The Green Bay Packers have been on an alternating one win-one loss streak since the start of their season. What that means is, at 2-2 and after their narrow 31-29 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, it’s their turn for a win again. Right? Well, we’ll have to see what the Los Angeles Rams have to say about that. There’s good news and bad news for the Packers, ahead of the clash.

The absence of wide receiver Christian Watson will be felt on the field for the Packers. The 25-year-old’s performance this season has been lackluster. He was already struggling with hamstring issues from last season. In 4 games, he managed only 5 receptions for 80-yards and 1 touchdown, before his freak ankle injury against the Vikings. Thankfully, tight end Luke Musgrave has been declared active, and seems to have recovered from his ankle injury.

Musgrave’s missed practice all week, but hopefully that won’t impact his performance too badly. He’s had a fairly quiet season too, only 5 receptions for 22 yards with no touchdowns. But besides two missed passes in their opening game against the Eagles, Musgrave’s caught every pass. He’s had 73.6% catch completion over the two years he’s been playing in regular season games. Quite a bit better than Watson’s own 58.3%. Hopefully, he can click with Jordan Love and give the team a boost.

Besides Watson, the Green Bay Packers are missing cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin injury), defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle injury), defensive end Brentox Cox, and offensive linemen Jordan Morgan (shoulder injury) and Travis Glover. Cornerback Carrington Valentine has been decalred active. On the Los Angeles Rams side, wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle injury), quarterback Stetson Bennett, cornerback Tre’Davious White (on rest), running back Cody Schrader, linebacker Brennan Jackson, offensive lineman Geron Christian, and defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson have been declared inactive.

Who has the upper hand today?

Well, the Packers’ injuries seem more central to their team, putting them at a larger disadvantage. But you have to account for their track record against the Rams. While it’s true that in total they’ve only won 50 of the 99 games they’ve played against each other (with 2 ties), the short term view paints a much clearer picture. The Green Bay Packers have won 4 out of their last 5 games against the Rams. And they’ve won 9 of the last 10.

But the Packers’ ascendance under coach Matt LaFleur isn’t quite what it was. Not to say that Sean McVay’s Rams are the same beast that won the Super Bowl in 2021. We’ve got two teams that peaked not too long ago but have since struggled to reach the same height. Will a win today serve as a boost to their campaigns? Certainly, and the Rams need it more than the Packers, languishing at 1-3. Let’s see how it goes.