Rams (7-3) at Packers (8-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Packers by ⁄2
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Rams’ keys to victory: Win the line of scrimmage and win the turnover battle. The Rams need to keep QB Matthew Stafford protected after he was sacked a total of seven times in consecutive losses. He’s been excellent from clean pockets this season, and the Vikings showed the Packers’ defense can be exposed in the passing game. The Rams’ defense needs to disrupt QB Aaron Rodgers with four rushers, which will require strong performances from OLB Von Miller and DL Aaron Donald. The Packers are 8-0 when winning the turnover battle this season.
Packers’ keys to victory: Stay hot in the passing game and bounce back on defense. Rodgers threw four touchdown passes and averaged over 11.0 yards per attempt in Minnesota last week, but the Rams’ defense presents a big challenge. Can the Packers create explosive plays to WRs Davante Adams and Marquez ValdesScantling? Protecting Rodgers with a makeshift offensive is the first step. The defense must rebound against a productive Rams passing game. The secondary has to play better against WRs Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr.
Matchup to watch: Rams CB Jalen Ramsey Packers’ Adams: All-Pro vs. All-Pro in a rematch of last year’s divisional-round showdown. Adams caught a touchdown pass against Ramsey in the Packers’ win that day.
Who wins? A well-rested and motivated Rams team coming off two losses and the bye week will take down the beaten-up Packers.
Rams, 27-23
Zach Kruse, Packers Wire