Packers@Vikings
Game Info
Kickoff: Monday, December 23rd at 8:15 ET
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Betting Odds: MIN -4.5, 46.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: ESPN
Sleeper Spotlight: Alexander Mattison
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback:
- Aaron Rodgers (Start)
If you decided to sit Aaron Rodgers this week because you had a better option (say, maybe Lamar Jackson or maybe even Ryan Tannehill), I wouldn’t blame you at all. Rodgers has been a top-10 quarterback this year, but it sure hasn’t felt like it, as he’s only really had one or two “Aaron Rodgers” games. Still, he should be good for a decent handful of points, and if you don’t have a better option, even against a tough Vikings defense, Rodgers should be in your starting lineup.
Running backs:
- Aaron Jones (Start/RB2)
- Jamaal Williams (Start/Deep flex)
So far this year, the Vikings have given up the eighth fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Now, we all know Aaron Jones can light it up on any given week, so you almost have to start him given his ceiling, but this Vikings defense is tough, so don’t be shocked if his performance is more muted. Still, he went up against a tough run defense in the Chicago Bears last week and still came away with two touchdowns (though only 51 yards), so given his touchdown potential, you should still put him out there. Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams represents only a deep-league flex if you just need a warm body to fill a flex spot that has the potential to get points. His usage in the passing game has been diminishing, which isn’t a good sign, and that makes me more hesitant to start him. But if you need someone, he’s been productive in weeks prior.
Wide receivers/Tight end:
- Davante Adams (Start/WR1)
- Jimmy Graham (Sit)
As is the case most weeks with the Packers receiving corps, it’s Davante Adams and that’s it, especially against this Vikings secondary. Adams will likely match up against Xavier Rhodes, who’s a good corner, but I think Adams is a better receiver and should be just fine this week. Meanwhile, Jimmy Graham just isn’t involved enough in the Packers’ passing game to be worth a start. As I said, it’s Adams and only Adams this week.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback:
- Kirk Cousins (Sit)
It’s the battle of the tough secondaries this week, as the Green Bay Packers have given up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks so far this year. Last week, Cousins faced a similarly tough secondary in the Los Angeles Chargers and was held to 207 yards, one touchdown, and he threw an interception. And when he played the Packers in Week 2, he had 230 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, so I’m not overly optimistic about Cousins this week. If you’re in a deep league and have no better options, I get it, but if you can find someone else, I would.
Running backs:
- Dalvin Cook (Start if healthy/RB1)
- Alexander Mattison (Start if healthy and Cook sits/RB2)
- Mike Boone (Start if Cook and Mattison sit/RB2)
If you’re a Dalvin Cook owner, I’m sorry, this week is going to be a headache. As of now, Dalvin Cook is expected to play through his shoulder injury. If he’s starting, you’re starting him, no question. But if he doesn’t play, Alexander Mattison is likely the starter, as he’s been the primary backup. Thing is, he’s also hurt and sat last week. If he’s able to go and Cook is out, he should be a decent RB2. If both Cook and Mattison are out, it’s likely Mike Boone’s job to have, as it was last week, and Boone was pretty solid, carrying the ball 13 times for 56 yards and two touchdowns. But let’s not forget that Ameer Abdullah is also a part of this backfield. He served as Boone’s backup last week, so I don’t think you have to worry about him if Cook and Mattison are out, but he’s worth remembering. Oh, and to make this even worse, the game is on Monday night, so unless we hear something beforehand, you probably need to have both Mattison and Boone on your roster if you own Dalvin Cook. So yea, good luck with that.
— Dalvin Cook is unlikely to play Week 16 —
Wide receivers/Tight end:
- Adam Thielen (Start/WR2)
- Stefon Diggs (Start/WR2)
- Kyle Rudolph (Sit)
You know the drill here. With the Vikings receiving corps, you’re good starting Thielen and Diggs, and luckily they’re both healthy this week. Or perhaps unluckily, because it’s also entirely possible one has a good game and one doesn’t, but given both of their potential, you should start both. However, both have tough matchups, with Thielen likely seeing Jaire Alexander in coverage (who is very good) and Diggs seeing Kevin King (who is pretty good), which makes them both WR2s rather than one or the other a WR1. Meanwhile, Rudolph isn’t worth starting given that he’s been equally as involved as Irv Smith Jr. lately.
Richard Sherman has been a full participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday this week and is expected to play this weekend by SF’s beat writers. Why do you believe he is unlikely to play?
Hi Aaron, I too graduated from Kennesaw College (1981) and grew up in Smyrna. I am very active in fantasy with over 60 teams. I own a sports memorabilia business that publishes a small circulation magazine (catalog). I love your weekly analysis and I look to you for start/sit decisions, and I am winning. Thanks for the help. I am also working on a book on fantasy sports. I would love to chat. You are welcome to email me to start a discussion. Also I am a major Atlanta sports fan since 1966, and I did attend the worst game in Braves history this past September, the final game.