Packers vs. Rams: 5 Things to Watch and a Prediction for Week 5

The Green Bay Packers will go for a perfect 5-0 start when the 2-2 St. Louis Rams visit Lambeau Field on Sunday afternoon. 

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Green Bay’s showdown with the Rams in Week 5:

 

1. Ganging up on Gurley 

Since getting gashed by Matt Forte in the opener, the Packers’ vastly improved run defense has allowed Marshawn Lynch, Jamaal Charles and Carlos Hyde to rush for just 110 total yards over the last three weeks. Sunday is another big test, as Rams rookie Todd Gurley comes to Lambeau Field fresh off rushing for 146 yards in just his second career game. Of his 19 rushes, four gained 20 or more yards—including a 52-yarder to seal the Rams’ win over the Cardinals. Gurley looks like a special talent. It will take a special effort to stop him. 

 

2. Tavon’s Time

Road underdogs typically need takeaways or big plays on special teams to spring upsets. Considering the Packers almost never turn the ball over at home, the Rams’ best chance at swinging the game might come via Tavon Austin. The dynamic returner has a 75-yard punt return for a score already in 2015, his third return touchdown of his career. The former first-round pick also came alive on offense in Week 4, catching two touchdowns and gain 116 total yards against the Cardinals. He’s a gadget player, but a very good one. The Packers can’t let him get loose, especially on special teams. 

 

3. Blitzing Foles

The Rams quarterback has been very good against the blitz in 2015, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt with four touchdowns and just one interception when facing extra pressure this season. The Packers have been hit and miss when dialing up pressure this season, but Dom Capers can look back to the 2013 season—when Foles torched the Packers for three scores—to know why his defense needs to disrupt the opposing quarterback Sunday. Foles can be deadly efficient when he gets comfortable in the pocket. Luckily, the Rams aren’t strong at either tackle position, so the Packers may not need to blitz all day.  

 

4. Red zone battles

The Rams rank fourth in red zone defense through four games, having allowed touchdowns on less than 40 percent of opponent trips inside the 20. St. Louis upset the Cardinals on the road largely due to a stingy defensive effort in the red zone, where Arizona scored just one touchdown on five chances. The Cardinals kicked five field goals and lost by just two points. The Packers are scoring touchdowns on over 60 percent of their red zone trips, but that number is still probably lower than Green Bay would like it. Sunday would be a good time to raise the percentage. The Packers have to finish drives against the Rams’ bend-but-don’t-break defense. 

 

5. Matchup of the Week?

Aaron Donald against Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley and T.J. Lang might just be the NFL’s best matchup in Week 5. That’s not just hyperbole. The Rams defensive tackle is the league’s most disruptive force outside of Houston (and that guy named Watt), while the Packers have arguably the top interior offensive line in the NFL. Rare are the times when it makes sense to take your eyes off Aaron Rodgers when he has the football in his hands, but Sunday might be one of them. The Packers need keep a handle on No. 99. 

 

Prediction: Packers 24, Rams 20 (4-0)

Aaron Rodgers can’t escape the pass rush forever. While there’s still no betting against the Packers at home, this one might not be easy. An ugly win is still a win. 

 

Zach Kruse contributes to Cheesehead TV. You can reach him on Twitter @zachkruse2 or by email at [email protected].

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Comments (2)

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croatpackfan's picture

October 10, 2015 at 04:08 pm

My opinion - it will be much more comfortable game, let say something like 30-32 vs 15-20...
I believe in Packers coaching team. They will assemble excellent game plan and Packers have players to execute it...

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Bearmeat's picture

October 10, 2015 at 05:01 pm

I just don't think the Rams strength at DL is going to be able to overcome GB vastly superior depth and talent across the board. And that guy named Rodgers too.

Pack wins comfortably 27-17

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