Editor’s Note: As of this writing, there is concern about a COVID-19 outbreak in both Green Bay and San Francisco. Both teams have had recent positive tests over the last several days and the league has shut down the 49ers facility as of Wednesday morning. As of now, the game remains as scheduled. If things change during the week, we’ll update this article.
Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, November 5th at 8:20 PM ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
Betting Odds: GB -5.5, 50.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX, NFL Network, Amazon
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers (Start, QB1)
Aaron Rodgers is the QB6 in fantasy and has been remarkably consistent even with players in and out of the lineup all season. Rodgers has five top 12 weeks, three 30+ point performances, and 20 or more points in six of seven starts. This week the matchup against the 49ers will be difficult, perhaps his toughest of the season but San Fran is still league average against the pass and allowed multiple passing touchdowns in three of the last five games, including four last week. Rodgers is an easy start this week.
Running Backs
Aaron Jones (Start if active, RB1, Calf), Tyler Ervin (Sit), Dexter Williams (Sit)
The Packers running back room is under stress this week. Already without star back Aaron Jones, who is battling a calf injury and is likely to miss this game, AJ Dillon and Jaamal Williams have been placed on the Covid-IR list after Dillon tested positive for the virus. Should the game get moved back a few days, then it is possible that Jones plays and if so he should be in your lineups. Otherwise, the tandem of Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams should not be in your lineups. Together they have a total of 15 career carries. Ervin may add some value in the passing game but too uncertain to trust.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Davante Adams (Start, WR1), Allen Lazard (Start, Low-end Flex), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Sit), Robert Tonyan (Start, TE1)
Davante Adams may well be the best wideout in the league right now. Adams dominated the Vikings young secondary last week and is the WR1 in point per game. A healthy Adams is money in the bank. He has scored 74 fantasy points in just the last two weeks. There should be no decision here, easy auto-start. Allen Lazard has been a productive receiver when in the lineup, but he has been dealing with a core muscle injury. Lazard is expected back this week and can be slotted in your lineups as a flex play, for this in need. His return means that Marquez Valdes-Scantling loses his value and is a bench stash. MVS has flashed at times but the same inconsistency issues plague him.
Packers tight end Robert Tonyan had a bounceback game against Minnesota last week and should be back in your lineups as a low-end TE1. Tonyan is highly efficient and has little competition as the primary pass-catcher among the tight ends. He has caught 86% of his targets and is top ten in targets, receptions, and yards. With the state of the position, his peripheral numbers are encouraging. He should be started even in this difficult matchup.
San Francisco 49ers
Quarterback
Nick Mullens (Sit, Low-end QB2)
Jimmy Garoppolo was placed on IR Tuesday with a high-ankle sprain, which will force him to miss at least three weeks by rule and possibly 4-6 weeks. This injury is a new injury and not a reoccurrence of a similar ankle injury he had earlier in the season. Nick Mullens stepped in last week in relief and salvaged a nice day with 238 yards passing and two touchdowns. Mullens may be limited physically but he executes the 49ers scheme quickly and efficiently and gets the ball to his playmakers. However, because his group of skill players is limited os is his upside this week. FOr managers in a pinch, Mullens can be used in 2QB or SuperFlex leagues but don’t expect a huge game.
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Brandon Aiyuk (Out), Deebo Samuel (Out), Trent Taylor (Sit), Richie James (Sit), Jordan Reed (Start, TE2)
The 49ers receiver corps is the walking wounded. Kendrick Bourne was placed on the Covid-IR earlier this week. On Wednesday Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and starting left tackle, Trent Williams, all joined him due to close contact quarantine. Stud tight end George Kittle is also out for an extended period of time, on IR with a broken foot, and expected to be out at least eight weeks. That leaves Trent Taylor and Richie James ass the teams starting wideouts, barring a practice squad addition. The Packers have been outstanding defending primary receivers thanks to shadow coverage of Jaire Alexander. The Packers have allowed an average of 60 yards and just a single score in the last five weeks to the lead target, and you can expect Alexander to shut down whoever he covers this week. A sneaky start could be Jordan Reed, who is expected back as the tight end. Check the practice reports but if you have an early waiver run Thursday morning and are in need of an option at tight end, Reed is a shot in the dark.
-Marc Salazar (@dingwog on Twitter)
It is spelled Pittsburgh.
Where’s WR Tim Patrick for the Broncos?