5 notes as Packers host Rams in pivotal Week 12 matchup
The Green Bay Packers take on the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, in a game that both teams want/need to win to keep their chances at the NFC’s top seed alive.
In order to prep us for the game, let’s check out some last-minute notes on the matchup between two of the NFC’s heavyweights.
With the Green Bay Packers prepared to take on the Los Angeles Rams, here are five important notes ahead of their critical matchup.
Recent losses: The Rams have lost two straight games (two big losses to the Tennesee Titans and San Francisco 49ers) while Green Bay is coming off a last-second defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings. This puts both teams near the must-win category for this contest.
Odell Beckham: Both of these teams were thought to be the favorite for Odell Beckham Jr. before the diva wide receiver eventually signed with Los Angels. Another report surfaced today citing the Packers’ low contract offer as a reason Beckham Jr. signed with the Rams. However, the report also says he wanted much more money from the Packers than he was asking for from Los Angeles. Given Green Bay’s limited financial situation, they didn’t have much, if any, negotiation room.
Injury relief: The Green Bay Packers are expected to get a tiny bit healthier on Sunday, as outside linebacker Rashan Gary is reportedly expected to play and running back Aaron Jones will be a true game-time decision after practicing all week. They’re still missing a number of key players, but any bit will help against the desperate and talented Rams.
#Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee) will be a game-time decision today against the #Rams, per source. Jones practiced all week and there’s some optimism he’ll play, but they'll work him out pregame to see how he feels before making the final call.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 28, 2021
Matthew Stafford: The Packers are very familiar with Matthew Stafford, a quarterback who has put up huge numbers throughout his career, but has never consistently been on a winning team. He’s putting up great stats once again this season–In 10 games he has 3014 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions–but has continued to struggle against good opponents. He’s never been a big-game quarterback and the Packers home that continues again today.
Protecting Aaron Rodgers: The Packers won the battle at the line of scrimmage in last year’s playoff matchup, but it will be much more difficult this time around. Aaron Donald is fully healthy and it’s the Packers’ offensive line who is banged up this time around. They’re also missing three starting offensive linemen–David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins and Josh Myers–and will have to figure out a way to get the ball out of Rodgers’ hands early.
dark. Next. No Packers appear on first round of 2022 Pro Bowl Voting
Special teams: The Packers’ special teams have been a mess this season, as they seem to make at least one critical mistake in every game. They’ll have to minimize the errors in this department to give the overall team a good chance at winning.