The Packers opened as 7-point underdogs in next Sunday's NFC Championship Game at Seattle -- the biggest underdogs they've ever been with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, reports Pro Football Talk. Early action on Seattle pushed the line to 7.5 at most sportsbooks.
Citing the Spreadapedia database, PFT said the Packers have never closed as underdogs of seven or more points in any of Rodgers' 113 starts, including playoffs.
In fact, according to PFT, only once has Green Bay been even a 6-point dog with Rodgers starting. It happened in 2010 at the Jets, and the Packers won 9-0.
In Mike McCarthy's nine-year tenure, the Packers have been underdogs of a touchdown or more only three times. Two came in 2006 before Rodgers took over as the fulltime starter. In 2010, with Matt Flynn starting, Green Bay was a 14.5-point underdog at New England.
The large spread next Sunday stems from Seattle's home dominance, the Seahawks' season-opening 36-16 win over the Packers, and Rodgers' calf injury, which has all but eliminated his mobility.
In the AFC Championship Game, New England opened as a 7-point favorite over Indianapolis. The line was holding as of late Sunday night.