St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers: Week 5 Prediction

Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

One team is an NFL powerhouse, the other has developed a reputation for knocking such powerhouses off their perch. Something has to give as the St. Louis Rams prepare to visit the Green Bay Packers. Who gets the win?

Injuries

Davante Adams unlikely to get past ankle problem

The receiving position continues to take hits for the Packers as Davante Adams is expected to miss the game with an ankle injury. That puts added pressure on their already stressed depth chart. Few doubt the Packers can adjust, but nothing is easy even for them.

Alec Ogletree out eight weeks after leg surgery

It really looked like linebacker Alec Ogletree was starting to come into his own for the Rams, posting 42 tackles and two sacks in just four games. Then sadly his season took a serious hit when he fractured his fibula. He has undergone surgery and is expected to miss eight weeks recovering.

Key Matchups

Randall Cobb vs. Lamarcus Joyner

With Adams out, quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be looking to Randall Cobb more than ever at receiver. A favorite thing the Packers love to do is move him into the slot where his speed is so dangerous. That puts the pressure on Rams slot corner Lamarcus Joyner, who has suffered through bouts of inconsistency this season.

Clay Matthews vs. Todd Gurley

Every other team in the NFL got that uncomfortable feeling when they watched what Todd Gurley did to the Arizona Cardinals, a team with a pretty good run defense. The Rams 1st round pick looked every bit as advertised, and now it’s up to Clay Matthews and the Packers linebackers to try stopping him.

Fantasy

Sit: Tavon Austin

He’s had some pretty good games this year but Tavon Austin tends to struggle outdoors. Add in the fact he’s going against a Green Bay defense that ranks in the top 10 against the pass and that’s not the best grounds to start him in fantasy league. The best hope is he makes something happens on special teams.

Start: Eddie Lacy

St. Louis has been surprisingly accommodating against the run on defense this year, allowing 120.2 yards per game. Don’t be surprising if the Packers look to take advantage with their bruising back Eddie Lacy. He’s averaging 4.6 yards per carry this season and is due for a breakout game.

Prediction: Packers win 28-17

Winning a game at Lambeau Field is something only elite teams have been able to do, and they haven’t done it since 2012. The Rams may have a reputation for playing their best against good teams, but they are far too inconsistent and unreliable in too many areas to put together a good enough game to steal one from the Packers. Their only hope is the defensive line dominates the game, which is unlikely against Aaron Rodgers.

Next: Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs: Week 5 Prediction

More from NFL Mocks

Home/NFL Hot Takes