The 2022 NFL season hasn’t gone as planned for either the Packers or the Rams entering their week 15 contest. The Rams are coming off a 17-16 win to end a six-game skid and are 4-9 on the season. Meanwhile, the Packers are just 2-7 over their last nine and 5-8 on the season. Green Bay won last year’s meeting between the teams, 36-28, and are 7-point favorites at home in this one.
The Rams are led by quarterback Baker Mayfield, who went 22-of-35 for 230 yards and a touchdown in his only start. Without wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has been out for the last month, Mayfield’s top target against the Packers’ 5th ranked pass defense is tight end Tyler Higbee. The Rams should have a better chance moving the ball on the ground against Green Bay’s porous run defense that is third from the bottom, allowing 155 yards per game. The problem for the Rams is they are averaging only 86 yards per game rushing, third worst in the NFL. Cam Akers leads the Rams with 376 yards rushing, but only averages 3.3 yards per carry.
Rams’ HC Sean McVay told reporters that QB John Wolford has a neck injury expected to sideline him Monday night in Green Bay. This means the Rams’ starting QB vs. the Packers, to no one’s surprise, will be Baker Mayfield.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2022
Aaron Rodgers is having a solid season with 2864 yards passing and 22 touchdowns, but has thrown an uncharacteristically high nine interceptions, his highest total since 2010. Allen Lazard, Robert Tonyan, and rookie Christian Watson have been Rodgers’ primary targets, connecting with the trio 115 times. Watson has been the big-play threat, scoring seven times on 25 receptions. The Packers should have success through the air against a Rams’ passing defense that is in the bottom half of the league in yards allowed.
On the ground, the Packers are led by the duo of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, who have combined for nearly 1500 yards and five touchdowns. Green Bay’s 12th ranked rushing attack will be tested against the Rams’ 5th ranked run defense which allows a shade under 100 yards per game.
On special teams, Mason Crosby is 15-of-18 on the season but has made just 3-of-6 from beyond 40 yards. For the Rams, Matt Gay has been outstanding, hitting 19-of-21, including 4-of-6 from beyond 50 yards.
As is the case with most NFL games, the turnover differential will be key. Green Bay is –2 on the season, while the Rams are third from the bottom at –6.
Green Bay is 5-8 against the spread this season and the Rams are 5-7-1. The under has hit in eight of the 13 games for the Rams this season and in five of their last six road contests. On the flip side, the Packers have been involved in games over the line in their last four. The Rams are 0-4 against the spread in their last four games at Lambeau Field.
Biggest hurdle to Packers winning out is the defense, in my opinion. They get the Rams on Monday night but then three straight games against top 10 scoring offenses.
Packers: 1-4 against teams in top 10 of scoring in 2022
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) December 16, 2022
A recent article puts the Packers playoff chances at around 65% if they win out. That seems unbelievable for a team that’s 5-8 in the middle of December and that’s played as poorly as the Packers. You can thank a 17 game schedule along with an extra playoff berth for that. It seems everyone remains in playoff contention with this new format. As usual, Rodgers stats don’t tell the whole story. He threw for a meager 180 yards against Chicago and only 220 yards against Dallas. With 58 of those yards coming from a Christian Watson catch and run. Those two games are the only wins since September. The key for the offense isn’t some silly notion about signing OBJ. Rather it’s getting Romeo Doubs back. Doubs was having a fine rookie season before the high ankle sprain. Doubs, along with the emergence of Christian Watson, provide the Packers with a formidable receiving duo. The two rookies have had a very limited time on the field together due to injuries by both. It will be exciting to see them play together going forward. Watson and Doubs will make Jordan Love an NFL QB in the future and they’ll help Rodgers go out with some dignity as his career winds down. Watson, Doubs, Dillion, and Jones will stress a defense and makes running the table doable. Provided Rodgers can still make a few plays. He’s been painful to watch missing too many open receivers. There’s no doubt the defense has been a major disappointment. There’s been no pass rush since the Rashan Gary injury. That puts an unbelievable amount of pressure on the secondary already missing Eric Stokes. It’s the run defense that’s been especially concerning. Still, the playoffs are not out of the question just yet I suppose. Only to be followed by the customary earlier playoff loss and frustration. If we can get that far.
Real men don’t discuss stats….remember?
Surely a top 5 elite defense can overcome an injury, right?
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Next man up?
2%..8%….15%…65%…..who gives a F?
It doesn’t matter whatsoever right now, i heard the Packers have 67% chance of making the playoffs if…they run out.
But that doesn’t even get them in the playoffs, even if they run out….then they have to pray that other factors out of their control come to fruition.
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Not too sound harsh, but talking about Loves performance against the Eagles is more entertaining.
Just one loss, and it’s a non issue, we have 4 games too go….RELAX
At the end of the day, the seasons gone however you want to look at it, even if they miraculously got in the playoffs.
I’m not being cynical, i’m being a realist.
From all the way down the hall…..
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December 17, 2022 at 08:29 am
Cold….i don’t have a horse in the race.
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I don’t care if Rodgers, or Love finishes the season.
I’ve commented about what Gutekunst said at his presser.
The Packers are doing nothing this season, unless the hand of God intervenes.
So, i don’t care.
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I believe the Packers if they say they made up their mind on Love.
But that does NOT mean that the Packers will not give Love his 5th year option ( i think they will)
We kind of see the end in sight with this….
Rodgers will play one more season, paying him off of his guaranteed money.
Then Love will start in 2024 making his option year money of 20 million.
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I “think” (i predict) that it’s going down like that.
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But then again ..lol, after the 2020 draft, i thought Rodgers would be gone after two years and Love would be starting the 2023 season.
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I underestimated the ineptitude of Gute/Murphy
So…what do i know 😮
Real men don’t discuss stats….remember?
You also underestimated how shitty Rodgers would play this year. If you’ve ever taken statistics in college Kevin, and we all know you never made it that far. You’d realize you can make stats say whatever you like. Rodgers stats, you argue, make him the best QB ever. Lack of championships say otherwise. Andrew’s statement that Rodgers stats this year haven’t been that bad. Really? Try watching him play. He’s been outplayed by just about everyone from Bailey Zappe to Justin Fields. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t scare anyone. Now you may argue thumb and rib injuries have contributed to his piss poor play. Or maybe being 39, he’s just an old player that will now be injured prone. Surely the best QB ever can overcome a couple of nagging injuries and win his third MVP in a row. Right, Kevin?
Stats tell you what happened on the field, it speaks to production…not NFL Championships.
Is that confusing to you somehow Gomer?
Yes Wilma, Rodgers has lost to inferior QB’s, but then again, so has every other franchise QB.
The last time i checked an active roster consist of 53 players who also determine Championships won.
Not to mention the front office.
Is that getting through, or should i type slower?
M a y b e s p a c e l e t t e r s o u t f o r y o u ?
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How many times does that have to be explained to you?
Teams win Championships.
Championships are won from the top down
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Jordan Love(1st round pick, 3rd year) is 0-1 starting games, in that game he had 1 TD, and 1 pick and a 69.5 passer rating in the loss.
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Brock Purdy (7th round pick rookie) is 2-0 in games started with 4 TD’s and zero picks and a 125 passer rating
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Is 7th rounder Brock Purdy just that much better than Love?
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You’ve called Jordan Love a franchise QB, so is Purdy also a franchise QB?
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You may see where i’m going here Princess, but probably not.
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Maybe Purdy is so much better, because he didn’t have to…….go through the covid training camp?
Bwhahahahahaha
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Settle down Nancy😁…i was just funnin ya in….Tommi speak.
The vast majority of Packer fans at this point want to see Jordan Love play. Brian Gutekunst says that’s not necessary. He’s seen what he needs to see in practice over the last three years to make a decision on Love going forward. Nevertheless fans want to know if there’s hope for the future. Or are we stuck with Rodgers and his barrage of excuses on why he can never win in the playoffs. Fans know what’s coming even if we sneak into the playoffs with Rodgers. Another year of disappointment only without the awards this time. If this is indeed Rodgers farewell tour, then give him his final four games if it avoids all the offseason drama on whether he stays or goes. But the minute we’re out of playoff contention, it’s time for the organization to give the fans what they want. It’s time to start Jordan Love.
Didn’t Gute see Love complete 6 pass completions against the Eagles….what is he thinking?
Boy….he must be dumb.
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Gute paid Rodgers to stick around, Gute says he doesn’t need to see Love play in games….
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But all your wrath goes towards Rodgers Tommi?
Is Gute your hero, your Daddy?
Does he buy you candy?
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Does Gute still have those pictures of you with that boy by the monkeybars from 2 years ago?
24/7 365 NFL fan, part time educator…
From down the hall discussing the 2011 offense…
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December 17, 2022 at 01:09 pm
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Also to be fair, concerning the 2011 offense….
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Rodgers didn’t have to rely on rookie receivers from the draft.
He had…
Nelson
Jennings
J. Jones
Finley
Driver
Cobb
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That offense averaged 35 PPG
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Believe it or not: The defense had 31 interceptions.
They loved to gamble.
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Fun Facts: Even though the defense was 32nd in 2011, they only gave up 22.4 PPG which is actually incredible considering.
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This years defensive scoring so far is 23.2PPG
For entertainment only…..
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December 17, 2022 at 11:23 am
Anonymous
The decision seems so clear and yet there is a never ending debate about this topic. I just hope the front office stays true to what is in the best interests of the GBP.
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Response……😎
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December 17, 2022 at 03:52 pm
Are we clinging to Gute’s response in 2020 about the Love pick?
“We made that move because it was in the best interest of the GBP’s”
Staying true?
Gee…it seems to me the Packers braintrust didn’t have much faith in Love, so much so that they shoveled a lot of money to Rodgers to keep him around 10 months ago.
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I’m not so sure resigning Preston Smith was in the best interest of the GBP’s…..in whose world did Preston earn 13.9 million this season?
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I’m not so sure letting the receiver room deplete in talent over the years was in the best interest of the GBP’s.
We should just keep giving Packer management a pass on everything and just keep dumping on Rodgers….after all, everything is his fault right?
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Now somebody hit me with some more kool aid, Carrying this G is getting me thirsty.
Don’t look now but the viking fans look like they just won the Super Bowl after beating the helpless and mindless Colts.
I didn’t watch the game but I just watched the highlights. How in the world does Indianapolis lose that game??? To blow a 33 point lead with all those turnovers they had. I guess they had Matt Ryan at QB who is known for that one big comeback game. He just happened to be on the losing side of it. I guess that puts Ryan as the losing QB in both the largest comeback in NFL history and in the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. Ouch.
Hey Kevin, you left out the 2011 team, that you so affectionately reference, was bounced out of the playoffs that year in the divisional round. Not unlike the last two years when Erin won his meaningless MVP awards with the best WR in all of football and also choked. And now, if we somehow sneak into the playoffs this year with two ascending rookie WR’s, Aaron Rodgers will give yet another way to shit the bed in the playoffs. Erin’s creativity knows no bounds!
Let me as you this, dear readers, whose talent evaluation do you trust on Jordan Love? Brian Gutekunst who scouted Love and has seen him develop and practice for the last three years? Or our very own Kevin, who last summer said, “I’ve seen enough, trade Love for a 6th round pick!” Yeah, you might want to rethink that one Kevin. I’m gonna go with Gutekunst on this one. Especially since Kevin was wrong about Kurt Benkert and Tim Boyle being better than Jordan Love. Let me give you a piece of advice Kevin. Don’t deflect criticism of Aaron Rodgers onto Preston Smith. Both players are old and not worth their contracts. We can walk away from Smith’s contract. While Rodgers contract we’re stuck with. Not the same. If you want to make excuses for Aaron Rodgers, at least say, the poor bastard’s got a broken thumb and bruised ribs. It’s still bullshit but at least it’s not a ball faced lie.
Shut up Sally, i’m busy.
I got about 20 others, almost as clueless as you are, i don’t have time for you.
Shits and grins from down the hall….
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December 17, 2022 at 07:58 pm
Yea Nick, i’ll agree and add a bit.
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When Murphy said…he discovered silo’s while searching for a new GM.
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When he first said that in early 2018….i instantly thought to myself…well….you’ve been working with them since 2007 as President. And you JUST discovered this in 2018?
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Apparently, they ALL had silo’s up.
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Anyway…i just want a purge in upper management, they need some new voices and new attitudes.
Hopefully they change the by-laws back to where Ron Wolf wanted them so the GM can run football operations with some authority and decision making
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On the other hand i’m grateful i got to sit ringside during a 3 decade run of 2 HOF QB’s.
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That just doesn’t happen in the NFL and will probably never happen again.
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Some Packer fans don’t realize, having HOF QB’s for 30 years isn’t automatic.
Which they will soon discover.
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Those are the fans who disrespect what we’ve been blessed with for so long.
Those are the fans…who don’t know any better.
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Favre and Rodgers both have things us Packer fans don’t like….so what.
They are two of the top icons in the NFL. Two of the best.
They gave their heart and soul to this team and will forever be Green Bay Packer legions.
Show some pride and show respect.
Some readers down the hall thinking that Rodgers and love should battle for the starting job in camp. ENJOY
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December 17, 2022 at 08:55 pm
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I’m not sure why anyone would think Love could beat out Rodgers in camp.
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Because of his 10 snaps against the Eagles in the 4th quarter?
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Better yet, i would be shocked if someone tried to tell Rodgers this. or even attempt to.
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But just for grins, just for entertainment. 😁
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Lets say they compete in camp, and for whatever reason Love is named the starter, Rodgers will make 3.5 million PER GAME, holding a clipboard…lol
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Could you imagine ……😮
The Packers would be the laughing stock of the NFL.
They’d show Rodgers on the sidelines multiple times during EVERY game, telling that story and what he’s making.
The Packers would look like fools.
If you want a laughing stock of the NFL Kevin, look no further than Cleveland and Houston. Having a succession plan at QB makes you prepared for the future so you’re not held hostage by a fading diva at QB. It worked when Ted drafted Rodgers and it’s going to work with Gutekunst drafting Love. Jordan Love doesn’t have to be Rodgers or Favre good. But he does have to be able to competently run Matt LaFleur’s offense. With Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, AJ Dillion, and Aaron Jones, along with Love’s skill set and development. It will make the transition from Rodgers to Love relatively seamless. Only your clueless, dumbass would think that makes the Packers the laughing stock of the NFL. Brian Gutekunst and Mark Murphy will not be fired no matter how much you and Mike tell each other it’s going to happen. Murphy has another 5 years before mandatory retirement and if Gutekunst hits on Jordan Love, and the returns are promising, then he’s gonna be your GM for the next decade or more. No matter how much you bitch to the contrary. If Rodgers does come back next season he’ll constantly be looking over his shoulder after every bad game, after ever INT, after every loss, wondering if the axe will fall and he’ll be benched. Because playing this way next year won’t cut it and there’s no guarantee at 39 yrs old he plays better. The natives are already restless and ready for change. Rodgers has an enormous amount to lose if he comes back next year and very little to gain. It’s hardly a slam dunk. A Super Bowl QB he’s not. He can just as easily cash his checks working as an analyst for Fox. He longs to be on TV and be the center of attention. Who knows, maybe Fox gives him a segment for his weekly book club.
” “Brian Gutekunst and Mark Murphy will not be fired no matter how much you and Mike tell each other it’s going to happen.” – Little Man
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Nor have i ever said that would happen.
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What’s wrong with you?….seriously
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Isn’t it about time you stopped pulling at the bottom of my pants with your teeth looking for attention?
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Find someone else to bother, or maybe go think about Preston Smiths Pro Bowl season, or Newmans NFL career sitting on the bench, maybe the bears franchise running back, or any other ridiculous claims you spout in your world of make believe.
Good gravy! This has become the Tom and PF4L show. Thanks Cheese for inserting a little variety. Frankly, I’ve decided I’m going to just enjoy the next few weeks of the season. It’s like the old days simply rooting for a win while watching the standings, hoping for the unattainable trip to the playoffs! Heck ya! Better than the perennial 13-3 followed by a first round exit that seems to have become the norm!
Some might consider variety more articles, you could be on the wrong website,….just sayin.
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Maybe write an article and send it to JP?…idk