Commanders vs Packers: Thursday Night Football Bets to Make on Week 2

The Commanders vs Packers game on Thursday Night Football is one of those early-season matchups that feels bigger than Week 2 should. Washington comes in with a revamped offense and a defense that flashes elite potential, while Green Bay is trying to prove last year wasn’t a fluke. Both teams opened with close lines in the nfl betting markets, and sharp money is already coming in. If you’re wondering Thursday night football who’s playing, it’s Commanders and the Packers under the bright lights, with bragging rights on the line. For bettors, this one is juicy: short rest, young quarterbacks, and defenses that like to gamble. Let’s break down the nfl odds in Vegas and find the bets worth locking in.

Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!

Best Moneyline Pick: Packers -120

Point spread betting gets a lot of attention, but sometimes the cleanest play is the moneyline. Green Bay sits around -120, and that feels like value. Why? Last season the Packers finished top 10 in yards per play, and Jordan Love’s connection with Christian Watson is finally looking stable. Washington’s secondary allowed over 250 passing yards per game in 2024, ranking bottom five in coverage DVOA. That’s the weak spot Green Bay will hammer.

In short-week games like Thursday night football, the home team has historically won about 58% of the time. Combine that edge with Green Bay’s run game led by Josh Jacobs keeping the Commanders’ pass rush honest, and the Packers feel like the safer side. For those tracking nfl odds and scores, Green Bay has quietly covered four of their last five prime-time games. Taking the moneyline keeps it simple, no spreadsheet required.

Best Spread Pick: Commanders +1.5

Here’s where it gets interesting. While the Packers are the safer moneyline play, Washington catching +1.5 against the spread has sneaky value. In nfl betting spreads, small lines often point to coin-flip games, and that’s where dogs bark.

Sam Howell is growing into his role, and in Week 1 he showed better pocket awareness, cutting down on sacks. Add Terry McLaurin’s ability to win jump balls, and Washington can stretch the Packers’ young secondary. Against the spread, the Commanders covered in 10 of 18 games last year, including 5-3 on the road. That consistency matters.

Thursday night football commentators will likely highlight Green Bay’s Lambeau advantage, but ATS numbers don’t fully support it—Packers were only 4-5 ATS at home last season. If you like a little edge against Vegas, taking Commanders +1.5 in your nfl odds and predictions card makes sense.

Best Totals Pick: Over 48.5

Totals betting is where this matchup could really shine. Books opened the over under at 48.5, and both offenses are built for fireworks. Green Bay averaged nearly 27 points per game in the second half of 2024, while Washington’s tempo under new OC Eric Bieniemy picked up drastically, ranking top 8 in pace of play. That equals more possessions, and more possessions equal more points.

Buffalo and Baltimore showed last year that Thursday Night Football games can hit shootout territory when defenses are on short rest. Expect explosive plays from both sides. For bettors who ask Thursday night football what time games usually kick off—this one starts 8:15 EST on Prime Video—and the over is the sweat that makes those late-night drives fun.

The weather in Green Bay looks mild, so no wind excuse. For anyone scanning nfl odds by week and nfl odds and scores, this feels like a game that hits 50+. The over is the move.

Our Parlay Picks for Commanders vs Packers

Safer Parlay: Packers ML, Commanders +3.5 Alt Line, Over 44.5 Alt Line

Sometimes you want to play it safe but still flex in your group chat. This 3-leg parlay combines Packers on the moneyline, Commanders with a little cushion at +3.5, and an alt total of over 44.5. That mix gives breathing room on both sides while leaning into the high-scoring potential. Books priced it near +300, which is solid value for a safer parlay.

Riskier Parlay: Commanders Moneyline, Over 48.5, McLaurin Anytime TD

If you like to push it, here’s the bet that can pay. Take Commanders outright, stack the full over 48.5, and sprinkle Terry McLaurin to score. That combo pushes odds close to +1000. Washington’s WR has scored in four of his last six prime-time games, and if Howell connects, this ticket could explode. Riskier parlays aren’t for the faint of heart, but for bettors who love nfl betting props, this is the shot worth firing.

Final Takeaways

Thursday night football where to watch? Amazon Prime Video. Thursday night football is on what channel tonight? It’s always Prime now. Thursday night football what time? 8:15 pm EST. For bettors, that means one thing: get your slips ready early.

The Commanders vs Packers game is a perfect example of how nfl betting odds mix trends, numbers, and vibes. Home teams have the edge, but spreads stay tight. Overs are alive when offenses are fast and defenses are tired. Whether you stick with moneyline, ride the point spread, or build parlays, remember this: bankroll discipline matters more than any Thursday night football song or Thursday night football theme blasting in the background.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.