Week 8: Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams Preview

by
Former Writers
October 26, 2018

Dave Kopp via Flickr

Packers Travel To West Coast To Face The 7-0 Rams

The Los Angeles Rams are the only undefeated team left in the NFL. Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Cooper Kupp, Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods have all been unstoppable so far this season. Gurley has recorded 22 total touchdowns in his last ten games which is more than nine other NFL teams combined.

The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, have been without two of their top receivers for two weeks now. However, Aaron Rodgers was still able to pull out another game-winning drive in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers.

He’s gotten a little weight lifted off his shoulders with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Rogers has worn a knee brace since injuring it in Week 1, but this could be the week it comes off. When Rodgers is at his best, the Packers can be dangerous.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Jared Goff

Both Rodgers and Goff finished their collegiate careers at the University of California, Berkley and were drafted in the first round. This will be the first Cal-Berkeley QB matchup since 1983. Goff is arguably one of the best QBs in the NFL right now.

He has led his team to an undefeated season so far. Yet, Rodgers’ stats are nearly the same while in a brace. So far this season, Rodgers has averaged 332.8 yards per game and a 100.1 passer rating.

After seven weeks of football, Rogers has posted 12 touchdowns with one interception. Goff has averaged 304.3 yards per game and a 112.7 passer rating. He’s put up 14 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Rodgers is a perfect 4-0 against the Rams in his career, the best record he has against any team. Moving to 5-0 against the Rams and 4-2-1 on the season will be tough. The return of WRs Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison can lift that probability quite a bit. Even with their return, Rodgers still comes in as an 8.5 point underdog, tied for the highest in his career.

Jared Goff is dominant at home. He has only recorded two interceptions and has only been sacked four times. As well as putting up 78.1% completion at home compared to 62.85% away.

Defensive Side Of The Ball

Green Bay’s defense has only allowed a total of 1,970 yards, landing fourth in defensive ranks after seven weeks of football. Yet, with only nine takeaways so far this season, five interceptions and four fumble recoveries, they fall short.

If Green Bay wants to be able to make a stop against the fiery Rams offense, they will need to hold Gurley to way less than the 116 rushing yards average per game. As well as putting pressure on Goff causing incompletions or interceptions.

With a broken and young secondary, this defense will struggle against the red-hot L.A. receiving core unless they can accurately read plays and lower missed tackles. Los Angeles’ defense sits at #13 for total yards allowed, and #12 for passing yards allowed.

Stopping Rodgers is necessary to be able to keep the Packers from getting on the board. His ability to maneuver in and outside the pocket could be a problem for the Rams defensive line. Yet, defensive tackle Aaron Donald is tied for first in sacks so far this season with eight.

Rodgers runs the ball efficiently if his receivers are covered. So not only does this defense need to worry about receivers but they need to worry about Rodgers’ feet as well.

Fantasy Implications

It is highly likely that Geronimo Allison and Randall Cobb will play against the Rams. Both being out for a couple of weeks have put extra stress on rookie receivers to make big plays that Rodgers so desperately needs. With Rodgers’ top three receivers back, starting him, Cobb and Allison would be ideal.

Kupp is still most likely out for the Rams and their first home game in four weeks. That doesn’t mean that Goff shouldn’t be a starter in your fantasy lineup. With Kupp doubtful, Cooks and Woods will be primary keys in the game. Gurley puts up colossal numbers no matter the team they face. Starting Gurley is highly recommended.