Kickoff: 4:35 PM EST

Matchup: Los Angeles Rams (10-6) @ Green Bay Packers (13-3)

Players To Watch: Rams’ DB Jalen Ramsey and Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers

Season Stats: 

Ramsey | 79.7 Passer Rating Allowed (12)* | 10.1 Yards Per Reception Allowed (8) | 2 Touchdowns Allowed (8)

Rodgers | 372-of-526 [70.7%] (1)* | 4,299 Passing Yards (7) | 48 Passing Touchdowns (1) | 5 Interceptions (T-79)

*() denotes league ranking

2020 Rams Team Rankings: 11th in Total Offense** (377.0 YPG) | 1st in Total Defense** (281.9 YPG)

2020 Packers Team Rankings: 5th in Total Offense (389.0 YPG) | 9th in Total Defense (334.0 YPG)

**based on yards per game

Jarrett’s Notes: A classic battle between a top-tier offense and the No. 1 defense. 

The Packers opted not to take a receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft, instead taking Aaron Rodgers’ presumed replacement in Utah State’s Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick. Apparently, this brilliant push tactic worked, because 37-year-old Rodgers had one of his best seasons as a pro, tossing a career-high 48 touchdowns, and completing a career-best 70.7 percent of his passes. With a no-name receiving corps (aside from Davante Adams who finished tied fifth in receiving yards [1,374], first in touchdowns [18] and tied-second in receptions [115]), Rodgers put together an MVP season and is more than likely going to earn his third such honor. Not enough credit can be heaped on the Packers offensive line for the job they did keeping their quarterback clean this season, allowing just 21sacks, which is tied for second with the Colts.

Could you even imagine if the Packers had been able to score a guy like Justin Jefferson?

Anyway, the defense also did its job, finishing in the Top 10. Safety Adrian Amos led the team with 88 total tackles, while Darnell Savage reeled in a team-high four interceptions.

On the opposite end, the Rams grounded the once high-flying Seahawks in last week’s Wild Card matchup, intercepting Russell Wilson once, forcing a fumble, and sacking the elusive QB five times, while holding Seattle to just 20 points.

The Rams offense did what it needed to, particularly after John Wolford took a cheap shot from Jamal Adams, that sent the former to the hospital with a neck injury (he has been ruled out this week). With a still-healing broken thumb, Jared Goff flashed toughness, tossing a touchdown to Robert Woods to ensure a victory. It was Cam Akers, however, that broke the game, slicing the Seahawks’ defense for 131 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Los Angeles will need another big day from its rookie rusher, if it wants to see Round 3.

On defense, the Rams stayed brilliant. Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd combined for four sacks and Jalen Ramsey did just enough in the secondary to frustrate DK Metcalf (who finished with a “paltry” 96 yards and a pair of scores). 

This game will likely come down to Rodgers vs. Ramsey, although losing David Bakhtiari to a knee injury should mean the Packers will see a lot of pressure off the edge. If Green Bay’s offensive line can hold the LA line in check, as the defense slows Cam Akers, the Packers should walk away with this one. But the Rams, who lost to the then-winless Jets late this season, have enough firepower to find their way to victory today.

Projected Score: 24-21 Rams Win

Jack’s Notes: Jared Goff has screws in his thumb on his throwing hand. He completed less than 50% of his passes last week and was clearly struggling to throw the ball, but managed to take advantage of a Seahawks’ defense that played with an incredible lack of energy and urgency. The Packers are a different story. They have defensive playmakers at every level of their defense. Pass rushing linebackers Za’Darius Smith, Rashan Gary, and Preston Smith should be more than capable of putting pressure on an injured Goff. Jaire Alexander and the rest of the secondary could have an easier time with the injury to Rams’ star receiver Cooper Kupp. Kupp is a game-time decision, but will likely be hampered by a knee injury if he’s even able to go. If the Packers are able to come out strong and stay focused, this shouldn’t be much of a contest even with the injury to left tackle David Bakhtiari.

Projected Score: 30-13 Packers Win

Dylan’s Notes: For a moment I was considering the chances of LA playing well and upsetting Green Bay in Lambeau. I do not feel that way anymore. I understand the talent on the Rams defense and the way they have been controlling games from that standpoint. But this is a different animal. I think we have a tale of two different teams at this point in time. Let’s call a spade a spade; the Rams are banged up and not the best version of themselves. I believe the matchups with Seattle have to be taken with a grain of salt. A lot of the opportunities that Seattle had they did not take advantage of. MVP QB Aaron Rodgers will not make the same mistakes. You are going to need more than 20 points to win this and I do not believe the Rams will be capable of this. I like Green Bay to keep the pedal down and show just how tough it will be to leave Lambeau with a Win in January. 

Projected Score: 31-16 Packers Win

Kickoff 8:15 PM EST 

Matchup: Baltimore Ravens (11-5) @ Buffalo Bills (13-3)

Players To Watch: Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson and Bills’ QB Josh Allen

Season Stats: 

Jackson (Last Week) | 17-of-24 [70.8%] | 179 Passing Yards | 1 Interception

          | 16 Carries | 136 Rushing Yards | 1 Rushing Touchdown

Allen (Last Week) | 26-of-35 [74.3%] | 324 Passing Yards | 2 Passing Touchdowns

           | 11 Carries | 54 Rushing Yards | 1 Rushing Touchdown

2020 Ravens’ Team Rankings: 19th in Total Offense** | 7th in Total Defense**

2020 Bills’ Team Rankings: 2nd in Total Offense** | 14th in Total Defense**

**based on yards per game

Jarrett’s Notes: Really disappointing that one of these two great teams will have to depart here. Both of these quarterbacks have so much to give to this league for such a long time. Both of these defenses have strengths that far outweigh their weaknesses. I am expecting a battle, and would be disappointed to see either team let us down as spectators.

Projected Score: 31-30 Ravens Win (in a shootout)

Jack’s Notes: Despite the close final score, Josh Allen had a stellar day against Indianapolis. He made big plays with his arm and his legs and, for the most part, prevented a strong Colts defense from imposing their dominance on his offense. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson was constantly overwhelmed by a normally lackluster Titans’ pass rush. The Titans had only 19 sacks during the 16-game regular season but brought Jackson to ground five times in their Sunday matchup. That spells trouble for the Ravens as they face a much better Bills pass rush. Jackson was still able to make big plays with his legs and did enough to win the game, but if the offensive line allows the Bills to pressure Jackson as much as they did last week, Jackson’s big runs won’t be enough to move on.

Projected Score: 24-16 Bills Win

Dylan’s Notes: This in my opinion is the most 50/50 game of the weekend. The keys to the game will be if the Ravens can continue to run against a Buffalo team that does not typically defend the run well; and if the Ravens can make Josh Allen uncomfortable. As we all know if Josh goes they go. I think we are seeing a tougher version of the Ravens as of late. That game last week was a brawl and one that Baltimore typically has lost. I think the win not only instilled confidence in Lamar but also gave that team another level of swagger. They are feeling themselves right now with a hell of a coach on that sideline as well. So for me I see the QB who plays the cleanest game winning. Josh can’t afford to have his fumbles here today and Lamar can’t throw jump balls 45 yards down the field. This will be a truly special black and blue playoff game. 

Projected Score: 34-31 Ravens win