All gas. The Packers put on a show last week at Lambeau racking up 42 points for the home crowd en route to a 42-24 victory over the OakVegas Raiders. Aaron Rodgers came out ready to prove to the world that he is the world’s greatest quarterback which we already knew. Regardless of his receivers being inexperienced, Rodgers was able to involve the entire troupe of weapons on his way to a perfect passer rating. A perfect passer rating!
The receivers showed up when called upon providing sparks to the Packers offense with big scoring plays coming from MVS and Kumerow. I have to admit my wrongs and I belittled the possibility that Rodgers was going to be able to put on a performance like that with the cast he has at his disposal. Rodgers continues to defy the odds and makes the incredible look easy just when you think he is down and out.
This week will be a similar game-plan in terms of featuring the running backs. Only this week, the Packers should be able to run the ball all over the Kansas City defense. LaFleur has designed an offense that continues to develop new wrinkles weekly as we saw with the adaptations of Danny Vitale’s wheel routes and Aaron Jones corner route out of the backfield. Each week, the Packers attack the weakness of the defense and strike with authority. There is a different feel of selflessness about this team and the new regime that radiates optimism. With Rodgers dialed in, the Packers offense has the flexibility to spread the ball around and take advantage of mismatches.
Sunday nights primetime game will be missing multiple Chiefs including Patrick Mahomes, Eric Fisher (LT) and Andrew Wiley (LG) on offense. The defense will be missing cornerback Kendall Fuller, defensive tackle Chris Jones & standout edge rusher Frank Clark, limiting the attack on Rodgers while offering a premium upside for the running game. The Chiefs have been gashed by the run with running backs exploding for 150+ yards on the ground 2 out of the last 3 weeks.
Expected performers will be near exact from last week as the Packers have made do without their superstar receiver, Davante Adams. Luckily this game lost its luster with Mahomes out and the Packers didn’t need to rush back Adams. Packers need to make the most of this opportunity in a ruckus Arrowhead stadium which establishes one of the league’s best and loudest atmospheres. Cheeseheads travel well and the Chiefs being in a flyover state put them dead center for all the loyal Packer fans around the country to come and neutralize the crowd.
High Expectations
Aaron Rodgers
158.3
He’s perfect. He’s a star. He’s QB1 for the Green Bay Packers and we are spoiled rotten getting the privilege to watch this legend play every week.
With the missing bodies on the Chief defense and Rodgers in rhythm, expect Rodgers to pick his opportunities wisely. As will follow, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams will be the stars of Sunday night leaving Rodgers to manage major production from play actions. Kumerow, Geronimo, Lazard, and MVS will all see action and at this point, it is too early to dictate who of this group will rise to be Rodgers most trusted target. The bag of bones known as Jimmy Graham was able to string together a 4-65-1 stat-line last week. Chief’s defense provides winnable situations for Jimmy to excel between the 20’s. As of now, expect Rodgers to let coverages dictate his reads until Davante comes back and then you can guarantee 17 is always open.
Aaron Jones/Jamaal Williams
The Chiefs are 26th in fantasy points allowed to RBs and that doesn’t appear to be improving this week as the Packers come into Arrowhead clicking on all cylinders. Over the last three weeks, Kansas City was torched by Indianapolis’s Marlon Mack, followed by Houston’s Carlos Hyde and then they stymied the duo of Philip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. It’s in my opinion, Aaron Jones is a far superior back to any of those names. The duo of Jones and Williams has been the lifeblood of the offense and the only time it wasn’t was a result of Jamaal being hurt against the Eagles. As long as they’re both healthy, expect to see this tandem share the load and keep the hot hand flowing. Both backs are capable of featuring in the passing game as Jones highlighted with a miraculous inside adjustment on his touchdown grab. Aaron Jones would be my pick between the two Packer RBs if I had to rely on one back outperforming the other. Expect Aaron Jones to have a monster day in 125+ all-purpose yards with 2 TDs and Jamaal to fill in the gaps with a 50+ yard day.
Low Expectations
Receivers/Tight Ends
I don’t expect any of the wide receivers to have a breakout day. I was wrong about this last week and wasn’t anticipating the receivers to be able to step up. MVS and Touchdown Jesus (Jake Kumerow) were able to shut me up with the big highlight plays. Lazard and Geronimo made key catches that propelled the offense throughout the afternoon. Rodgers targeted Lazard and Geronimo the most out of any receiver with 4 and 5 targets respectively.
The Chiefs have a bit more talent on the defensive side of the ball than the Raiders do. If I was hesitant to forecast a breakout for the receivers then, I am definitely assuming a modest day for the wideouts this week with a strong secondary that’s missing top corner Kendall Fuller who is out with a broken thumb. The honey badger, Tyrann Mathieu, isn’t the same rabid beast he used to be but he and the rookie Juan Thornhill are capable of making big plays at safety alongside the cornerback pair of Charvarious Ward and a familiar face in Bashaud Breeland.
Expected statlines:
Geronimo 5 for 60
MVS 3 for 80
Jimmy G 5 for 45
Kumerow 1 for 10
Lazard 3 for 35
Outlook
Packers on the road were horrendous last year and with the Packers being able to win in Chicago and Dallas already this year, it seems that monkey is off their back. Despite the Chiefs being hobbled, Andy Reid is an elite coach in the NFL who will have Matt Moore ready to roll Sunday night. Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Sammy Watkins, Travis Kelce, Damien Williams, Lesean McCoy. All those names have the talent to strike rich in the Andy Reid offense although Matt Moore lacks the mobility of Patrick Mahomes to make up for the injuries on the offensive line. The Super Smith Bros are looking at this Chiefs offense like an early Thanksgiving dinner and should wreak havoc on the Chiefs passing attack. As long as the Packers can sustain the Chiefs stable of runners they should be able to hold the Kansas City offense in check. Kansas City didn’t fold when Mahomes went down against Denver and went on to rout the Broncos while Matt Moore was able to contribute 10/19 for 117 yards and a TD. Packers biggest opposition this week is themselves and staying focused. If the team comes out executing without drops and fumbles, this should be an easy primetime W for the green and gold.
Prediction:
Packers 24-13
Cheeseheads get to celebrate the win after a long day of angst and suffering watching subpar football. Primetime Rodgers is not to be messed with. GO PACK GO!
Feel free to share your predictions and thoughts with me @BratFavre on twitter
Thanks again for reading,
Brandon
