Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
Final Score: Packers 23, Vikings 6
Writer: Pranav Babarjung
This early-slate NFC showdown was a complete and utter stomping by Green Bay. Micah Parsons and Co. shredded the Minnesota offensive line nearly every play in the back half of this game, totaling 10 hits and five sacks on J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings’ second half drives were: three punts and two interceptions. With a defensive performance this dominant, the Packers had to do the bare minimum on offense. Even so, Emanuel Wilson was simply unstoppable with consistent yardage on every play. It seems like the McCarthy experiment is nearing an end in Minnesota.
Two Up
- Emanuel Wilson — Wilson had himself a day with over 100 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
- Christian Watson — In a game where the Packers just didn’t have to throw the ball, Watson was still targeted seven times.
Three Down
- J.J. McCarthy — An abysmal stat line and two interceptions sank any hopes of the McCarthy being startable.
- Vikings pass catchers — 12 receptions isn’t enough to support any usable fantasy options.
- Romeo Doubs — Doubs saw only three targets in the face of an increasing role for Watson.
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy: 12/19, 87 Yards, 2 INTs | 2 Carries, 10 Yards
J.J. McCarthy just could not get anything going on offense. Part of the misplay can be explained away by the consistent pressure he faced, but that only goes so far. Even when he had time, McCarthy was unable to consistently hit his receivers, highlighted by a play in which he overthrew Jalen Nailor, which resulted in an interception. “Nine” was nowhere to be seen.
Running Back
Jordan Mason: 8 Carries, 42 Yards
Aaron Jones Sr.: 9 Carries, 41 Yards | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 16 Yards
The run game was the only thing that was at least partially effective in this contest. Both scoring drives came from reliance on Aaron Jones Sr. Jordan Mason was heavily featured in one drive in the second quarter, but was unable to convert on fourth-and-1. He only had one more touch after that drive. Jones was the lead back in the 2-minute drill going into the half and saw all the receiving work.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Justin Jefferson: 6 Targets, 4 Receptions, 48 Yards
T.J. Hockenson: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 19 Yards | 1 Carry, 0 Yards
Josh Oliver: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor, Adam Thielen: 1 Target each, 0 Receptions
All of these pass catchers have the same issue: McCarthy. Such an incredible amount of receiving talent was rendered completely useless. Catchable balls were few and far between and the ones that were were relatively shallow. Minnesota may be in the market for a QB that can support this skilled cast for next season.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Jordan Love: 14/21, 139 Yards | 3 Carries, 15 Yards
Jordan Love just did not need to do much this week. This came at the perfect time, given his AC joint sprain (nonthrowing shoulder). Love only threw one pass deeper than 20 yards (unsuccessfully) and threw no end-zone targets. The game script simply didn’t require big passing plays given the efficiency on the ground.
Malik Willis: 1/1, 7 Yards | 2 Carries, 3 Yards
Running Back
Emanuel Wilson: 28 Carries, 107 Yards, 2 TDs | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards
Emanuel Wilson did his best Josh Jacobs impression in his stead. Wilson had no big, breakthrough, flashy plays, but just consistently pounded the rock. He punched in both of his goal line carries on the first attempt. He was the entire Green Bay offense in this game, and a huge win for owners who got him off the waiver wire.
Chris Brooks: 8 Carries, 21 Yards, 1 Target, 1 Reception
Chris Brooks got four touches on the final drive to close out the game. He was not a major part of the game plan.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Christian Watson: 7 Targets, 5 Receptions, 49 Yards
Christian Watson led the team in targets despite the lack of passing volume. Not a great performance, but it was encouraging for fantasy owners to see this usage.
Dontayvion Wicks: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 32 Yards
Three of Dontayvion Wicks‘ four targets were on third down, but both receptions were only in the first quarter.
Romeo Doubs: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 23 Yards
Romeo Doubs saw a significant downturn in target share this week. With the imminent return of Jayden Reed, this WR room stands to get even murkier, which doesn’t bode well for Doubs owners.
John FitzPatrick: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards
Luke Musgrave: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 7 Yards
Josh Whyle: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 1 Yard
Savion Williams: 1 Carry, 0 Yards