By ROB MAADDI
AP Pro Football Writer
Aaron Rodgers has won plenty of games throughout his career so it’s no surprise he’s been successful on Thursday nights, going 11-5.
Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers need another win this week against the AFC South-leading Tennessee Titans to help them climb into the playoff race after a poor start. The Packers (4-6) snapped a five-game losing streak with an upset over the Dallas Cowboys. They’re back at Lambeau Field to take on the Titans (6-3).
“It’s obviously a big advantage for us to sleep in our own beds and have our crowd, but I think it just comes down to the study time, just being locked in,” Rodgers said. “These are long days. We’re going through a lot of different plays. We’re cramming it in, two days into one day.”
Rodgers has thrown 15 touchdowns with one interception and has a 112.5 passer rating in his past six Thursday games.
With a trip to Philadelphia to face the Eagles (8-1) up next, the Packers have a tough road to get back to .500. Led by Derrick Henry, the Titans have won six of seven after opening with two losses.
The Packers are 3-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Pro Picks likes the Packers because they’re already a desperate team in November.
PACKERS, 24-20
Washington (minus 3 1/2) at Houston
The Commanders have won four of five to reach .500 after handing the Eagles their first loss of the season. It’s a tough spot for the Commandeers (5-5) against the Texans (1-7-1). Short week, back-to-back road games, coming off an emotional win against a divisional rival is a setup for a letdown.
UPSET SPECIAL: TEXANS, 20-19
Detroit (plus 3) at New York Giants
Saquon Barkley is facing the second-worst run defense so the Giants (7-2) can run it all day against the Lions (3-6).
BEST BET: GIANTS, 27-20
Carolina (plus 12 1/2) at Baltimore
Baker Mayfield is back under center for the Panthers (3-7). The Ravens (6-3) have won three in a row and coming off a bye.
RAVENS, 28-16
Cleveland (plus 8 1/2) at Buffalo
Josh Allen needs to stop turning the ball over in the red zone or the Bills (6-3) won’t live up to Super Bowl expectations.
BILLS, 30-17
Philadelphia (minus 6 1/2) at Indianapolis
The Eagles (8-1) weren’t going to go undefeated. The Colts (4-5-1) are undefeated under interim coach Jeff Saturday.
EAGLES, 26-20
New York Jets (plus 3 1/2) at New England
The Jets (6-3) bounced back from a home loss to the Patriots with a huge upset over the Bills before a bye. The Patriots (5-4) have won four of five.
PATRIOTS, 20-18
Los Angeles Rams (plus 4) at New Orleans
The Super Bowl hangover bit the Rams (3-6). The Saints 3-7) weren’t supposed to be this bad.
SAINTS, 23-20
Chicago (plus 3) at Atlanta
Justin Fields is showing dynamic playmaking ability for the Bears (3-7). The Falcons (4-6) are only one game out of first in a weak NFC South.
FALCONS, 24-19
Las Vegas (plus 2 1/2) at Denver
Two first-year coaches who’ve been major disappointments. The Raiders (2-7) are going for the season sweep against the Broncos (3-6).
BRONCOS, 23-17
Dallas (minus 1 1/2) at Minnesota
An 8-1 team coming off a road win against a Super Bowl favorite is somehow a home underdog. The Vikings are getting no respect from oddsmakers. This is the ultimate definition of the line dictating the pick.
COWBOYS, 27-24
Cincinnati (minus 4 1/2) at Pittsburgh
Which version of the Bengals (5-4) shows up? The Steelers (3-6) already beat them in Cincinnati in Week 1.
BENGALS, 28-16
Kansas City (minus 6 1/2) at Los Angeles Chargers
The injury-depleted Chargers (5-4) may be getting wideouts Mike Williams and Keenan Allen back. The Chiefs (7-2) have taken first place in the conference and don’t want to look back.
CHIEFS, 30-26
San Francisco (minus 8) at Arizona in Mexico City
The Cardinals (4-6) have a better chance with “home” games outside Arizona considering their record at home under Kliff Kingsbury. The 49ers (5-4) have their sights set on first place.
49ERS, 24-22
2022 RECORD
Last Week: Straight up: 7-7. Against spread: 7-7.
Season: Straight up: 86-64. Against spread: 78-69-3.
Thursday Night: Straight up: 6-4. Against spread: 4-6.
Monday Night: Straight up: 5-6. Against spread: 5-6.
Best Bet: Straight up: 7-3. Against spread: 7-3.
Upset Special: Straight up: 4-6. Against spread: 5-4-1.
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Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/robmaaddi
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