Green Bay Packers Fantasy Profile: Championship Week 2014

Dec 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver

(10) is unable to make a catch defended by Green Bay Packers cornerback

(38) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

Last Week: 19 Points Allowed, 3 Sack, 1 INT; 6.00 fantasy point

Green Bay’s defense rebounded from a poor second-half effort against the Falcons to hold down the Buffalo offense. Granted, the Bills are not a high-powered group, but they are competent all around.

Dec 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver

(14) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Besides, no matter who you play it is impressive to hold a team to just 4 field goals on the day (9 of the 21 points allowed came from a punt return TD and a safety).

With an even more sub-par offense set to take the field opposite them this weekend, this defense is primed to have a stellar day. Tampa Bay is currently #31 in Offensive Weighted DVOA, including #31 in passing and #29 in rushing. You could not ask for a better team to bet against for your fantasy championship hopes!

They do have a great-looking piece of the future in rookie Mike Evans (#28 receiving DVOA), but beyond them things are pretty rough. Josh McCown is #35 in QBR (40.6; 50 is average). Doug Martin — currently the top RB in Tampa Bay — ranks #33 in rushing DVOA and hasn’t shown much consistent health/production for two years straight.

Evans’ wideout partner Vincent Jackson has underachieved all season (#71 receiving DVOA). And despite multiple high-priced acquisitions, the offensive line has been putrid for most of the season (#31 in run blocking, #24 in pass blocking).

All of that added together makes a major part of the equation for this team being 2-12. Facing a defense that’s coming off a strong performance — against a more competent opponent as well — could mean a huge game. The fact that they lost even with their strong effort should only provide even more motivation to punish the opposition in preparation for a HUGE season-ending matchup for the NFC North.

Prediction: 13 Points Allowed, 5 Sacks, 3 Forced Turnovers (2 INT, 1 Fumble); 15.00 fantasy points
Verdict: Must-Start