Monday December 8, 2014
Atlanta Falcons @ Green Bay Packers

This one has blowout written all over it. If the game was in Atlanta maybe the Falcons would have a shot, but Aaron Rodgers is just too good at Lambeau. That doesn’t mean the Falcons don’t have a few fantasy stars that aren’t worth starting. We all know the Packers have plenty of fantasy options to help you through your playoffs. The Falcons have a shot to make a serious run at the NFC South, while the Packers try to hold off the Lions in the North.

Atlanta Falcons: Key Players
QB Matt Ryan
Ryan is a very good QB at home but not so much on the road. He has been historically down on the road for seven years now. He is always a very risky start on the road, regardless of the opponent. The fact that the Packers are tough against the pass only adds to the risk.
Verdict: Sit Ryan. He just can’t be trusted on the road. There are better options available.

RB Steven Jackson
Jackson is coming off a big game against a very tough Cardinals rush defense. This week he gets the 28th ranked Packers rush defense. Jackson got very hot down the stretch last season as well. He’s hoping he can repeat that same trend.
Verdict: Start Jackson. He is the Falcons only hope to win this game. They will have to exploit the Packers run defense and control the clock. Jackson is a sneaky good play this week.

WR Julio Jones
Jones was a stud with Roddy White out last week but has been somewhat limited this season playing alongside White. He clearly has WR1 talent and will try to build off last week’s performance. With White back this Monday, we will see how it goes.
Verdict: Start Jones. His talent is just too great to ignore. A poor performance from Ryan is always a concern but Jones is worth the risk.

WR Roddy White
White has been very good this season before missing last week’s game with an ankle injury. He is expected to play but questionable. His health makes him a very risky play.
Verdict: Sit White. Even if he does play, he could be limited due to his ankle. If you do decide to start White make sure you handcuff him with Harry Douglas, just in case White suffers a setback.

Green Bay Packers: Key Players
QB Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers is playing like an MVP and certainly will be in the running for the award. He has been pretty good on the road but looks like the best QB in the world at home. He’s an elite QB1 and is always a must start.
Verdict: Start Rodgers. There is never a reason not to play him. He may be the best QB in the NFL.

RB Eddie Lacy
After a slow start to the season, Lacy has been excellent since Week 5. He is putting up RB1 numbers and the Falcons are giving up more fantasy points to RBs than any team in the league Lacy is as close to a lock as possible to be a top five back this week.
Verdict: Start Lacy. This is a no brainer.

WR Jordy Nelson
Nelson has been excellent this season and there is no reason to believe that trend will not continue on Monday night. The Falcons are allowing the eighth most fantasy points to opposing WRs this season. Look for Nelson to have a monster game.
Verdict: Start Nelson. He’s Rodgers favorite target

WR Randall Cobb
After scoring at least one TD in eight of his first nine games, Cobb has not scored a TD in the past three games. Nonetheless, he still has plenty of fantasy value.
Verdict: Start Cobb. He is a must start against the Falcons’ secondary.

Predictions

Final Score
Atlanta: 20
Green Bay: 42

Best Play
Falcons: Steven Jackson
Packers: Eddie Lacy

Sleeper
Harry Douglas