NFC Divisional Round vs Rams

The winner of Saturday’s playoff game between the Green Bay Packers (13-3) and the Los Angeles Rams (10-6) will face the New Orleans Saints or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship game next Sunday.

Here’s how the Packers Wire staff think the NFC Division Round game with the Rams will play out:

Zach Kruse (11-5): Packers 27, Rams 20

The Packers have too many advantages built into this game. The quarterback gap is huge. There will be fans at Lambeau Field, and by the time the sun goes down in Green Bay, it will be cold. Some of the main players in the Rams are struggling with injuries. And I’m not sure the Rams can score enough points – without some big help from the Packers – to win the game. If the Packers avoid big mistakes and play their game, they qualify for the NFC title game. I think the Rams probably need a big Cam Akers game, at least a couple of defensive takeaways, and maybe a major special teams mistake to win. Anyone can happen, but I don’t think the chances of everything going well for the Rams are high. Assume here that the Packers start out fast, survive a few big rams swings mid-game, then get a late takeout to seal the deal.

Jack Wepfer (12-4): Packers 27, Rams 20

The numbers suggest this will be a good idea. Attack # 1 vs. Defense # 1. Davante Adam vs. Jalen Ramsey. Aaron a Donald versus, well, probably a series of double teams and returning chip blocks. I think those games will allow for good football and limited margin for error, but the Packers win because I just don’t see the Rams getting enough points. The Packers are deadly in the red zone, and Jared Goff will struggle to match the performance of the Packers. Give me the Packers to access the NFC Championship.

Marty Kauffman (13-3): Packers 28, Rams 14

The plots have been discussed all week. The Packers offense against the Rams defense. Matt LaFleur vs. Sean McVay. How do the Packers fare on offense against Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey? This Packers team are well rested, confident and are the best team in the NFC yet. If the Packers quickly take the lead and hold it down, forcing Jared Goff on a bad thumb to throw more, Green Bay has the advantage of taking control of the game. This team has a championship feel and is expected to win the Rams in double digits.

Anthony Nash (13-3): Packers 27, Rams 20

Despite the vast differences between the Packers and Rams offenses, this game might end up being closer than many suggest. While the Rams’ offense struggles at times, their defense rarely seems to do so and they do a great job of keeping the ball deep. Despite that, the Packers might have just enough of both sides of the ball to score enough and prevent the Rams from running the ball too far to come out of this game with a win.

Nolan Stracke (14-2): Packers 31, Rams 23

All eyes are on Aaron Donald and the Rams defense, but what about the Packers defense? They are ranked 13th for runs allowed and 9th for yards allowed. Pettine’s group has taken a big step forward since the start of the season. I think the Rams ‘offense, which doesn’t have the firepower it had before, will have more trouble than Aaron Rodgers & Co. against the Rams’ defense. The Packers have had a long time to come up with a plan to stop, or at least slow down, the Aaron Donald and Los Angeles front. Rodgers wants an NFC championship at Lambeau and he will make sure that happens on Saturday.

Joe Kipp (14-2): Packers 27, Rams 17

It’s hard to see the Rams having much success on offense when Jared Goff is expected to dress with a broken thumb in sub-zero temperatures. The way to victory for Los Angeles goes through Cam Akers and the racing game. The Rams will likely need a roll from the Packers’ offense as well. Unfortunately for LA, the Green Bay offense has the fewest turnovers (11) of any NFL team this season. In defense, the Packers need to pressure Goff early and often. The Rams signalman threw seven interceptions (the second-most in the NFL) under pressure this season, per PFF.

Brandon Carwile (9-3): Packers 27, Rams 17

Do you mean the defense of LA? Let’s talk about their offense for once. Passing the ball isn’t easy for the Rams, with Jared Goff having a thumb injury. They insist on running the ball and last year that would have been a major problem for Green Bay. This year’s defense is much better than it was a year ago. There is a lot of confidence there. Offensively, the Packers will be able to do just enough to score more points. Rodgers throws two touchdowns and Green Bay runs over 140 yards in a win.