Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, December 23, 2024, 8:15 ET
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Network: ABC/ESPN
Writer: Chris Helle (@ChrisHelleQBL on Twitter)
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Spencer Rattler: Sit
Rattler came into last week’s contest to relieve the team of Jake Haener’s rough start and completed 10 of his 21 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown. In the two games he started back in weeks 6-7, Rattler finished as the QB20 and QB25. This team is desperate at the QB situation, but hopefully, your fantasy team is less desperate than to consider him for your lineup. He hasn’t shown any signs of being a reliable fantasy asset, and this Green Bay defense is a tough matchup to face on the road.
Running Back
Alvin Kamara: Start, RB2
Kendre Miller: Sit
Kamara is nursing an injury to his groin (adductor) and is currently questionable to play. He should be in your lineup if he can suit up, but reports do not look promising, and it’s not a great sign that the Saints just picked up Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Should Kamara be ruled out, Kendre Miller will see the majority of the workload. Miller is a highly talented prospect and averaged over 5 yards/carry last week, but the QB situation will lead the Packers to stack the box and force Rattler to throw the ball. The Packers have allowed the 8th fewest yards/rush and are 12th in EPA/rush. Even with a full workload, Miller would only be a FLEX-caliber starter who may be behind other options with higher upside.
Wide Receiver
Marquez Valdes-Scantling: FLEX Option, WR4
Cedrick Wilson: Sit
Kevin Austin: Sit
Mason Tipton: Sit
Given this QB situation, nearly none of these WRs are viable fantasy options. Marques Valdes-Scantling gets the nod, given his target share and his streak of TDs between Weeks 10 and 13, but he’s not a true alpha receiver that Rattler will look to lean on throughout the game. Geen Bay’s defense also ranks 9th in EPA/pass, 10th in sack rate, and 5th in interception rate, so Rattler will have a long day cut out for him. Valdes-Scantling is a longshot dart throw if you’re truly out of options, but generally speaking, avoid these WRs if you can.
Tight End
Juwan Johnson: Sit
Juwan is in the same boat as the WRs – a shaky QB situation with a difficult matchup puts him in an “avoid at all costs” category.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Jordan Love: Streaming Option, QB2
Love comes into the week as the QB16 and has thrown 7 TDs in the last four games without an interception. Lower body injuries have been a thorn in his side for most of the season, but recently, it’s been the newfound rushing efficiency holding him back. Love has yet to log a top-10 fantasy finish since Week 6, and this game is being played in Lambeau at night with temperatures expected to be below freezing with a chance of snow. The Packers also run the ball at the 2nd highest rate in the league and are in a plus matchup on the ground, so there may not be a ton of work required through the air. With that said, Love still brings a solid floor to the table for a safe start if you don’t like your other options.
Running Back
Josh Jacobs: Start, RB1
Emanuel Wilson: Sit
This game has Jacobs’ name written all over it. He’s the RB6 on the season and is averaging 23.7 points per game in PPR since their Week 10 bye, which is 2nd highest behind only Saquon Barkley. He may not be as flashy as Saquon, but the two are both bellcows on the highest rushing teams in the league. Jacobs is a must-start every week, but this game is also a juicy matchup with a likely favorable game script. Unfortunately, Emanuel Wilson doesn’t creep into being a FLEX option, given Jacobs’ dominance in the rush share.
Wide Receiver
Romeo Doubs: FLEX Option, WR3
Jayden Reed: FLEX Option, WR4
Christian Watson: Sit
Dontayvion Wicks: Sit
The Saints’ defense has been shaky at times, but they still rank 7th in EPA/pass and are tied for the 3rd fewest passing TDs thrown against them. With this being a cold-weather game and a more favorable matchup on the ground, almost all of this receiving room is knocked down a peg or should even be avoided starting this week. Jayden Reed is the biggest question mark, given his explosive nature juxtaposed with disappearing acts. Romeo Doubs has emerged as the more typical outside receiver and red zone target, whereas Christian Watson is mostly a deep threat. The fact of the matter is this room is extremely volatile, and there are likely more reliable players with better matchups this week. Doubs is the most reliable of the group, but even his production is dependent on finding the end zone.
Tight End
Tucker Kraft: Streaming Option, TE2
Kraft hit a hot streak during the early portions of the season with 4 top-12 TE finishes in 5 weeks between Weeks 4-8, but the flames have since cooled off. From Week 9 on, Kraft is the TE21 in points per game, averaging less than 3 receptions for 36 yards per game, and has only found the endzone twice in these last six games compared to his 5 in those previous 5 weeks. He falls right in line with the WRs as a generally unpredictable fantasy asset, but he does see an uptick in his targets inside the red zone.