Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams: 5 matchups to watch

1. Blake Martinez vs Todd Gurley

Last season, Martinez finished as the third overall linebacker. This season, he currently ranks eighth overall, and he will have to have his best game of the season to slow down the All-Pro Gurley. The last time the Packers took on the Rams, Gurley ran them over as he finished with 30 carries for 159 yards. Fortunately, the Packers came out with a win, but the Rams offense is much better this time around.

Martinez has improved his coverage skills this year, but they need him to be the elite run defender that he has been the past few seasons. Gurley has been on a warpath so far this season, and the Packers will be relying on Martinez to slow that path down. Gurley has the ability to dominate a game, and the more he is on the field is the more that Rodgers is on the sideline. Unless the defense and special teams start racking up points, they need Gurley on the sideline.

Even when he is inefficient, Gurley has a knack for finding the end zone, and he can break a big play at any time. This will be a big matchup to watch, because Gurley is the NFL’s best running back, and he will want to show that off this Sunday. If Martinez wins his battle, the game should be much closer than some are expecting.