The Impact of Aaron Rodgers’ Positive COVID-19 Test on Betting Lines

In the middle of Week 9, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, it was reported that a practice squad quarterback, Kurt Benkert, also tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.

With Rodgers now sidelined for this Sunday’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL betting odds have changed dramatically.

Let’s take a closer look at this emerging story.

News About Aaron Rodgers Testing Positive

Before the season began, Rodgers said he’d been “immunized” against COVID-19. However, the NFL established protocols that mandated specific rules for both vaccinated and unvaccinated players.

Since Rodgers hadn’t been technically vaccinated, the controversy surrounding his positive test also affects the Packers as an organization. (Either of them could face fines.) League rules stipulate a mandatory 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated players who test positive for the virus.

That could potentially keep Rodgers out of the lineup for Week 10, as well.

Before the season, Rodgers appealed to the NFL to recognize an alternative treatment instead of him getting vaccinated. However, that appeal was declined.

Otherwise, he might have had a chance to play on Sunday. Vaccinated players in the NFL who are asymptomatic can return to the field so long as they can produce two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart.

That leaves backup quarterback Jordan Love to replace Rodgers on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The betting lines for the Packers vs. Chiefs have moved quite a bit.

Line Movement Because of Rodgers’ Positive COVID-19 Test

With Aaron Rodgers out, the Chiefs are now pegged to win by a much larger spread. By Wednesday morning, what initially began as a typical three-point home spread had dropped to a one-point point margin.

Then, the betting lines spiked in the wake of Rodgers’ positive COVID-19 test, and with good reason.

The last time the Packers won without Rodgers as their starter was back in December 2017. Then, during a nine-game span, backup Brent Hundley won only three games when he filled in for Rodgers, who’d been sidelined with a broken collarbone.

Now, the Chiefs are favored to win by a touchdown. The current money line for the Packers stands at +250.

The opening line for the over-under had been 55. As of Thursday afternoon, it’s dropped down to 47.5.

Packers vs. Chiefs

The Packers won seven consecutive games heading into Week 9 after handing the Arizona Cardinals their first loss of the season. The Chiefs are now 4-4 after their 20-17 victory over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

Historically speaking, losing Rodgers is a big deal for the Packers, although it hasn’t happened too often. He’s only missed 18 starts since joining the team in 2008.

It’s hard to know how well a team can play without their three-time MVP franchise quarterback. So this week, all eyes will be on backup Jordon Love.

Can Jordon Love win Against the Chiefs?

Jordon Love will make his NFL debut against the Chiefs this Sunday. He’ll be starting for a 7-1 Packers team at the top of their division in his second year.

After beating the Cardinals last week, the Packers are also the NFC’s top seed for the playoff picture.

What do you think? Can the Green Bay Packers win without their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers? Which team do you like to cover the spread?

Check out the latest sports betting lines for the Packers vs. Chiefs on BetMGM’s sportsbook. Then, sign up for an account and make your picks today.