Posted on October 27, 2018, by Travis Pulver
Everyone knew that the Los Angeles Rams were going to be good this season. But there were probably few that didn’t identify as fans of the team that thought they would be the last remaining undefeated team heading into Week Eight. But that is exactly what they are.
At this point in the season, the question that comes up the most about the Rams is who will knock them off their perch?
Via @MBPackersClub
Over the next four weeks, they will play teams capable of doing the deed. First up—the Green Bay Packers.
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The Debate
When it comes to the Green Bay Packers, their fate rises and sets with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. They aren’t bad at running the ball, but they will not win a game because of their rushing attack anytime soon. For the Packers, it has been all about the passing game in recent years and looks like it will remain that way for the foreseeable future.
When you have a guy like Rodgers running the show, why not? He is widely considered the best in the business (it’s either him or Tom Brady). No weather conditions, injury (real or perceived) issues, or personnel issues have been too much for him to overcome.
He showed that back in Week One against the Bears when he injured his knee in the first half. But then he returned to the game in the second and led an incredible comeback.
But to beat the Rams, they are going to need more than just Aaron Rodgers and his magic. Jared Goff has the Rams producing almost as much in the passing game as Rodgers is with the Packers (293.3 yards/game compared to 317.3). But while Green Bay runs for a respectable 103.7 yards a game, the Rams are leading the NFL with 153.1 yards.
When an offense is capable of running and passing as well as the Rams do, they are not just hard to game plan for. They are hard to beat. But Green Bay may have a shot. Their rushing defense is ranked 11th in the league and allows just 116.5 yards/game on the ground.
Against the pass, they aren’t half bad either (212 yards/game allowed;5th).
So, could the Packers have a shot if the defense and offense can bring their respective ‘A’ games?
The Prediction
Rodgers will score some points. He always does. It doesn’t matter how good the defense is that he faces. He will find a way to have success against it. The question will be whether they can stop the Rams from scoring more than them.
While it would be nice to tell Packers fans it will happen, it probably will not.
The Green Bay defense isn’t bad, but it has had trouble containing lesser offenses (i.e. the Redskins, 49ers, and the Lions). If they can’t stop those three from scoring 30+ points, is there any reasonable way they can be expected to hold the Rams under 30?
It’s not going to happen. Between Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp (if he plays), and Robert Woods, the Rams will generate enough offense to score over 30 points. But the same can’t be said about the Packers.
Los Angeles is favored by nine points. They will win but it is not hard to see Rodgers keeping the ack within a touchdown.