A primetime late season matchup at Lambeau Field between the Los Angeles Rams and Green Bay Packers headlines the NFLs week 12 matchups. Both teams are battling for the 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs, where only the top seed gets the bye in the playoffs. The Packers have their bye week next week, so Matt Lafleur and company will want to head into that on a positive note and in control of their own destiny in the road to the top seed in the playoffs. Our game preview gets you ready for this pivotal NFC matchup.

Game Preview: Los Angeles Rams vs Green Bay Packers

  • When: Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 3:25pm CST
  • Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
  • TV: FOX
  • Broadcasters: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi
  • Odds: Rams favored by 1.5
  • Record: Rams lead 48-46-2
  • Last meeting: In 2020 Wild Card; at Lambeau Field, Packers 32 Rams 18

Game Preview: 3 Things to Watch

Packers secondary against Rams receivers

The Packers secondary needs to limit the amount of explosive plays by the Rams receivers. Last week in Minnesota, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen killed the Packers on intermediate to deep routes. Against Minnesota last week, the Packers secondary gave up 10 plays of at least 15 yards or more. Cooper Kupp has been one of the most productive receivers in the game this season and he is going to make plays against the Packers, there is no question about that. It’s about limiting those opportunities. Sean McVay is very creative and will try find ways to get Kupp the ball, not to mention Odell Beckham.

Third Down Offense

During the Packers dominating win in the wild card game last season, the Packers were 8 for 12 on the third down conversions. Rodgers is going to need to get into favorable position on third downs. The Rams defense is built very similar to the Packers and that is to limit explosive plays and make the offense drive the length of the field to get points. Third downs are going to be critical to the success of the Packers offense.

Offensive Line Protection

The Packers offensive line has struggled as of late. One of the keys to the game will how well they protect Rodgers, give him throwing lanes and open up holes for the running game. One way for Rodgers and Lafleur to help the offensive line would be a quick passing attack. A short quick passing attack will open up opportunities for deep big play every once in awhile. Another way for the Packers to help their offensive line and their passing game is to stay committed to the running game. Being efficient and consistent in the run game is one way for the Packers to counter what the Rams do well on defense and lighten the load for the offensive line. As much help that they can give the line will be key to their success.

Final Analysis

Matt Lafleur does not lose back-to-back games. This will not be an easy game for the Packers. They are playing at Lambeau all three of the teams loses this season have come on the road. This will be another close game for the time but I think the Packers will pull this out. A quick passing attack, commitment to the run game and limiting the Rams explosive passing attack will all lead the Packers to victory. We are in the home stretch of the season and every game now matters and this game has importance as to who will have the inside track on home field advantage in the NFC playoffs. This season, I don’t think anyone wants to come to Lambeau in January to play Rodgers. Starting the final stretch off with a win against the Rams will be a step to getting that home field advantage.

Go Pack Go!

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag