No one in the NFL is hotter than the Green Bay Packers right now. Their winning streak is only two games long, but they've won those two games by a combined score of 107-34, and they've won six of seven overall. The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, are just playing to avoid last place in the NFC North.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 12: Vikings vs. Packers
Can the Packers keep this insane production going?
To top it off, the Packers come into Sunday's game with no fantasy-relevant injuries to note. The Vikings have more to worry about, with running backs Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jarius Wright and tight end Kyle Rudolph all a concern. Asiata has already been ruled out for Sunday's game with a concussion. McKinnon, meanwhile, is dealing with a back injury, but is expected to play. Jennings and Wright both left Week 11 with injuries, though both are expected to play Sunday, if below full strength. Finally, Rudolph played his first game off injury last week, but was at less than full strength and didn't get a full workload. Dealing with abdomen and groin issues, he'll play Sunday, but again might be limited.
The Vikings play host to the Packers Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. Let’s look at the fantasy names of note:
PACKERS
Start 'em: Sure, he's on the road instead of at home, but Aaron Rodgers is still the safest bet in all of fantasy right now. He hasn't gone for fewer than 24 fantasy points in his last five games. ... Eddie Lacy's early struggles are barely a memory now. ... Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb have played a combined 20 games this year, and reached double-digit fantasy production 15 times (seven for Nelson, eight for Cobb). That's incredible. ... The Packers' hot streak has (logically) coincided nicely with a stark rise in the fantasy production of Mason Crosby.
Start ‘em?: The Packers’ defense has put up 43 points in their last two games combined. They are not that good. Against a struggling Minnesota offense, you’re probably still using them, but it’s no guarantee.
Sit 'em: When Lacy struggled earlier in the year, it looked like James Starks could find himself with a bigger role, but at this point, he's nothing but a handcuff. ... Andrew Quarless is only relevant when he scores a touchdown, and that's only happened three times this year.
VIKINGS
Start 'em?: Minnesota seems loathe to give Jerick McKinnon a full workload, keeping the rookie's numbers in check. He's still a flex play, but he just isn't getting touchdowns. ... Considering he's the team's only healthy fantasy option, this might be a good week for Cordarrelle Patterson, but even at that he's only a low-end flex at best. ... In a game that promises points, it's possible Blair Walsh will get plenty of kicking opportunities.
Sit 'em: The Vikings say they are excited about Teddy Bridgewater's rookie performance so far, and there is some reason for that, though it hasn't been reflected in his fantasy numbers at all. ... With Matt Asiata sidelined, new addition Ben Tate will be the team's No. 2 running back, but he's only been on the team a few days; don't use him in fantasy yet. ... You probably aren't using Greg Jennings and Jarius Wright when they're 100 percent; at less than that they are definite stay-aways. ... Kyle Rudolph is an interesting roster stash in a desperate situation, but until he shows something on the field you can't touch him in fantasy. ... The Vikings' defense against a team with 107 points the last two weeks? Yeah, no.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Mason Crosby
Start if you're desperate: Green Bay defense, Jerick McKinnon, Cordarrelle Patterson, Blair Walsh
Bench: James Starks, Andrew Quarless, Teddy Bridgewater, Ben Tate, Greg Jennings, Jarius Wright, Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota defense
