The big boys of the NFC battle this coming Sunday at Lambeau Field, as the Green Bay Packers host the Los Angeles Rams. Will the Rams snap their losing streak? Or will it be the Packers who make a return to their winning ways? Check out our preview of this Rams-Packers Week 12 contest below.
The Rams are suddenly slumping. They entered their bye in Week 11 following two consecutive losses to the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 (28-16) at home and to the San Francisco 49ers on the road in Week 10 (31-10). The offense is suddenly not clicking for the Rams, but their defense has been a problem of late, as well. Hopefully, that extra week of rest was a big help for the Rams in getting their act together on both ends of the field. Perhaps the Rams need to get their running backs more touches. Darrell Henderson only had five carries for 31 yards in the 49ers game, though that was also because of the game script. Green Bay’s run defense is allowing 4.4 yards per carry, so increasing Henderson’s and Sony Michel’s carries could still end up paying dividends for the Rams’ offense that is averaging 27.1 points per game. Los Angeles’ defense will look to contain Aaron Rodgers, a tough task, but the Rams are sixth in the league in both interception rate and sack percentage.
The Rams are 4-0 against the spread in their last four games after allowing over 150 rushing yards in their previous game.
The Packers are a bit inconsistent of late. They are 2-2 straight up in their last four games and are coming off a 34-31 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on the road. That loss was on their defense, though. Aaron Rodgers was fantastic in that contest, passing for 385 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions on 23/33 completions. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Davante Adams each had at least 115 receiving yards and combined for three touchdown receptions. It’s also possible that running back Aaron Jones returns this week after missing Week 11 with a mild MCL sprain. But if he can’t go, Rodgers should still be able to do what he does best, as shown in the Vikings game. Green Bay’s defense, on the other hand, may have looked out of synch against Minnesota, but it was also not that long ago when it completely shut down the Seatttle Seahawks in a 17-0 win.
The Packers are 8-1 against the spread in their last nine games after giving up over 30 points in their previous contest.
