Week 15 is in the books. What are some of the key fantasy takeaways from last night? Well, Aaron Rodgers is still the same 2022 version of himself. When playing 10+ games, he's never been worse than the QB9. He's probably finish this season outside the top 16. There were clearly some miscommunictions last night that deprived him of a half-decent showing (such as Christian Watson near the end zone). But that happens to other QBs, and the fact is, Rodgers finished with about 11 fantasy points. He's a savvy game manager on a sub-par team.
A.J. Dillon dominated, but then left with concussion symptoms, which helped open the door for a nice Aaron Jones evening. This remains an excellent one-two punch, and Jones in particular has been playing at a high level most of the year. The problem is volume. Not a big issue last year when the Packers were winning. But this year, facing too many negative game scripts, we're reminded of how great he is when protecting a lead, and with Dillon on the sidelines.
For context, this was only the third time in his last 21 games that Jones has earned 20+ touches. Dynasty folks should be wary. He'll turn 29 next season. He remains "great." But volume inconsistency has damaged his fantasy stnnding, and it's not as if he'll suddenly go back to being the unquestioned bell cow.
Also, Romeo Doubs had an instant impact. Honestly didn't see that coming, figuring the Packers would ease him back in--or else he'd have some trouble reacclimating to a more talented (healthy) receiving corps. His return makes it even more challenging to predict which Packer WR, if any, will break through.
For the Rams, Baker Mayfield was exposed, as expected. A guy with his talent and experience should not have taken that many sacks (five) against a defense that entered the night fourth-from-last with only 24 sacks. If he had a great offensive line and fantastic receivers, he'd probably be fine. But as discussed last week, he's in a no-win situation on a bad team that will showcase his weaknesses to the 29 teams that have yet to sign him.
Finally, Cam Akers exceeded my expectations; I expected Kyren Williams to get a little more run. This marked only the third 3+ catch performance for Akers in his career, and first this season. If this is a sign of things to come, he'll be the only Ram worth rostering in the fantasy playoffs.
As for the final-score prediction, I started writing this column feeling confident, bordering on cocky. Predicted a 23-11 Packers win. Two points off. Headed toward my third closest-score victory of the season.
But wait! RJ Gerragauch predicted 23-13. OK, that's also two points off. All good. I'll share the prize with RJ.
But wait! My nemesis, Rick Esterly, predicted 24-13 . . . one point off. Rick!!!!
Some of you might remember that a couple weeks ago I called out Rick. Had been noticing that he was consistently really, really close to winning night after night. I wrote, "If there's some secret--like an elixir or preferred fortune teller--no need to fill us in. Just post some cryptic comment, and we'll know the deal."
Rick never shared his secret. And now, he's won again. Just as I was letting my guard down. He's the second three-time winner this season, joining Gary Beardmore. Rick, all I can say is, respect. And congrats on consistently crushing it.
A.J. Dillon dominated, but then left with concussion symptoms, which helped open the door for a nice Aaron Jones evening. This remains an excellent one-two punch, and Jones in particular has been playing at a high level most of the year. The problem is volume. Not a big issue last year when the Packers were winning. But this year, facing too many negative game scripts, we're reminded of how great he is when protecting a lead, and with Dillon on the sidelines.
For context, this was only the third time in his last 21 games that Jones has earned 20+ touches. Dynasty folks should be wary. He'll turn 29 next season. He remains "great." But volume inconsistency has damaged his fantasy stnnding, and it's not as if he'll suddenly go back to being the unquestioned bell cow.
Also, Romeo Doubs had an instant impact. Honestly didn't see that coming, figuring the Packers would ease him back in--or else he'd have some trouble reacclimating to a more talented (healthy) receiving corps. His return makes it even more challenging to predict which Packer WR, if any, will break through.
For the Rams, Baker Mayfield was exposed, as expected. A guy with his talent and experience should not have taken that many sacks (five) against a defense that entered the night fourth-from-last with only 24 sacks. If he had a great offensive line and fantastic receivers, he'd probably be fine. But as discussed last week, he's in a no-win situation on a bad team that will showcase his weaknesses to the 29 teams that have yet to sign him.
Finally, Cam Akers exceeded my expectations; I expected Kyren Williams to get a little more run. This marked only the third 3+ catch performance for Akers in his career, and first this season. If this is a sign of things to come, he'll be the only Ram worth rostering in the fantasy playoffs.
As for the final-score prediction, I started writing this column feeling confident, bordering on cocky. Predicted a 23-11 Packers win. Two points off. Headed toward my third closest-score victory of the season.
But wait! RJ Gerragauch predicted 23-13. OK, that's also two points off. All good. I'll share the prize with RJ.
But wait! My nemesis, Rick Esterly, predicted 24-13 . . . one point off. Rick!!!!
Some of you might remember that a couple weeks ago I called out Rick. Had been noticing that he was consistently really, really close to winning night after night. I wrote, "If there's some secret--like an elixir or preferred fortune teller--no need to fill us in. Just post some cryptic comment, and we'll know the deal."
Rick never shared his secret. And now, he's won again. Just as I was letting my guard down. He's the second three-time winner this season, joining Gary Beardmore. Rick, all I can say is, respect. And congrats on consistently crushing it.