@carguy342005
I can work with this...
You're right, playoffs are a different animal. Mindsets are different, a winner take all game can yield surprising results. It happens in every sport.
But we have to cap this game so we need to look at data. I cap apples to apples, i.e. inside one season. I don't care for trends, in fact I avoid them all together. My only basis for comparison between two teams is where they're at today. Let's take a look at comparables between the two teams.
GB's offense was build on beating bad teams this season. You can't deny this. Again, take out NO in week 3 (it's one game). GB's other 12 wins have been against some of the leagues worst teams. Detroit, Jax, Atlanta, Texans, Carolina, Philly. Again, GB's opponent win % vs the teams they beat is under .400.
I fully expect a QB of Rodgers' pedigree to put up amazing numbers against pedestrian defenses. He did. Anything less would have been a travesty...Per nfl.com, D rankings of the teams he beat are pretty much all in the bottom 10 including teams at the very bottom.
The elephant in the room that Packers backers are not talking about (but definitely sweating about) is David Bakhtiari's absence. This can not be ignored. Per Michael Smith of nbcsports.com:
Bakhtiari was chosen to this year’s Pro Bowl roster and is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. His stellar play is a major contributor to Aaron Rodgers‘ MVP candidacy, and to the Packers’ success as a team.
The author acknowledges his contribution as being MAJOR. Think about that. QB's are only as good as their offensive line and when your MVP lineman is out with injury, he can not be replaced. Rodgers not only is missing his best protection, he's missing it vs the leagues best pass rush. There are no stats or history to gauge how this will impact Rodgers' performance. He's always benefitted from superior protection when he puts up huge numbers.
Go back and watch film of GB's loss to Tampa. Remember, Bakhtiari played that game. I get it, it was one game and even the best lose. Brady was pissed. Happens, not going to dwell on it. My point is that game gives a little snapshot as to what we might see on Saturday. No doubt McVay is watching film from this game. It's a clue to his game plan and he's a smart guy.
I'm not betting the Rams ML; I'm taking the points. Like Buffy last week, they win and advance. Great. But it's the final score I'm more concerned with. This game stays within 6 points. Not taking a side, just the number...
GL.