Packers-Rams matchup highlights coaching battle between Matt LaFleur and Sean McVay

Two of the most successful coaches from the famous Washington 2013 staff will battle again on Sunday, when Matt LaFleur's Green Bay Packers travel to California for an NFC showdown versus Sean McVay's Los Angeles Rams.

They actually worked together two times. When they were in Washington, LaFleur was a quarterbacks coach, while McVay was an offensive assistant at first, and then the tight ends coach. In 2017, when McVay got hired as the Rams head coach, LaFleur spent one year there as the offensive coordinator.

"It was a great year of growth and development for me, to kind of be the assist man for Sean," LaFleur said earlier this week. "He is as detailed as anybody that I've been around in terms of just offensive football, football in general."

So far, they've faced each other as head coaches four times (including playoffs), and the Packers won all four. However, this is the first time the game will be in Southern California.

How to watch

For the second consecutive week, the Green Bay Packers will have an NFC matchup broadcasted by CBS — thanks to a rule adjustment made by the NFL a couple of years ago, where the league can switch games between Fox and CBS however they want to.

The Packers visit the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, and this is the first 3:25pm Central (1:25pm Pacific Time) of the season for Green Bay after a Friday night game in week 1 and three consecutive noon games.

CBS announced the Packers-Rams game as the matchup of the week for the company. Therefore, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson will call it.

For the markets where the Packers game won't be broadcasted, the option is a Sunday Ticket subscription. Outside of the United States, the NFL offers a GamePass option via a worldwide partnership with DAZN.

Players to watch

Jayden Reed

Reed leads the Packers in receiving yards and has been one of the most prolific and versatile offensive pieces in the entire NFL over the first month of the season. Against a questionable Rams defense , he has another shot at showing how his connection with quarterback Jordan Love can be powerful for the Packers.

Rashan Gary

Gary has had a rough start to his season , with only six pressures and one sack in four games. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley said he expects more out of Gary, but also more out of himself to put his main edge defender in position to succeed.

Brayden Narveson

The rookie kicker missed two field goals against the Minnesota Vikings, and he's missed kicks in every single game of the season. His leash might not be long, as the Packers worked out kickers earlier this week. It's a big game for him, and another mistake might mean another change in Green Bay.

Jared Verse

The first-round edge was named the rookie of the month in September, but he's not only good for rookie parameters. Verse has the second-highest pressure rate across the entire league, only behind Aidan Hutchinson. He's been a real contributor from the get go.

Tutu Atwell

Without Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Atwell led the Rams in receiving yards against the Chicago Bears last week. Kupp and Nacua are still out, so the Rams' passing offense will have to take advantage of Atwell's speed.

Tre'Davious White

White was signed as an experienced option to the cornerback room , but his penalties and questionable performance have been an issue for the Rams. Against a strong Packers receiving core in terms of depth, he has to play better (and cleaner) for Los Angeles to limit Green Bay's production.

NFC standings

Both teams are in the last place of their respective divisions. The Packers would be the first had they beaten the Vikings last week, but the loss put them two games behind the first place. Green Bay is tied with the Chicago Bears in terms of record, but is behind due to division record.

The Rams are 1-3, but also two games behind the division leader in the NFC West (Seattle Seahawks at 3-1). The only win of the season came in surprising fashion against the San Francisco 49ers.

Related: Packers defense is robbing Peter to pay Paul at the start of Jeff Hafley’s tenure