Cheese Curds, 1/18: Fans in stands help spur Packers to big Divisional playoff victory

Who knew that 8,500 people could make so much noise?

At times during the Green Bay Packers’ 32-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, it felt like the noise level at Lambeau Field was at its normal level, where it would be with nearly 80,000 people in the stands. There was just over a tenth of that on Saturday afternoon, but those in attendance brought the energy, the passion, and yes the noise, to help cheer their team on to a Divisional Playoff victory and an opportunity to host an NFC Championship Game.

While the Packers’ fans were yelling, the team largely let its play do the talking — at least during the game. Davante Adams had some words for Jalen Ramsey before the game and backed them up, but Green Bay refused to get baited into any extracurricular activities. Even the great Aaron Donald tried to get tangled up with second-year pro Elgton Jenkins at one point, but Jenkins kept his cool and let Donald get flagged for a 15-yard penalty.

Now it’s on to the NFC Title game. We’ll start off today’s curds with a lengthy look at how the fans gave the Packers some additional juice after playing eight home games without them present before taking a brief look ahead to next Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Packers to welcome season ticket holders, invited guests to NFC Championship Game | Packers.com
The team seemed to get a huge emotional boost from having the around 9,000 or so people in the stands on Saturday, and the Packers will make the same number of tickets available to season ticket holders for the upcoming NFC title game.

A loud Lambeau helps the Packers’ D-Train come up big | Packers.com
Those fans who were in attendance on Saturday got the defense going when it needed a big stop early in the fourth quarter. With four sacks on Jared Goff and a solid performance against the run, the Packers' D came up big yet again, even despite feeling at times like it had no answers.

Packers fans happy to bring the energy to Lambeau Field | Green Bay Press-Gazette
The fans who were there themselves had a tremendous time, and it was great to see most people taking COVID precautions seriously in the stadium.

'Too much information' never enough for Packers' dominant offense - ESPN
That's Matt LaFleur's approach, where no detail is too small to consider -- or to obsess over. LaFleur told Aaron Rodgers that he was watching film of the Packers' two-minute offense just before game time, a sign that he needs to absorb every bit of film and info that he can.

Guiding championship-bound Packers "a special honor" for Aaron Rodgers | Packer Report
If this Packers team feels special to you, you're not alone. There's a really impressive bond between these players, and Rodgers feels it too.

Davante Adams to Jalen Ramsey: ‘I’m Not Some of the Dudes You’ve Covered’ - Sports Illustrated
Then there's Adams, who revealed some of the trash talk he leveled at Ramsey before the game. He lived up to it too, toasting Ramsey on a few releases off the line of scrimmage and finishing with nine catches and a touchdown.

Quick thoughts on Packers hosting Buccaneers in NFC title game | Packers Wire
With the Buccaneers advancing to next week’s game, here are some early things to consider when looking ahead to the matchup.

NFL conference championship predictions, matchups to watch – The Athletic (subscription)
We'll try not to give too much attention to the Brady v. Rodgers storyline, because you'll get that everywhere else. Instead, let's focus on how the Packers will use Jaire Alexander. Will he shadow Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, or will the Packers keep him on the defense's left side for much of the game?

Nestlé recalls 762,000 pounds of pepperoni Hot Pockets | National | rapidcityjournal.com
BREAKING NEWS: Hot Pockets are bad for your health.