Week 2 of the NFL season kicks off with the Washington Commanders taking on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Thursday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, and both teams enter the game with 1-0 records. Washington beat the New York Giants 21-6 in Week 1, while Green Bay controlled the Detroit Lions 27-13. This matchup features two playoff teams from last year and could help set the tone in the NFC race early in 2025.
The Packers are a 3.5-point favorite at most sportsbooks with the total sitting at 48.5 points. The moneyline has Green Bay around -180, while Washington checks in at +155. The Packers lead the all-time series 22-17-1, and they have won six straight against Washington at Lambeau Field. Washington, however, last won the head-to-head in 2023. This game is a spotlight moment in primetime, and you can make sure you’re ready to run your book at WagerHome.
GB Preview – Defense set the tone at home
Jordan Love looked sharp to start the new season. Against the Lions, he completed 16-of-22 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a 128.6 passer rating and showed strong command of the offense. This will be Love’s first career start against Washington, and his ability to stay efficient will be key.
The run game found its footing late in Week 1. Josh Jacobs ran 19 times for 66 yards and a touchdown. Although the yards per carry were modest early, he broke free late to seal the win. Jacobs has over 6,900 career rushing yards, and his presence gives Green Bay a balanced attack that can control tempo.
Defense remains the backbone. The Packers limited Detroit, the NFL’s top scoring offense in 2024, to just 13 points and only 2.1 yards per carry. Newly acquired linebacker Micah Parsons had a sack in his debut, giving the pass rush another weapon. Green Bay also forced a turnover and played disciplined football in coverage. Lambeau has been a fortress as well, with Green Bay going 7-3 at home since last season.
The Packers are built to win in multiple ways. They ranked in the top 10 in both scoring offense and defense last season and finished third in turnover differential. That formula showed up again in Week 1. With Love controlling the ball, Jacobs grinding out yards, and a front seven that can win battles, Green Bay looks stable heading into primetime.
WSH Preview – Ground game and QB legs travel
Jayden Daniels has already shown growth entering his second season. Against the Giants, Daniels went 19-of-30 for 233 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers. He also rushed for 68 yards, showing the dual-threat skill that makes him tough to scheme against. Daniels’ playmaking keeps Washington in games, even when drives break down.
The ground game was the story in Week 1. Washington ran for 220 yards, spreading touches across several backs. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt provided a spark with 82 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, including a 42-yard burst. His speed and vision give the offense a new wrinkle. Deebo Samuel, a new addition, added 77 receiving yards, 19 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown, proving to be a versatile weapon right away.
Washington’s defense also showed teeth. They held Russell Wilson to a 45.9% completion rate, one of the lowest of his career. The front line clogged rushing lanes and limited the Giants’ offense throughout the day. That defensive effort, combined with a balanced run game, has made Washington a dangerous team in the early season.
The betting trends also favor Washington in some spots. The Commanders are 13-7-1 against the spread since last year, covering 9 of their last 13 non-division games. They also covered easily in Week 1. With a mobile quarterback, strong run game, and a defense that can frustrate opponents, Washington has the makeup of a live underdog.
PPH Betting Prediction
The Packers sit as a 3.5-point favorite, but the matchup feels close on paper. Green Bay has the stronger defense and home-field edge, while Washington brings a more dynamic ground attack and a quarterback who can extend plays. The key factor may be how well the Packers’ front contains Daniels. If Parsons and company can keep him in the pocket, Green Bay’s secondary will have the upper hand.
On the totals side, 48.5 points is a sharp line. Green Bay has played four straight home games with Jordan Love finishing where all four went under. Washington leans on the run and could shorten the game. Both teams scored comfortably in Week 1, but this matchup projects as slower with fewer explosive plays. The under looks like the smarter play.
Prediction: Packers win by a score at home, something like 24-20. The defense is too strong at Lambeau, and Love keeps the offense efficient. Washington will compete but fall just short. If you’re running your own book, this is a good game to watch line moves and manage action with WagerHome.
Pick: Packers -3.5 & Under 48.5 (Packers 24, Commanders 20)
