How to Watch the Packers’ Playoff Game Against the Rams Saturday; Gametime, TV, Point Spread

GREEN BAY, Wis. – It meant a lot to have the top seed and a first-round bye in the NFL playoffs this year, because there was only one bye. So the top-seeded Green Bay Packers had the luxury of resting up last weekend while the Los Angeles Rams were getting banged up in their wild-card win at Seattle.

Injuries always play a factor this time of year, and quarterback John Wolford, the Rams’ emergency starter last week, got knocked out of the game last week with a neck stinger and isn’t available. Jared Goff, who had thumb surgery three weeks, came in and played well enough to get the win, and he’ll get the start Saturday.

Weather is always a factor in Green Bay in January, but it shouldn’t be a major issue on Saturday. Gametime temperature is projected to be around 35 degrees, with no rain or slow in the forecast.

Here’s how to watch the Green Bay Packers’ game with the Los Angeles Rams’ on Saturday:

Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers

Here are three things to look for in the Rams-Seahawks game

1. How Healthy is Jared Goff?

Jared Goff had right thumb surgery on Dec. 28, and he’s being thrust into Saturday’s playoff game in Green Bay, even if he’s not 100 percent. Goff has been practicing with a glove on his throwing hand all week in preparation for the cold in Green Bay.

“He’s good,” Rams coach Sean McVay said about Goff. “He’s done a nice job throughout the course of the week. I think he’s been able to get a lot of good individual work with (Rams offensive coordinator) Kevin O’Connell, and then we had a little bit of physical work yesterday.

“And so he’s making good progress. I know he’s been pain-free, but I think the further away you get away from that (injury), the more normal functionality you’ll get from that thumb surgery. Feeling like yourself as far as getting the grip, throwing the football and all the different things that position entails from a ball-handling perspective.”

Goff is good to go, but his favorite receiver, Cooper Kupp, will be a game-time decision.

2. Will Aaron Rodgers play like an MVP?

No one ever disputes the greatness of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but Saturday’s challenge for the league’s No. 1 offense is taking on the Rams and their No. 1-ranked defense.

Rodgers has passed for 4,299 yards this season, with 48 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. There are a lot of great NFL quarterbacks who had big seasons, but this looks like an MVP year for Rodgers, and he wants to keep that going in the playoffs. Rodgers led the NFL with a 121.5 passer rating, the second-highest single-season mark by a quarterback in NFL history, trailing only his 122.5 rating in 2011.

Rodgers enters Saturday’s game having thrown a touchdown pass in 14 consecutive postseason games.

3. Can Aaron Donald still dominate?

The Rams have the league’s best defense, thanks to All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The showdown on the perimeter between Ramsey and Packers receiver Davonta Adams, who had 18 touchdown receptions this season. will be one to watch for sure, but it’s all about how well Donald can play with injured ribs.

For the Rams to have a chance in this game, Donald and his pass rushers have to disrupt Rodgers and get him on the ground during the course of the game. A few rushed throws might lead to turnovers, something Rodgers has avoided all year, but the playoffs are a different animal and every mistake is magnified.