Be sure to spare some extra gratitude for one of the best games of the 2021 NFL season this Sunday: the NFC-contending Packers and Rams will go at it under the Lambeau lights on the Sunday afternoon following Thanksgiving.
The meeting will be a chance for Rams head coach Sean McVay to gain redemption on Matt LaFleur after having lost to his former protégé during last year's NFC divisional playoffs. But, working in the Packers' favor could be the mere date and location of this contest. They've been especially good late in the year under LaFleur, not having lost a regular season game after Thanksgiving since 2018. In games at home during that span, they've outscored opponents 176 to 99, fueled by dominant rushing performances.
It's very possible that, for the first time in a long while, the Packers are actually built to win in cold weather. Compare that to the opposing Rams, who are headed to temperatures 30 degrees lower than they're accustomed. But, coming off their bye week, I expect no shortage of energy by McVay's crew leading up to kickoff. Having lost two straight, Los Angeles will play hungry for four quarters in a game that has serious implications on postseason seeding in the NFC.
On Offense
While the Rams may be challenged by the headwinds of a cold Green Bay climate, they'll benefit by the injury-ridden Packers in perhaps their most vulnerable state. Star running back Aaron Jones is recovering from a torn MCL and, despite practicing on Wednesday, seems like a stretch to play on Sunday. The other Aaron - or the man many would consider the most important to beating the Rams - is nursing what's being described as "COVID toe."
Of course, the health of the two Aarons will be a non-factor if Green Bay's makeshift O-line can't provide adequate protection against LA's front seven. The Packers will be without starting tackle David Bakhtiari, center Josh Myers and, now, guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins, who suffered a torn ACL last week in Minnesota. Facing the dangerous tandem of Von Miller and Leonard Floyd will be Yosh Nijman, who managed to hold up against a tough San Francisco defensive front in Week 3.
On Defense
For the Packers to take care of the Rams, they'll need a defensive performance similar to the one they delivered two weeks back against Seattle. While LA's offense presents an even greater challenge, the Packers have plenty of experience against their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, who is more than capable of turning the ball over - as evidenced by back-to-back multi-interception games coming into this week.
Where Joe Barry's pass defense must be better is in zone coverage, which was exposed mightily by Kirk Cousins last week. Cornerbacks Kevin King and Eric Stokes will be tested by the Rams' versatile receivers Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson - plus LA's latest addition, Odell Beckham Jr. When they get their hands on the ball, Green Bay's defensive backs must come away with interceptions - a shortcoming that was ultimately the difference in the game last week.
Matt LaFleur is yet to lose back-to-back games as Packers head coach - but that could come to an end on Sunday as the combination of mounting injuries and facing one of the NFC's most talented teams leave the Packers limping into their bye week.
PackerDay Prediction: Rams 23 Packers 20
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