After a thrilling home opener win against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3, the Los Angeles Rams’ momentum was cut short in Week 4 as they cost themselves a win against the Chicago Bears.
The Rams beat themselves throughout the afternoon against the Bears, but they at least have an opportunity to bounce back in Week 5 when they host the Green Bay Packers. Like Los Angeles, Green Bay is coming off a tough Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and will also be trying to get back in the win column.
At 1-3, the 2024 season is starting to get away from the Rams and they’ll need to pick up a win against the Packers if they hope to keep pace in the NFC West.
Rams Offense vs. Packers Defense
Offensively, Los Angeles has had to make up the losses of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua who remain out with ankle and knee injuries, respectively. Matthew Stafford has been forced to create plays on his own more often than not, though he’s starting to build a real connection with rookie receiver Jordan Whittington who led the team in receptions last week with six.
Green Bay’s defense is solid, though their secondary is beatable especially if Jaire Alexander is unable to suit up. Kyren Williams is expected to get the bulk of the running back work, though head coach Sean McVay might try to challenge the Packers through the air.
Rams Defense vs. Packers Offense
Green Bay’s offense is a bit hobbled coming into the matchup as they’ll likely be without Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, while Jordan Love continues to work through the knee injury he suffered in Week 1. Love showed some clear signs of rust last week, but still managed to throw for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns.
Jared Verse and Braden Fiske will be counted on to try and get pressure on Love, though the quarterback will still have players like Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to throw to. Fortunately for Los Angeles, their secondary will get a huge boost as Darious Williams will return to the field after spending time on the IR with a hamstring injury.
Keys To Victory
1. Establish the run
Los Angeles looked at its best when Williams got carries, so giving him the football and letting him create short-yardage situations would be a good place to start offensively.
2. Force Love out of the pocket
Love does his best work passing when he can sit in the pocket, but with him still nursing a knee injury the Rams need to do their best to get pressure on him and force him to throw on the move.
