NFL Divisional Round preview: Can the Browns pull off an upset against the Chiefs?

[ASFN Admin]

Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers (Saturday, 9.35pm) The first encounter of the divisional round should be a fascinating affair. The Packers, fresh from their bye week, boast one of the most dangerous offenses in the league while the Rams are the best defense left in the hunt for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The Los Angeles defense had a field day against Seattle in the Wild Card round, sacking Russell Wilson five times and collecting a pick-six. Aaron Donald, as per usual, was a one-man wrecking ball through the middle. The defensive tackle suffered a rib injury during the game but is expected to take on Green Bay. Shutting down Aaron Rodgers, the favourite to win the league’s MVP award, will be a trickier proposition. The Packers’ offense is extremely efficient, combining short and deep passes with a strong running game. Matt LaFleur’s team also possesses arguably the league’s premier receiver in Davante Adams, who has also put together a tremendous campaign. Jalen Ramsey will likely be tasked with trying to shut him down in one of the game’s key contests. Home advantage certainly seems less influential with only a small number of fans, but playing in Lambeau Field in January is never an easy proposition for visiting teams - especially one based in California. It is still unclear who will start at quarterback for the Rams. John Wolford started against Seattle, but was injured in the first quarter and was replaced by the recovering Jared Goff. It seems most likely Goff will play, but he is still only a couple of weeks removed from thumb surgery. The fitness of the LA QB room certainly could be a factor. Key match-up: Can the Packers stop the Rams’ run game? Throughout this game, there will be phases when the Packers offense is on top, and phases when the Rams defense will wrestle control. However, the run game is absolutely vital to the Rams attack. If Green Bay can stop the impressive Cam Akers rolling down the field, it will go a long way to winning the game.

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