The last time the Packers played the Rams, they beat them 28-36, earning their 7th win the in the last 8 matchups. Rasul Douglas had a pick 6 and the Packers carried a 19 point lead into the 4th quarter before giving up some garbage time points. They owned the Rams, even in a year when they eventually won the Super Bowl. Hopefully they keep up their winning ways in a highly-improbable playoff run against a team that just broke a 6 game winning streak.

WHEN THE RAMS HAVE THE BALL

Who knows?

Prior to last week, the Rams were a struggling offense. They currently rank 29th in points scored, 25th in passing yards, and 30th in rushing yards.

In a word, they've stunk.

But they showed signs of life even with a backup quarterback. Two weeks ago, with John Wolford leading the offense, they hung 23 on the Seahawks and were winning with less than a minute to go.

Now they have Baker Mayfield and a new outlook on life. In his first game (just a few days after joining the Rams), the Rams came back in thrilling fashion from a 16-3 deficit with 3:30 left to beat the Raiders on the strength of a 98 yard touchdown drive in 1:45 to go ahead with 9 seconds left and in the game.

Baker Mayfield may not invoke feelings of greatness, but he has the talent of a #1 overall pick and ignited the locker room with his debut. Sean McVay is still calling plays and the Rams (like the Packers) still aren't out of this thing.

The toughest assignment the Packers will have is reading Baker Mayfield. He's in a new offense and will likely be full of surprises. Cooper Kupp is one of the best receivers in the game, but is out (likely for the year) after suffering an ankle injury last month. Allen Robinson may be their next most talented receiver, but he's out for the year after having foot surgery.

Van Jefferson is no slouch, though, and Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell are capable (if not notable) receivers. The offense also relies on tight end Tyler Higbee in the passing game. Higbee leads active Rams in catches and yards, despite not catching a touchdown this year (yet).

The Packers should be able to handle the Rams receivers in single coverage, but will need to pay close attention to Higbee. They may want to consider using an extra defensive back for him, because the linebackers will be needed in run defense. 

Cam Akers is having a poor statistical season, averaging only 3.3 yards per carry on the year, but is a versatile, talented back that can make big plays.

The Packers have a talent advantage here, but Baker Mayfield presents a huge wild card with his athletic gifts and the fact that we have no real idea how he will run this McVay offense. The Packers could be aggressive up front against a mediocre offensive line that has given up 8 sacks in the last two games. However, with Joe Barry calling plays, and very little film available on this new-look offense, I expect them to play conservative and do a decent job of holding them to field goals.

WHEN THE PACKERS HAVE THE BALL

Aaron Donald's will miss tonight's game with an ankle injury, and A'Shawn Robinson is out for the year with a torn meniscus, making the Rams front a little less fearsome than it's been in previous years. 

Even without a strong line, the Rams still have a lot of talent on defense.

At linebacker, Bobby Wagner is still a force at 32 and Leonard Floyd generates a noticeable pass rush on the edge.

On the back end, Jalen Ramsey is a premier cornerback (even if he can never get the best of Davante Adams).

The Packers, however, are as healthy as they've been on offense since the flew across the pond.

Aside from Aaron Rodgers getting a week of rest for his thumb (which he claims is now healed) and ribs (which could be a problem if he takes some shots in the cold), the Packers will have his full stable of receivers healthy for the first time all year. 

Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins, and Samori Toure all bring different strengths to the table and the Packers can choose which ones they want to play. Watson will be there for sure, meaning the Rams will need to respect the deep ball, which could open up the run game.

The Rams defense is strong against the run (4th in yards on the year), but injuries are taking a toll and they gave up a season-worst 165 yards rushing against the Raiders last week. 

They've been softer against the pass on the season, and let Geno Smith toss a career-high 367 yards on them two weeks ago.

The Packers have the ability to win on the ground or in the air in this matchup and Matt LaFleur has a chance to really pencil whip his old friend Sean McVay.

OTHER NOTES

Kickoff temperatures expected to be in the teens, with wind chills approaching single digits. Honestly, I don't think it will be as big of an issue as the media makes it out to be.

The Rams defense is falling in love with the ball again: after only getting one total takeaway in their previous 8 games, they have recorded multiple takeaways in 3 consecutive games.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I'm thoroughly enjoying this season.

Sure, I'd love to be blowing teams out, but there's something appealing about years like 2013 and 2015, where there's a grind, a struggle to overcome and simply make the playoffs. To me, that's the kind of drama that makes football so entertaining.

That's why I'm so interested in this season, despite their struggles. We're here with a pretty good shot to make the playoffs if they win out.

And it starts with a very beatable Rams team.

The Packers should be able to have their way with this decimated Rams defense. They are ripe for the picking and reeling from injuries. If the Packers offense can hit stride here and blow the top off this thing, we can get really excited about another table running into the post season.

Of course, if they muddle through the game with inconsistency... well, we'll have a tense final month of the season as we try to figure out what's going to happen.

I haven't seen anything to make me think the former will happen.

But I feel pretty good about the final outcome.

Packers 22, Rams 17