Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, December 19th, at 8:15 PM EST
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Betting Odds: LAR +7, 39.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: ESPN
Writer: Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield (Sit)
Who needs practice? Baker Mayfield proved that notion last Thursday against the Raiders, orchestrating a 98-yard drive that resulted in a game-winning touchdown pass to Van Jefferson. It was truly a Houdini-like effort, and now with some practice time under his belt in LA, Mayfield is poised to start the rest of the season with John Wolford out this week with a lingering neck injury. All that said, you would be hard-pressed to trust Mayfield in your lineup this week, and so he continues to be an easy sit decision.
Running Backs
Cam Akers (Sit), Kyren Williams (Sit)
Cam Akers may have turned one of his 12 carries into a touchdown against Las Vegas last week, but that score certainly saved his fantasy day. He only rushed for 42 yards, and had one catch go for a yard. After ‘taking over’ the Rams backfield, Akers hasn’t done much with the opportunity other than a strong Week 13 showing. Both he and Kyren Williams are not options the rest of the fantasy season; even with the Packers giving up the eighth most fantasy points to RBs this season.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Ben Skowronek (Sit), Van Jefferson (Sit), Tutu Atwell (Sit), Tyler Higbee (Sit)
Even after a week of practice with Mayfield, it’ll be hard to trust the Rams wide receivers in the first week of the fantasy playoffs. Ben Skowronek saw eight targets against Vegas, catching seven balls for 89 yards. Jefferson caught the game-winner, but only ended up seeing four targets total. Tutu Atwell is reportedly impressing the Rams coaches the past few weeks, and has seen 14 total targets in the last two games; but the output is not enough to warrant a spot in your lineup. Tyler Higbee has really taken a hit with the multiple QB changes post-Matthew Stafford injury. He has zero reception touchdowns on the year, and has 455 total yards off 52 receptions.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (Start, QB2)
The Packers are coming off their BYE, and will look to keep their (slim) playoff hopes alive. Aaron Rodgers holds a 22:9 passing touchdown to interception ratio this season, with just 2864 yards through the air. He hasn’t thrown for over 300 yards in any game on the year, with his closest coming in Week 9 at Detroit with 291 yards. FantasyData has him projected to finish as the QB15 on the week, so if you are still starting AR12 this fantasy season, brace for a middle-of-the-pack finish against the Rams.
Running Backs
Aaron Jones (Start, RB1), AJ Dillon (Start, FLEX)
Aaron Jones no doubt used the BYE week to get-right after exiting Week 13 with a shin injury suffered in the win against Chicago. On Tuesday, Jones was on the field for the teams unofficial practice session, and the expectation is he’ll be ready to go for Monday night. The Rams may be allowing only the ninth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, but they aren’t the same Rams D of recent years, so the spot is open for Jones to produce. AJ Dillon, who has turned it up the past two games after being a huge disappointment [relative to his ADP over the summer] all season, is a viable FLEX option. However, you have the right to be cautious knowing that Jones is likely back to take over the backfield, which may force you to ultimately pivot elsewhere.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Christian Watson (Start, WR2), Allen Lazard (Start, WR3), Romeo Doubs (Sit), Robert Tonyan (Sit)
Rookie Christian Watson has emerged to be a reliable, top option of Rodgers since his Week 10 blowup against the Cowboys. He scored three touchdowns in that game, and since then has totaled four more scores; with at least one in each game. In the last four games, he is averaging 6.75 targets per, and will remain a strong WR2 against a Rams defense that is allowing the ninth most fantasy points to WR’s this year. Allen Lazard continues to be on the WR3 radar despite having conceded targets to Watson in recent weeks. Romeo Doubs – remember him? – is set to return from his ankle injury dating back to Week 9. Regardless, you won’t be deploying Doubs this week. Robert Tonyan has been a fantasy non-factor this season, having only scored once (in Week 4), and has 372 receiving yards to his name. At this point in the year, you’ve found better options at tight end.