Packers vs Rams: David vs Goliath.
Green Bay is 3-2-1 heading into Los Angeles after their bye to face the undefeated 7-0 Rams and are impressively healthy for a team known for getting the injury bug to bite during pivotal points in past seasons. Out of the entire 53 man roster, only three players were listed as questionable on the latest injury report. Randall Cobb (confirmed IN via NFL Insider Ian Rapoport this morning) was the biggest name listed (Hamstring), but was a full participant during practice on Friday. The other two players were OT Jason Spriggs (Ankle), and rookie WR Equanimous St. Brown (Knee). Both Spriggs and St. Brown were limited during Friday’s practice.
As for the Rams, WR Cooper Kupp now ruled OUT as confirmed by NFL Insider Adam Shefter. OLB Trevon Young was listed as doubtful on LA’s injury report. Kupp hasn’t participated in practices for LA since Wednesday. Young didn’t participate on Thursday or Friday.
When speaking of the matchup itself, most sports media members and NFL experts seemily are counting Green Bay out which isn’t a good idea. ESPN’s Football Power Index is only giving Green Bay a 20.1% chance to beat LA. Overall, Green Bay is 9-3 under Mike McCarthy when coming off of a bye, 9-2 with Rodgers at QB. Offensively, Green Bay ranks 4th in both total offense (421 YPG) and passing offense (317.3 YPG), and they’re 20th in rushing offense (622 YPG).
Defensively, they’re 8th in total defense (328.3 YPG), 5th in passing defense (211.8 YPG), and 22nd in rush defense (116.5 YPG). Other than rush defense, Green Bay has been stellar in each of the other remaining defensive categories. A big turnaround from last season, where they ranked 26th defensively, and 22nd offensively.
The Rams on the other hand, are ranked 2nd in total offense (446.4 YPG), 7th in passing offense (293.3 YPG), and 1st in rushing offense (153.1 YPG). LA’s offensive attack will definitely test Green Bay’s defense as well as Mike Pettine’s scheme. It’s going to be very interesting to watch how it plays out.
Defensively, LA ranks 7th in total defense, (327.4 YPG), 9th in passing defense (227.3 YPG), and 12th in rushing (100.1 YPG). Again, they will test Green Bay on offense as well. LA’s front seven on defense vs Green Bay’s offensive line is a very intriguing battle that I will be watching closely in the game. Also, how well Aaron Rodgers performs against the intense pass rush from LA, led by Aaron Donald. I’m also looking forward to how well Green Bay’s rushing attack fairs against LA’s defensive front. It’s going to be a very physical battle to watch.
Overall, this game is very intriguing from both an offensive and defensive perspective, at least on paper. Both teams have nearly identical rankings on both sides of the ball and I personally can’t wait to see how it all plays out. This will also be the first game in NFL history to feature two QBs from the same college facing off (Goff vs Rodgers, Cal-Berkeley). Both teams will be looking to pull off the win by any means necessary and that’s what makes this game such an interesting and important one at this point in the season. I see Green Bay pulling it out late by a score of 35-31.
#ParkerMoes @ParkerMoes #DHPF @DieHardPackrFan
