Rams vs. Packers at Lambeau in late December looked to be one of the games of the year when the schedule came out last May. Instead, it’ll be a contest between arguably the two most disappointing teams in the league. But at least Green Bay has a little something to play for since winning their final four games – three at home – could sneak them into the postseason.
As for Los Angeles, they are already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and can’t even look forward to the first round of next April’s draft. They traded their No. 1 pick – almost certainly to be in the top 10 – for quarterback Matthew Stafford. Of course, the Rams can always reminisce about the parade that followed their Super Bowl win in February.
PREDICTION: Sean McVay is a good coach and an even better motivator, and he’ll need to maximize both skills. If he can get his battered 4-9 team from California to win on a bitterly cold night in Wisconsin, he deserves a big raise. While the Packers will have all but three starters available for the game, the Rams will be without eight starters, including Stafford, All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp and three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald.
Replacing Stafford will be Baker Mayfield, who joined the team less than two weeks ago after being cut by Carolina. The former Heisman Trophy from Oklahoma had a fairytale debut against the Raiders, but it’s hard to see that momentum continuing. Under McVay, the Rams have played one game in sub-freezing temperatures, and they scored six points in a loss to the Bears. According to the latest forecast, that Sunday in December 2018 will feel like a sauna compared to tonight.
Green Bay should be able to handle the elements a lot better than their opponent, although 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers certainly didn’t look comfortable playing in the bitter cold last January against the 49ers. But the offense shouldn’t need a huge game from the reigning MVP quarterback. Even with Donald in the lineup, the Rams have been less stout than usual versus the run, and December nights were made for Aaron Jones and especially AJ Dillon, who’s really starting to heat up.
Green Bay is favored by 7. I wouldn’t feel confident giving up that many points if this game were being played at noon, but seven hours later will make the conditions even more difficult for the visiting Rams. The game also means much more to the Packers, who can still sniff the postseason. GREEN BAY 24-12 (Season record: 7-6 straight-up; 7-5-1 vs. spread)
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This should’ve been one of the games of the year. Instead, it’ll likely be the best Packer game of the year. Packers win big. They’re rested, at home, motivated and more talented.