Top-Seeded Packers Favored by 7 Points vs Rams in Divisional Round
- The Green Bay Packers (13-3) are 7-point favorites against the Los Angeles Rams (10-6) Saturday, Jan. 16 (4:45 pm, EST) in the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs
- The Rams reached the Super Bowl in 2018, losing to New England, while the Packers haven’t been in the Super Bowl since 2010
- See opening odds, team overviews, and a prediction about how the line will move
The Green Bay Packers launch their bid to win their first Super Bowl since 2010 as 7-point favorites against the Los Angeles Rams in their Divisional playoff contest on Jan. 16 (4:45 pm, EST) at Lambeau Field.
The Packers are led by Aaron Rodgers who was the NFL’s most productive quarterback this season. It’s unclear whether the Rams will have Jared Goff or John Wolford as their starting quarterback.
This season, the Packers were the league’s top offensive team, generating 31.8 points per game. The Packers scored 66 touchdowns and had an 80% success rate in the Red Zone. The Rams, meanwhile, own the NFL’s number one defense.
Rams vs Packers Opening Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | +265 | +7 (-110) | O 46.5 (-110) |
| Green Bay Packers | -330 | -7 (-110) | U 46.5 (-110) |
Odds taken Jan. 10 at FanDuel
Rodgers on a Mission
When the Green Bay Packers drafted quarterback Jordan Love in the first round earlier this year, it looked like the organization was planning for Rodgers’ retirement.
But Rodgers hasn’t played like a quarterback thinking about hanging up his cleats.
At 37, Rodgers led the NFL in 15 statistical categories, including touchdowns (48), total touchdowns (51), completion percentage (70.7%), quarterback rating (84.4), passer rating (121.5).
In his last two regular-season games, he tossed eight touchdown passes. Those who know him well say he’s playing as impressively as he ever has, probably playing smarter than he did in 2010 when he was Super Bowl MVP.
Aaron Rodgers is very, very good…
Best TD/INT Ratio – This Season
Aaron Rodgers 9.6
Patrick Mahomes 6.3
Ryan Tannehill 4.7
Deshaun Watson 4.7
Drew Brees 4.0#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/KOmMU3WQSp— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) January 8, 2021
Rams Lifted by Gutsy Win
One Rams quarterback John Wolford had to be transported to the hospital by ambulance after being knocked out of the Wild Card game against Seattle. The other Rams quarterback Jared Goff was playing 12 days after surgery on a broken thumb. Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald spent most of the second half on the sidelines with a rib injury.
But somehow the Rams pulled together to upset the Seahawks, 30-20. Before this game, the Seahawks had won 10 consecutive home playoff games.
Cam Akers helped fuel the win by rushing for 131 yards, the most ever by a Rams rookie in a playoff game. Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Rams, Akers will be key against the Packers. Defense will also be key, particularly Donald and shutdown cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He made the day miserable for Seattle receiver DK Metcalf.
Aaron Rodgers vs Aaron Donald next week🍿
The two highest-graded players in the NFL (94.5) pic.twitter.com/fJj343RWje
— PFF (@PFF) January 11, 2021
Rams Injuries Not Serious
The Rams came out of their win over Seattle healthier than they looked while the game was being played. Their best defensive player Aaron Donald ended up on the sidelines in the second half with a rib injury, but the Rams are hopeful he will be ready to play against the Packers.
Meanwhile, Wolford, who started at quarterback against Seattle, was seen celebrating the win in the post-game dressing room after spending much of the Seattle game at the hospital being checked out for a possible neck injury. He’s also expected to be fine. Receiver Cooper Kupp’s knee injury isn’t expected to be serious.
The Packers’ injury list includes defensive end Kingsley Keke and guard Simon Stepaniak who are listed as questionable for Green Bay’s first playoff game.
John Wolford "was in the locker room smiling" after the game, Sean McVay says. It looks like it was a stinger, and "it's trending in a positive direction."
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) January 10, 2021
Line Won’t Move Toward Rams
The Packers own the second-best odds to win the Super Bowl. If anything, the line could move beyond seven points. Rodgers has looked too sharp, and both Rams quarterbacks are probably less than 100 percent.
It’s difficult to see the Packers as anything but a heavy favorite.
One interesting note: the Packers are 10-6 against the spread this season and the Rams are 10-7, counting their playoff game.
Kevin Allen has covered most major events, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final. He covered the NHL for USA Today from 1986-2020, receiving the Lester Patrick Award in 2013 and was honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014 with the Elmer Ferguson Award.
