Week 15 Green Bay Packers Fantasy Profile

Dec 8, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back

(27) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

RB – Eddie Lacy, James Starks

Last Week:
Lacy – 13 carries, 73 rushing yards, 5 catches, 33 receiving yards, 2 total TDs; 22.60 fantasy points
Starks – 10 carries, 75 rushing yards, 2 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD; 16.10 fantasy points

Surprise! For the first time in a long while, we saw someone other than Lacy step up in the run game.

Starks actually out-produced Lacy on the ground by a couple yards — and in less carries. That could end up coming in handy here, especially since Lacy has been on the injury report this week. He most likely won’t miss time, but even if he doesn’t it is good to have another option playing well behind him in case he either doesn’t play or is limited.

Odds are he plays however, and that’s what Packers fans should be hoping for. With that superior pass defense and terrorizing defensive line in Buffalo, Green Bay may need to rely a bit more on their runners this weekend.

Buffalo still does have a decent run defense as well (10th in DVOa against the run), but it’ll be essential to attack that area. Not only will it most likely be somewhat easier to make plays in that aspect of the game, but it will hold the added advantage of keeping the pass rush from teeing off on Rodgers.

Something else to look for: screens. for most of the season, Lacy has proven to be adept in the screen game, and that also will keep pass-rushers at bay. It also takes advantage of one of the few relative weaknesses in that Buffalo defense; Buffalo is great defending deep passes (#2 league-wide ), but they can be beaten on shorter throws (#19 overall). Expect whoever is in at RB to grab some screens and dump-offs underneath.

Prediction:
Lacy – 70 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards, 2 Total TDs; 21.00 fantasy points
Starks – 35 rushing yards, 20 receiving yards; 5.50 fantasy points

Verdict: Must-Start (Lacy); Injury-Based Starter (Starks)