Maybe Aaron Rodgers surreal life can start to make a turn toward normalcy tonight or maybe it will get even more bizarre. The second most talked about quarterback in the world will make his first start as 'the man' for the Packers in this evening's pre-season game against the Bengals. Regardless of the outcome, all eyes will be on Rodgers and talking heads will likely have enough material on the situation to last two football seasons. 
The game, which will be broadcast on ESPN's Monday Night Football, begins at 8:00pm EST. NFL Betting odds at Bodoglife.com have the Packers as a -3 home favorite and the game total set at 35.
Green Bay fans seem to still be in a state of mourning over the departure of Brett Favre. It is hard to tell if tonight will mark the start of the football season for them or if it will be some sort of massive green and yellow wake. Despite how the fans may feel, the coaching staff will be anxious to begin their evaluation process.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has an excellent squad in place, Favre or no Favre, and this preseason should mainly concern the order of the second and third stringers. The starting lineup is pretty well set for Green Bay, but there will be plenty of competition to make the team's final 53 man roster.
Rodgers will start tonight's game but it is uncertain how long he will play. Rookie quarterback Brian Brohm, however, should see extended playing time, as will wide receiver Jordy Nelson – the team's first selection in the draft. Nelson will be looking to win a job as the team's third receiver.
As for the Bengals, they will just be excited to turn the page on last season. Unlike the Packers, though, Cincinnati has some starting spots open and how players develop during the preseason will determine who wins those jobs.
The Bengals lost three starters from last year's defense and they only brought in one starter via fre agency (DE Antwan Odom). Now that LB Keith Rivers has signed, he should see quite a bit of action tonight and possibly with the first team defense. Defensive tackle Pat Sims out of Auburn, the team's third round selection, will get an extended look too.
Offensively, the Bengals will be without wide receiver Chad Johnson and running back Rudi Johnson in tonight's game. Both players are nursing injuries and likely would not have played that much anyway. The Bengals have an abundance of guys (10 receivers currently on their roster) vying for receiver spots, including second round pick Jerome Simpson.
Game Trends: Cincinnati has averaged 22.6 points per game in opening away preseason games since 2003, and 31.33 the last three years. Since 2005, Cincinnati is 3-0 against the spread as an away dog in their opening away preseason game. Green Bay has averaged 32 points per game in their opening home preseason game since 2005.
Bodoglife.com betting odds for tonight's game:
Bengals +3 (-105), Over 35 (-110)
Packers -3 (-115), Under 35 (-110)
