4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs Packers on Sunday…

4 key matchups to watch in Rams vs. Packers on Sunday

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva

The Rams and Packers will treat fans to a rematch of January’s divisional round playoff matchup on Sunday, a game Green Bay won easily at home to eliminate the Rams from the postseason. This time, the Rams will have Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, while Aaron Donald will also be fully healthy, which wasn’t the case in that playoff game.

The Packers are still slightly favored despite being nowhere near full strength, and that’s because even when they’ve been missing key players, they’ve still managed to win games.

Here’s a look at four key matchups to watch in Sunday’s game at Lambeau Field.

CB Jalen Ramsey vs. WR Davante Adams

It’s always fun when the best cornerback in the NFL matches up with the best wide receiver. It’s a rematch of the playoff battle between these two, which started with some fireworks before kickoff and ended with the Packers advancing to the NFC Championship Game with Adams scoring one touchdown on nine receptions.

The Rams haven’t been using Ramsey to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers, but this should be the game to do it. Adams is by far the Packers’ biggest weapon on offense and keeping him in check should be priority No. 1. The Rams will be playing with fire if they stick David Long Jr. or Robert Rochell on Adams in coverage.

DT Aaron Donald vs. LG Jon Runyan

Runyan has actually been pretty solid for the Packers this season but they’ll need him to be great on Sunday against Donald. This is a very favorable matchup for the Rams, one that could require the Packers to double Donald with a center or possibly even their left tackle.

The last time Donald faced the Packers, he was far from 100% healthy, playing through a rib injury in the Rams’ postseason loss. He only had one pressure in that game, but he should have a much greater impact in this one against Runyan and the Packers’ banged-up offensive line.

LG David Edwards vs. DT Kenny Clark

Edwards will have his hands full with Clark this weekend because the Packers’ stud defensive tackle is a nightmare to block. He has 44 total pressures this season and is coming off two of his best performances of the year in which he totaled 13 pressures against the Seahawks and Vikings.

Preston Smith will also be a player the Rams can’t take lightly, but there’s less concern about Andrew Whitworth blocking him than there is with Edwards going up against Clark.

WR Cooper Kupp vs. CB Chandon Sullivan

Sullivan is likely to be the Packers’ slot corner, though if Jaire Alexander plays, he could match up with Kupp at times. Sullivan is a great tackler and has been serviceable in coverage, but he hasn’t faced a receiver who’s put up the numbers that Kupp has.

According to Pro Football Focus, Sullivan is allowing 10.5 yards per catch and has allowed a completion rate of 71.1% this season. The Rams should be able to find ways to get Kupp on Sullivan, which is a matchup that favors the star receiver.