Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are heading into their Week 8 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. ClutchPoints previously noted that the Packers are the biggest underdogs that they have ever been since Rodgers took over as the starting quarterback.
Even though the Packers are listed as major underdogs, they believe that they can come out and shock the NFL. No team has defeated the Rams so far this season, leading to a 7-0 record for Los Angeles. Green Bay currently sits at 3-2-1 on the year, but they are coming off of the bye week much healthier than they have been in recent weeks.
Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison appear to be on their way back for this week's game. Bashaud Breeland also could be able to get some playing time this week, which would be a major boost for the Packers' secondary. Rodgers is still technically on the injury report with his knee, but it is healing well.
Los Angeles has been playing an impressive brand of football this season. Todd Gurley is without question one of the top MVP candidates, Jared Goff has taken his game to a new level, and the Rams' defense has loads of talent. That has led to the Packers already being written off in Week 8.
All of that being said, what bold predictions can be made for the Packers heading into this week's matchup with the Rams?
5. Aaron Rodgers Will Throw for 300 Yards, Three Touchdowns
Fair enough, fans are used to seeing Rodgers put up monstrous numbers each and every week. That being the case, the Rams' defense is nothing easy to put those numbers up against.
L.A. will bring pressure and they have a secondary capable of making big plays. Rodgers has been dealing with a nagging knee injury that has hurt his mobility at times. That could lead to him taking hits this week.
Despite the strength of the Rams' defense, Rodgers will find a way to have a big game. He will throw for at least 300 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers should give the Packers a fighting chance to make the game interesting.
4. Green Bay Will Sack Jared Goff Five Times
The pass rush in Green Bay has been one of the biggest causes of frustration this season. In some games, they look deadly, while in others, they appear to be asleep. Green Bay will get their pass rush going this week.
Goff is a quality quarterback, but he is capable of making mistakes when he is under pressure. Mike Pettine's defense will be focused on forcing turnovers and that will all start with Mike Daniels, Clay Matthews, and the rest of the Green Bay defense getting to the quarterback.
Recording five sacks against the Rams will take a lot of hard work, but the Packers will get the job done.
3. Aaron Jones Rushes for 100 Yards
Mike McCarthy has been searching for a consistent ground game and Aaron Jones has been the best running back so far this season. He has played well enough that both Rodgers and McCarthy have been wanting to get him more touches. That will happen this week against the Rams.
Green Bay will want to establish the running game as early as they can. Rodgers will need help this week and Jones is the man to give him that help.
Jones will come through with a big performance, rushing for at least 100 yards. If he can come through with that kind of a performance, he will force McCarthy's hand to give him more carries throughout the remainder of the season.
2. Green Bay Will Keep Todd Gurley Out of the End Zone
Perhaps the boldest prediction of this entire article, Todd Gurley will not get into the end zone this week. He has scored a touchdown in every game this season, including three games with three touchdowns.
Gurley has been an absolute monster on the ground, but he has also been deadly in the passing game. Pettine will have his hands full coming up with a game plan to slow him down. Even though it is nearly impossible to shut Gurley down, the Packers will at least keep him out of the end zone.
1. The Packers Will Shock the League By Beating the Rams
Finally, but certainly most importantly, the Packers are going to come out this week and shock the NFL. Los Angeles has appeared nearly unbeatable so far this season, but Rodgers and the Packers will find a way to hand them their first defeat.
If the Packers want to make the playoffs this season, they need to handle their business over the next few weeks. They are on the road against the Rams, on the road against the New England Patriots, at home against the Miami Dolphins, on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, and then on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.
Starting things off with a huge win over the Rams would give the Packers some serious momentum. It would move them to 4-2-1 on the season, which would look much better than 3-3-1 with that schedule ahead.
Whenever Rodgers is on the field, the Packers have a chance. His knee is beginning to get better and he lives for big games. Green Bay doesn't have an easy task this week, but they will make just enough plays down the stretch to pull off a close, hard-fought victory.
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