The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a gutsy win in the wild-card round and their reward for doing that is a match against Arron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Will the Rams pull off another upset? Or will the Packers advance to the AFC title game with a win here?
The Rams became the first underdog to win in this year’s playoffs after eliminating the Seattle Seahawks in a 30-20 win in the wild-card round last Sunday. The Rams leaned on their defense and on rookie running back Cam Akers in that game. Russell Wilson was bottled up all game long, as he got sacked by the Rams five times for a loss of 32 yards. Jalen Ramsey silenced DK Metcalf, who only caught five of 11 targets. As for Akers, he recorded 131 rushing yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Ramsey’s ability to take away the opponents’ most lethal weapon downfield will be a huge key for the Rams, as they plan to contain the Packers’ Davante Adams. The Rams are also hopeful that Aaron Donald will be ready to go for the divisional round. Donald exited the Rams game with a rib injury. Given that it’s the playoffs, look for him to give it a go this coming Sunday against the Packers. As of this writing, it remains uncertain whether John Wolford or Jared Goff will start on Sunday. Wolford suffered a neck injury against the Seahawks, while Goff is still dealing with a thumb issue in his throwing hand.
The under is 4-1 in the Rams’ last five games overall.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are ready to go. Thanks to a bye in the first round of the playoffs, the Packers will come into this game against the Rams with much fresher bodies. The last time the Packers were on the field, they were seen dismantling the Chicago Bears in a 35-16 road win in Week 17. Rodgers toyed with Chicago’s defense, as the favorite to win the NFL MVP this season passed for 240 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions on 19-of-24 completions. As long as Rodgers is healthy and playing at that level, the Packers are always going to spell trouble for any defense. It also helps Rodgers that he is operating behind an offensive line that is doing an excellent job of protecting him, as the Packers finished the regular season with just 21 sacks allowed – tied for second-fewest in the league.
The Packers are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games overall.
