PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams

The Green Bay Packers (2-5) are back at Lambeau after the divisional loss to the Minnesota Vikings.  They host the Los Angeles Rams (3-5), who may be without their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. Although the Packers have struggled as late, this is a winnable game for them.

Jaire Alexander said, “I tell people this all the time. I say, ‘We got ten games left, and we’re gonna win out.’ So that’s how I feel. I know a few other people might feel the same way, but I will be the first to say it. We’re gonna win out.”

If the Packers have any chance to get some momentum and win a string of games, it starts with this home game against the Rams.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams

Sep 24, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers placekicker Anders Carlson and punter Daniel Whelan (19) warm up before their game against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Malchow (3-3): Packers over Rams 17-12

I predict this to be a dull, uneventful game that will be a grind. It is hard to predict how this team will respond to the loss of Rasul Douglas. This allows the young guys to step up and make a name for themselves but leaves some vulnerability on the defensive side.

This team needs someone to step up and get the momentum back on their side.

Offensively, the interior guys better come with their straps tight. Aaron Donald is a menace; he is ranked 2nd according to PFF in pass rushing. He has 4.5 sacks this year and is a problem inside. With that being said, this defense isn’t unbeatable. They are giving up 218 a game through the air and 109 on the ground. If Aaron Jones is good to go and gets used, he should be in line for a good day.

Defensively, rookie Puka Nacua will probably end up with ten catches, but it depends on how well backup quarterback Brett Rypien plays. Nacua is a stud underneath, and the Packers love letting guys run loose. Despite the defensive issues, this defense can hold them to field goals. Even if Stafford is ruled out, it will be a tough matchup for the Packers.

Love throws for two touchdowns, and the Rams kick four field goals. Packers win.

Zach Weller (1-5): Packers over Rams 24-13

This may be the last time I pick the Packers. The Rams are coming to Lambeau Field with a 3-5 record. Last week, they were dominated by Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys 43-20.  Generally, teams that are well-coached bounce back after a poor performance. However, the Packers may have caught a break. Stafford likely will not play due to a thumb injury.

This couldn’t have come at a better time for two reasons. The first reason is the Packers need a win. It is not just a win for the standings but for their morale as well. So far, the Packers have played against two backup quarterbacks. Both times, the defense was able to do some good things and get the ball back to our offense.

The second reason is the absence of Rasul Douglas. Now that Douglas is in a new uniform, the Packers will need production from more young players. So far, youth and inconsistencies have undone this Packers team. Hopefully, by inserting more of it, it won’t make matters worse.

Eliminate the Penalties

If the Packers can eliminate dumb pre-snap penalties and score points in the first half. This should be a game that might jump-start this offense for the rest of the season. The football gods seemingly have given the Packers an opportunity. It’s up to them to not waste it.

I’ll take the Green Bay Packers over the Los Angeles Rams, 24-13.

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