Green Bay Packers: Week 13 Fantasy Profile

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers defeated the Vikings 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

RBs – Eddie Lacy

Last Week: 125 rushing yards, 2 catches, 13 receiving yards, 2 Total TDs; 25.80 fantasy points

While the usual source of offensive production wasn’t up to it’s usual level, it wasn’t really because they couldn’t produce; there was just a better option. This season against the Vikings, that option has been Eddie Lacy.

While he has been productive most of the season, only twice this year has Eddie Lacy managed 100 yards rushing in a game. Both games were against Minnesota. This past week he put up his best game of the year, with his highest amount of carries (25) and rushing yardage (125), while also adding in two touchdowns.

Don’t think this is the only team he can do that to though; a big part of his lesser numbers recently has been based in the game-planning. Other teams (especially Philadelphia) were worried about Lacy grinding them up in the run game. That’s the only reason to explain why anyone would play single-high safety looks against an Aaron Rodgers-led passing game; fear of the run.

Nov 23, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers win 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

If there’s a team on the Packers’ schedule beyond Seattle and Detroit (from early in the season) that could manage to pull that off with any success, it would be this one.

The front-7 of the Patriots isn’t to the caliber of what those other two had when Green Bay faced them, but they do have a talented secondary that has the ability to at least make some plays in slowing the passing game of the Packers while focusing a bit more on preventing Lacy from tearing them up.

With all of the weaponry and offensive strength on this team though I don’t really see a full-on stop of either aspect; the Packers are just too good on that side of the ball.

I don’t expect Lacy to have the level of carries or production against New England that we saw he garner against Minnesota, but it is a good bet that he will be able to force his way to a good amount of yardage despite the Patriots’ best efforts. Add in some work in the screen game and a touchdown somewhere along the way and it adds up to a good day for the Packers and any Lacy fantasy owners.

Prediction: 75 rushing yards, 3 catches, 40 receiving yards, 1 TD; 17.50 fantasy points
Verdict: Must-Start