Packers vs Chargers Week Nine Preview

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2134 days ago

The Green Bay Packers take on the Los Angeles Chargers in week nine of the NFL season. Green Bay is entering the game 7-1, after a road win in Kansas City. Aaron Jones exploded for 226 total yards and two touchdowns, and Aaron Rodgers completed 69.7% of his passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns. However, the pass defense struggled, allowing 267 yards and two touchdowns to backup quarterback Matt Moore. The Packers defense needs to rebound, as it has allowed 322 passing yards per game over the last four weeks.

How Are Their Seasons Going?

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming into the game 3-5, after Chicago’s kicker Eddy Pineiro missed a 41 yard field goal as time expired. It was a much needed win for the Chargers, as they were coming off a three game losing streak. The Chargers have struggled with their run game, ranking 28th in the league in yards per game and yards per rush. Since returning from his holdout, Melvin Gordon has 112 yards on 44 carries (2.5 yards per carry). With left tackle Russell Okung finally seeming healthy, they will be looking to get their offense rolling.

Three Keys To Victory For The Packers

Stopping Hunter Henry

Since coming back from injury, Henry has averaged 81 receiving yards per game. With a shaky offensive line, quarterback Phillips Rivers will be looking to get the ball out quickly. The Packers have allowed 213 yards and four touchdowns to tight ends over the last two games so it should be an area that the Chargers will look to attack.

Generate A Pass Rush

The Chargers enter the game, having allowed only three sacks in the last four games. Getting Okung back healthy will only make it harder for the Packers to get pressure, after having only two sacks the past two games. Rivers is prone to turning the ball over so getting pressure on him will be huge for the defense.

Keeping Aaron Rodgers Off The Ground

Although Rodgers had a very productive game, the offensive line gave up as many sacks verse the Chiefs (5) as they had the five games prior (5). Rodgers is playing at an MVP level right now, so protecting him will mean success for the team.

Prediction

With the game taking place out in Los Angeles, the Packers need to make sure they are focused and ready. Luckily, the Chargers don’t have much of a home crowd and it is expected to be a lot of Packer fans. Green Bay needs to keep winning and stay ahead in the division, with the Vikings close behind (6-2). Packers will come out 8-1, with a 27-17 victory.

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