Green Bay Packers 2022 opponent preview: Los Angeles Rams
The Super Bowl champions haven’t enjoyed much success at Lambeau Field in recent years. The Green Bay Packers have defeated the Los Angeles Rams two seasons in a row.
Not only that, Matt LaFleur’s team outplayed them in both contests, including a divisional round showdown in 2019.
But the Rams were outstanding in the postseason, eliminating the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers before winning the Super Bowl in their home stadium.
Can the Packers make it three in a row versus the Rams?
Last season
The Rams went all in last offseason, trading for Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. The hope was Stafford would be the missing piece at quarterback to help the Rams go all the way.
Los Angeles made a fast start, going 7-1 in its opening eight games. Stafford hit the ground running and put his name in the MVP conversation.
However, a midseason blip put some doubt in their Super Bowl aspirations. The Rams lost three in a row, including a game at Lambeau versus the Packers. Even with the addition of Odell Beckham, they struggled.
However, Sean McVay’s team would bounce back, winning five of their final six and securing the NFC West title.
Stafford then proved to be the difference-maker in January the Rams traded for. In four postseason games, Stafford threw for 1,188 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions with a passer rating of 108.3.
In February, Los Angeles defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to be crowned Super Bowl champions.
When is the game?
This is the Packers’ first game after their December bye week. It will be played at Lambeau Field in Week 15. It is also a Monday Night Football game, kicking off at 7:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Dec. 19.
Offseason additions/departures
This offseason, the Rams lost some key players, including star edge rusher Von Miller, running back Sony Michel, cornerback Darious Williams, and punter Johnny Hekker. They also traded wide receiver Robert Woods to the Tennessee Titans.
They are yet to re-sign wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
However, the Rams made some good additions too.
All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner joins an excellent Rams defense, and the team also signed free-agent receiver Allen Robinson and traded for cornerback Troy Hill.
Last meeting with Packers
November 28, 2021: Packers won 36-28 at Lambeau Field
Player to watch
Aaron Donald: The Packers have limited Donald to zero sacks and one quarterback hit in the last two games combined. It is a big reason why they have won both games. They need a similar performance in 2022.