The Green Bay Packers travel to the West Coast on Sunday to face the injury-plagued Los Angeles Rams in a key matchup for NFC playoff aspirations. The Packers enter this game with a record of 2-2 after a thrilling but disappointing home loss against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Rams, struggling at 1-3, are trying to adjust to the absence of their top two wide receivers. The opening kickoff is set for 4:25 PM EST on Sunday.
Packers’ Quarterback Jordan Love Seeks Redemption
The Green Bay Packers welcomed back their starting quarterback, Jordan Love, last Sunday, but the results were not what they anticipated. Falling behind 28-0 to their division rival, Minnesota, the Packers rallied in a thrilling comeback attempt that ultimately ended in a 31-29 defeat. In Love’s absence, backup quarterback Malik Willis led the team to two victories.
“Too little, too late,” remarked head coach Matt LaFleur, via Zach Kruse of The Packers Wire. “We dug ourselves too deep a hole. Too many critical errors. This was a humbling game.”
Love finished the game with impressive stats: 32 completions on 54 attempts for 389 yards, including four touchdowns, but he also threw three costly interceptions. This one-dimensional approach limited the Packers to only 19 rushing attempts, with lead back Josh Jacobs carrying the ball just nine times. WR Jayden Reed stood out with seven receptions for 139 yards, while Dontayvion Wicks caught two touchdown passes.
On the defensive side, Green Bay allowed a total of 374 yards, with 256 of those coming through the air. The defense showed resilience in the second half, contributing to the offense’s comeback hopes. They recorded one sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery, with Quay Walker leading the team with eight tackles.
The Packers now head out on the road, hoping to secure their second victory away from home this season and their first with Love as the starting quarterback. Green Bay currently ranks third in the NFL for total offense but struggles through the air, sitting at 28th. This imbalance is a direct result of Love’s absence in the early part of the season, forcing the team to rely heavily on the run. Defensively, they are placed 21st overall, with 12th against the run and 13th against the pass. They also rank poorly in red zone efficiency, sitting at 22nd on offense and 23rd on defense. Adding to their challenges, the Packers have been plagued by penalties, ranking 28th in this category, despite leading the league in turnover margin.
Key Injuries: Defensive tackle Jonathan Ford is out, while tight end Luke Musgrave, defensive tackle Kenny Clark, cornerback Jaire Alexander, and guard Elgton Jenkins are questionable.
When it comes to pro football predictions, the NFL analysts are watching closely.
Rams Battle Through Injury Challenges
The Los Angeles Rams were initially viewed as contenders for the NFC West title this season after earning a playoff spot in 2023. However, injuries, particularly at the wide receiver position, have made the journey difficult, leading to a disappointing 1-3 start. Last Sunday, they fell to the Chicago Bears with a score of 24-18.
“The guys stayed in the fight,” said head coach Sean McVay. “There were some good things, but also uncharacteristic mistakes, especially with mental errors that left players open. These mistakes can be costly for an offense.”
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford achieved a milestone by moving into 10th place on the NFL’s all-time passing list, completing 20 of 29 passes for 224 yards. However, the Rams struggled to convert drives into points, scoring only one touchdown in four red zone attempts. With star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua sidelined, Tutu Atwell, originally a fourth-string receiver, led the team with 82 receiving yards. Running back Kyren Williams contributed 94 rushing yards and the team’s only touchdown.
Defensively, the Rams performed well, limiting the Bears to 264 total yards and holding them to just 3-of-9 on third down. Christian Rozeboom led the team with 11 tackles, and the defense recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss during the game.
As they prepare for the Packers, the Rams are looking to bounce back from their recent losses. Had it not been for a thrilling comeback victory against the 49ers in Week 3, they could have faced an 0-4 record. Currently, the Rams rank 19th in total offense, 26th against the run, and 15th against the pass. They are struggling in the red zone as well, sitting at 27th in offense and 23rd in defense. The Rams have displayed discipline with penalties, ranking 11th in the league, but they are falling behind in turnover margin, sitting at 24th overall.
Key Injuries: Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson is questionable, while defensive tackle Larrell Murchison, cornerback Darious Williams, and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are ruled out.
Best Bets for Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams
The potential absence of Demarcus Robinson could significantly impact the Rams on Sunday. If he plays, he may be limited due to injury. The Packers’ secondary has shown a knack for creating turnovers this season, contributing to their impressive turnover margin. On the other hand, Stafford has been under pressure from defensive lines and has had to rely on short passes due to injuries among his offensive unit. This has left the Rams at 24th in the league for turnover margin. Expect Love to have a stronger performance against a Rams’ defense currently ranked 31st overall. The Packers will likely increase their rushing attempts, featuring Jacobs against a Rams’ run defense that ranks 27th. This strategy may open opportunities for big plays, particularly with the Packers’ speedy receiving corps facing a struggling Rams secondary.
