Packers vs Rams – Game Preview and Prediction
Finally, after so many uninspired matches (Dolphins and Texans anyone?) we will get a real treat this weekend. The superb Los Angeles Rams (7-0) have cut through the season like butter and now will seek to do the same to the Green Bay Packers (3-2-1) when they receive them at their home of the Memorial Coliseum, on Sunday afternoon, at 4:25 pm ET. Sean McVay’s team is without a doubt the best team in the league these days, well-rounded and highly effective, while the Packers have had their share of faux pas on the defense and have had to rely too much on their very own overachiever Aaron Rodgers. Can the Packers overcome their tiny flaws and dethrone the Rams from their undefeated cusp?
The Packers have had plenty of time to rest and replenish their batteries ahead of their showdown with the Rams. Rodgers & his team had suffered a tiny setback in their odd loss to the Detroit Lions three weeks ago, but soon recovered when they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 33-30 prior to their last bye week. At the other hand, the Rams shone –as they tend to do- when they also imposed their superiority over the 9ers on week 7 with a 39-10 victory. Top-notch odds market YOUWAGER.eu is well disposed to give LA the advantage and currently has the Rams as favorite team with a -9 point spread; the total is pretty stable at a 57 pts.
Quarterback Bonanza
It is not that common to bear witness to such a fantastic QB duel as we can expect on Sunday. Both Rodgers and Jared Goff have performed admirably throughout the active season and have overcome terrible odds to stay on the top of the best quarterback talent of the NFL. Rodgers himself recovered from a hamstring injury early on, and even though his speed has suffered somewhat ever since his return, he hasn’t lost a single bit of his usual bravado: he achieved 7 touchdowns, 420+ yards and no picks whatsoever during the last two games.
Goff, the 4th best QB grade in the league, is the top figure of a very powerful and cutthroat offensive line. Between the aforementioned and running back Todd Gurley, the Rams seem poised to run over Green Bay’s sometimes-faltering defense. The Packer’s largest handicap is perhaps their inefficiency at running the ball. Mike McCarthy and his squad are only averaging 103.7 yards per game and haven’t rushed anywhere above 65 yards each time.
Injury Card
The Rams should miss wide receiver Cooper Kupp for Sunday’s game, as had also been the case on their previous game; he suffered a MCL sprain and has been recovering positively, but according to McVay, he’s very likely going to miss the match. Packers should find some solace in the return of wr’s Geronimo Allison and Randall Cobb; they had missing due to hamstring injuries but are expected to make the rooster against the Rams.
My Prediction: The Rams are the darling of most odds makers everywhere and for a good reason: they’re good all-around and pay very close attention to the details on every play. The Packers are carrying a 2-7 ATS score for their last 9 games overall, while the Rams have achieved a 2-0-1 ATS record during their last 3 home games. My money is on the Rams; I am still unsure if they will be able to win by a 2 digit margin, but the -9 spread is still pretty attractive.
