The Green Bay Packers have been without their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers for the last seven weeks, but he's expected to be back under center for Sunday's matchup with the Carolina Panthers.

Rodgers has been out since breaking his collarbone in a Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the Pack added the All-Pro quarterback to the active roster yesterday, and with that roster move he's officially clear to start Sunday.

The Packers have kept their playoff hopes alive (although slim) by going 3-4 in his absence and they're just one game out of a wild-card spot in the NFC. I think Rodgers' return will give Green Bay a massive boost giving the visitors the edge in this contest.

The Carolina Panthers have won four of their last five and defeated Minnesota 31-24 last week. Possible let down spot here after snapping Minnesota's eight-game win streak, and I'm taking the points on the Packers in this matchup. We can also note that the underdog is 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 in this series.

My free pick is on Green Bay Packers.

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