The Packers (8-3) finally get to their bye on Monday, but not before taking on the Rams (7-3) later this afternoon at Lambeau. It’ll be a rematch of last January’s divisional-round game won by Green Bay. If the Packers are to repeat their success, here are five keys to victory:
1. USE MIDDLE OF FIELD
Aaron Rodgers has never taken full advantage of the middle of the field, but that’s where the Rams are most vulnerable on defense. It would be nice to have Robert Tonyan, but Randall Cobb and Josiah Deguara should be able to find open space between the numbers while Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling draw plenty of attention on the outside. Quick slants are one way to deal with a pass rush that figures to be coming hard all day.
2) SLOW DOWN RUSH
The offensive line held up fine without Elgton Jenkins earlier in the season, but things are different now. Rookie Josh Myers is no longer the center, and Pro Bowler Aaron Jones may not be available to at least make the Rams’ fierce pass rush respect the run. If the Packers have to give help to third-string left tackle Yosh Nijman constantly, one less player will be available to contend with Aaron Donald, the most dominant defensive player in the entire league.
3) PRESSURE WITH FOUR
Without Rashan Gary last week, the defense was forced to do more blitzing, which was one reason the Vikings had so much success throwing the ball. Coordinator Joe Barry prefers rushing four and dropping seven into coverage. That can only happen if Gary, who is listed as questionable with an elbow injury, plays. But even if he does suit up, the secondary will still have its hands full. Cooper Kupp is having an outstanding season, and Van Jefferson and Odell Beckham Jr. are dangerous. To make matters worse, Kevin King is likely out with yet another injury.
4) KEEP KUPP QUIET
Kupp didn’t play in last January’s game, but the Packers will have to deal with the NFC’s most prolific receiver today. The task would be a lot easier with All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander, but he’s still on injured reserve. Barry can’t let Kupp do to his defense what the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson did last Sunday (169 yards and 2 TDs). He must give rookie Eric Stokes help and hope that Rasul Douglas and Chandon Sullivan can hold up against Jefferson and Beckham Jr.
5) HOLD ONTO PICKS
Matthew Stafford will throw a handful of potential interceptions every game. The Packers’ defensive backs have to catch the balls they get their hands on – something they haven’t done in recent weeks. While Darnell Savage’s drop last week stands out, that was just the latest example of a missed opportunity. Winning the turnover battle is always a key to victory in the NFL, and it becomes even more important when one team has a clear advantage in talent.
PREDICTION: I thought traveling to play the unbeaten Cards on a short week would be the biggest challenge of the season, but today is every bit as daunting. While the Packers are at home, they’ll be minus at least four Pro Bowlers, and they’ll be playing for the 12th straight week. Meanwhile, the Rams are healthy and coming off a bye.
Los Angeles is favored by 1. The Packers have never lost two games in a row under Matt LaFleur, and Rodgers always gives them a chance, but this just seems like too high a mountain to climb for such a battered and weary team. LOS ANGELES 27-20 (Season record: 7-4 straight-up; 3–7-1 vs. the spread)
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