GREEN BAY — Matt LaFleur spent his Sunday evening watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New Orleans Saints to set up next Sunday’s NFC Championship Game matchup between his Green Bay Packers and the Tom Brady-led Bucs. And LaFleur watched it with one of the people he’s closest to.

On Oct. 18, the Buccaneers routed the Packers 38-10, but that was at Tampa, while Sunday's NFC title game will be at Lambeau Field as future Hall of Famers Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady meet for just the fourth time.

“I forgot how much you truly, truly miss having a crowd there," Aaron Rodgers gushed after the Packers dispatched the Rams. "It’s hard to really put into words how special that feeling is. But you can feel it. It’s so palpable.” 

Packers coach Matt LaFleur was convinced running the ball was vital to winning their NFC Divisional playoff showdown with the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense, not only to be productive but to set up what he wanted to do in the passing game.

Get the latest postgame updates after the Packers defeated the Rams 32-18 in an NFC divisional playoff battle Saturday afternoon at Lambeau Field. 

As he prepared for Saturday’s NFC divisional playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field, Aaron Rodgers did so acutely aware of what a golden opportunity he and his team have before them.

Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald finished the regular season with 13.5 sacks and is deemed healthy to play Saturday despite a rib injury.

Just-added offensive lineman Jared Veldheer tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, but no other Green Bay players were deemed high-risk contacts, according to a source.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has faced two other former bosses this season, defeating now ex-Atlanta coach Dan Quinn and Tennessee’s Mike Vrabel.