It has been nine years since Aaron Rodgers led his team to victory in Super Bowl XLV over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He and the Green Bay Packers (13-3) have been a force in their division, winning the NFC North six times since their 2011 title. But have failed to turn that regular-season success into another postseason run, going 5-5 in postseason matchups in that same period, losing three times in the NFC Championship Game, and failing to make it back to the final game.
They will try to turn that narrative around on Saturday as they host the Los Angeles Rams (11-6) in the NFC Divisional Round.
The Rams, coming off an upset of the Seattle Seahawks in the Wildcard Round, are dealing with key injuries leading up to their matchup at Lambeau Field.
Goff’ progressing’, Donald, Kupp, and Wolford all inactive
As of Tuesday, defensive lineman Aaron Donald (ribs), wide receiver Cooper Kupp (knee), and quarterback John Wolford (neck) were listed as did not participate (DNP) on the Rams injury report.
Donald’s injury will be the most important to watch as it develops. The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year left the game with the Seahawks in the third quarter and did not return. His presence is critical to the LA defense. He had the second-highest sack total of his career this year with 13.5 and added two of the five sacks by the Rams on Russell Wilson last week.
If Donald cannot play, look for the Rams to dial up more pass-rush from their linebackers. Leonard Floyd finished in the top ten in total sacks this season with 10.5 and added two in their win over Seattle.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff (thumb) did participate in practice, which is a good sign considering the shaky situation the Rams have at the position. Following Wolford’s injury and with Blake Bortles inactive, Goff was forced into action as the only available quarterback.
If Wolford is unable to go on Saturday, a huge focus will be not only on Goff but if Bortles will be active and ready as a backup. According to coach Sean McVay, the Rams emergency quarterback is punter Johnny Hekker.
Key Matchup: Davante Adams vs. Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey, the Rams All-Pro corner, is never lacking in confidence, even when facing up against the best receivers in the league. This weekend, he will be facing the league leader in both receiving yards per game and receiving touchdowns in Davante Adams.
Ramsey has blanketed notable receivers all year, including similar big body receivers, such as DK Metcalf. No receiver has finished with over 100+ receiving yards when matched up against Ramsey.
Rodgers told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he doesn’t expect one-on-one matchups between the two to be regular on Saturday.
“The Rams have a dynamic, dynamic player in Jalen,” Rodgers said, “but they have been playing a lot more two-shell. So I don’t know how much mano a mano is going to be out there. I’m sure there’s going to be some opportunities, and he is super talented.”
Expect the Packers to line up Davante Adams all over the field to avoid the man-to-man matchups with Ramsey. According to Next Gen Stats, Adams lined up in the slot on 29.9% of his routes this season, and 7 of his 18 receiving touchdowns came from the slot.
GAME INFO
Green Bay vs. Los Angeles, Saturday, January 16, 4:35 PM ET Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
TV channel: FOX
