LA Rams vs Green Bay Packers Preview (12/19/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart
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Talk about a battle of two of the most disappointing teams so far this season. Both once thought of as Super Bowl contenders, now became the laughingstock of the league after humiliating losses and evaporated playoff hopes. The Ram’s managed to squeak a win in Baker Mayfield’s first game out but now face a much tougher opponent. Can lightning strike twice for the Rams?
LA Rams vs Green Bay Packers Betting Odds
Oddsmakers don’t think so as they opened the Rams as a +6.5 underdog. This is vastly different from the look ahead line, a spread that was once a PK. Bettors were quick to side with the Packers, taking this up to the key number of -7. The Rams have taken a completely different identity while battling injury issues, now fielding bumbling quarterback Baker Mayfield to try and right the ship. Bettors have low hopes he can pull off another miracle.
As for the total, offenses are expected to struggle once again as oddsmakers set the total at 41. Bettors were quick in agreement, taking it to as low as 39.5. The Rams offense has been decimated by injuries, losing Cooper Kupp, Stafford, and multiple offensive linemen. These losses have halted any and all offensive production for Los Angeles, making Baker’s potential success a question mark with a chance to prove himself against the Packers.
LA Rams vs Green Bay Packers Prediction
The Pick: Packers -6.5
With that said, I will need Baker to prove it to me as he has been one of the worst quarterbacks in the league this year. Even with a fluke win in his first start, it’s hard to back someone who lost his job early in the year to an XFL product behind poor play. Emphasis on fluke win as the Raiders had them dead to right before a bad penalty and poor defensive schemes let them drive 98 yards for the win.
The Rams are still a unit that rank well below average in offensive metrics, ranking near dead last in Off Pass DVOA and as an Overall DVOA unit. Baker Mayfield is a drastic step down from Stafford, giving little to no bump in production.
While the Packers defensive production has drastically dropped off a cliff, they still are capable of defending the pass with an above average rank in Def Pass DVOA. They do lack in defending the run with one of the worst metrics in the league, but the Rams possess little to no running ability with an ever-rotating backfield desperately looking to find production.
As for the Packers offense, they are still one of the better units in football even though the pass attack has faltered. Though the pass attack has improved as Rodgers gets more accumulated with his young core featuring Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Two potential filled run and guns on the outside. Rodgers is poised for a bounce back opportunity while getting healthier off of a bye week, now getting to go against one of the worst pass defenses in the league.
Betting Trends
- Rodgers is 9-3-1 ATS coming off of a bye
- Rams are 1-4 ATS following a straight up win
Key Injuries
LA Rams Injuries: Travin Howard (O), Matthew Stafford (O), Cooper Kupp (O), Aaron Donald (O)
Green Bay Packers Injuries: Romeo Doubs (Q)
Key Matchups
Can the Packers ground game crack the Rams elite rush defense?
Green Bay ground game vs Rams rush defense
While the Rams secondary is certainly bad enough for the Packers to throw all over the entire game, having a successful run game would go a long way in giving their offense a higher rate of scoring success.
They possess arguably the best duo in football with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, but now go against one of the most stout rush defenses in football. Even without Aaron Donald, this unit has excelled in stopping the run by clogging the holes and limiting success to their second level.
Verdict
Take the Packers at -7 or lower in what will be another notch on their belt while keeping their playoff hopes alive with a wildcard spot in their sights.
LA Rams Depth Chart
QB: Baker Mayfield
RB1: Cam Akers
RB2: Kyren Williams
LWR: Ben Skowronek
RWR: Van Jefferson
SWR: Brandon Powell
TE1: Tyler Higbee
Green Bay Packers Depth Chart
QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB1: Aaron Jones
RB2: AJ Dillon
LWR: Allen Lazard
RWR: Christian Watson
SWR: Sammy Watkins
TE1: Robert Tonyan
