Packers at Rams Preseason Game Preview

Tonight at 7pm on NBC, the Green Bay Packers (0-1) visit the Edward Jones Dome to take on the St. Louis Rams (0-1) in a preseason contest. Green Bay enters their first road game of the preseason after being defeated by the Arizona Cardinals 17-0 last Friday at Lambeau Field. The Packers had a total of 223 yards of total offense, while the Cardinals racked up 355 yards of total offense. Backup quarterback Graham Harrell was 12-19 for 76 yards and an interception, while starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 3-5 for 62 yards. Running back James Starks rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries, while rookie running back and third round draft pick Jonathan Franklin had 6 carries for 14 yards. Receiver Ty Walker had 5 catches for 41 yards, and defensive back Chris Banjo had 5 total tackles. Green Bay is in the middle of a competition. Incumbent Mason Crosby is battling Giorgio Tavecchio for the full-time kicking duties on the team. St. Louis was edged in Cleveland last Friday by a score of 27-19. Although the Rams had 396 yards of total offense and the Browns only had 320 yards of total offense, St. Louis was unable to pull out a victory in their preseason opener. Backup QB Austin Davis was 9-16 for 96 yards, while starter Sam Bradford was 6-13 for 112 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Zac Stacy ran for 23 yards on 7 carries. Receiver Chris Givens caught 3 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Defensive back T.J. McDonald had 6 total tackles in the game last week. This should be a high scoring affair, and look for the Packers to come out with a win because of their running game and defense. (Note: All stats are preseason totals for each player.)

NFL Sunday

Really looking forward to three NFL football games today, all with playoff implications.
Noon- Tennessee Titans (5-9) vs. Green Bay Packers (10-4) The Titans are led by quarterback Jake Locker, who has battled through an up and down season, but looking to finish strong against a banged up Packers defense, which has had their troubles all season. Green Bay is led by  quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is looking to add on to his 32 touchdowns on the year. I expect this to be closer than most people think, but I expect Green Bay to come out with a win, 30-24.

3:15- Chicago Bears (8-6) vs. Arizona Cardinals (5-9) Chicago enters the desert having lost three straight, and are now one loss away from being eliminated from playoff contention. Jay Cutler tries to improve on his 17 touchdowns and 14 picks on the year, and if the Bears are going to win this game, he needs to be more decisive with his throws. Arizona is already eliminated from playoff contention, but tries to build momentum as this is the final home game for the Cardinals this season. After having quarterback controversy throughout this season, Ryan Lindley will get yet another start for the Cardinals in this one. Don't sleep on the Cardinals, as I am expecting them to knock the Bears out of the playoffs in this one. Cardinals, 27-17.

7:20- San Francisco 49ers (10-3-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (9-5) This is by far the best game of the day, as the NFC West leading Niners can clinch a division championship with a win. It will not be easy of course, as they take on rookie quarterback Russel Wilson and the 'Hawks with the 12th Man up in the Northwest. Seattle can clinch a playoff berth with a win, and in order for that to happen, Marshawn Lynch will need to be in his "Beast Mode" against this very talented 49ers defense led by middle linebacker Patrick Willis. San Francisco is led by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has thrown 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions since taking over midseason for Alex Smith, the former number 1 pick in 2005. The homefield advantage for Seattle gives them an edge, and I think Seattle will clinch a playoff spot with this win. Seahawks 14-13.