. Watt is the big surprise since there was no announcement of injury during Sunday's game. However, a review of video indicates he dislocated his left shoulder in Week 7 and may need surgery.

On balance, this adds up to the Cardinals being the healthier side, but they are almost a touchdown favorite. On the outside, Arizona has the advantage in the wide receiver vs cornerback battle both ways, due to Green Bay's injured WRs and CBs.

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