Packers vs. Cardinals Thursday NFL spread may rise again with Davante Adams joined by Allen Lazard on COVID list

Thursday's Packers at Cardinals matchup to kick off Week 8 is shaping up one of the most important prime-time games of the 2021 NFL regular season with the teams a combined 13-1 and battling for the NFC's top seed, but the Packers are expected to be without superstar receiver Davante Adams and defensive coordinator Joe Barry, among others, as they have landed on the COVID list. Arizona had been a 3.5-point favorite at Caesars Sportsbook but is now -6. Usually, a non-QB doesn't move a spread that much. The news got worse today with another receiver, Allen Lazard, landing on the list and I'm now seeing some books with the Packers +6.5. Click here for model picks. 

Players who are vaccinated -- as apparently Adams is -- must return two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart to be activated from the reserve/COVID list, so it's not impossible that Adams plays Thursday but quite unlikely. And obviously Adams won't be practicing this week. The team has entered enhanced mitigation COVID protocols that call for daily testing and masks to be worn at the facility.

Adams has 52 catches for 744 yards and three TDs this season. He also has recorded at least 10 receptions and 160 receiving yards in three of his past four Thursday games. Aaron Rodgers is 6-0 in his past six games without Adams. 

Lazard, meanwhile, had 15 catches for 184 yards and two scores and was ticketed for a huge role with Adams out -- our Fantasy expert Scott Engel had him as one of the top waiver wire pickups this week. 

Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, and Equanimeous St. Brown are the current other wideouts on the 53-man roster. The Packers are hopeful that receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling can return this week from a hamstring that has kept him out the last four. If not, Green Bay may have to promote Juwann Winfree and/or Chris Blair from the practice squad 

Arizona got great COVID-related news on Monday with the activation of star pass-rusher Chandler Jones from the COVID list. He had missed the past two games. Defensive lineman Zach Allen also was activated.

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