Packers: Turnovers, run game crucial to beating Rams in Week 12

For the Green Bay Packers to defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, they must run the football and win the turnover battle.

It will be one of the Green Bay Packers‘ biggest challenges at Lambeau Field this season when they welcome the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Both teams are in need of a win. The Packers are aiming to avoid suffering consecutive defeats in the regular season for the first time under head coach Matt LaFleur. The Rams are aiming to avoid losing a third game in a row, especially after their bye week.

Green Bay, as has been the case all season, is dealing with a number of injuries. That’s why to defeat Los Angeles, the Packers must remain committed to the ground game and also win the turnover battle.

Running the ball important for Packers vs. Rams

Teams that have found success against the Rams this year have been able to run the football. Not easy against a dominant defensive line, but a battle the Packers must win this week.

That could mean a big day for AJ Dillon — Aaron Jones is questionable as he continues to recover from a knee injury. No matter who is carrying the football, the offensive line needs to win regularly in run blocking.

Earlier in the season, the Arizona Cardinals dominated the Rams, winning 37-20. A key to their success was the ground game with Arizona piling up 216 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers won big against the Rams, 31-10. It all started with the ground game, the Niners running 44 times for 156 yards and a score while attempting just 19 passes.

The Rams have one of the NFL’s top pass rushes. One way to slow them down is to the run the football.

The Packers did this successfully in January, rushing for 188 yards and two scores versus the Rams in the divisional round. It won’t be as easy this time without Elgton Jenkins and Corey Linsley along the offensive line.

Win the turnover battle

In each of the Rams’ three losses, they’ve turned the football over twice. If the Packers can steal a possession or two on Sunday, they will set themselves up for success.

Green Bay’s defense has 16 takeaways on the year, ranking eighth. If Matthew Stafford gives the defense an opportunity to intercept a pass, they need to make it count. It could be the difference between winning and losing.