Fantasy football advice, Week 11: Who to start/sit for Packers vs. Vikings
Sunday’s NFC North matchup is a crucial one.
The closest division races right now are in the bad divisions, with losing or .500 teams trying to hold off slightly worse teams. That's true except in the NFC North, where the 7-2 Minnesota Vikings are barely ahead of the 6-3 Green Bay Packers, in the best playoff race between actual good teams. Sunday, those two teams play each other in a game that will go a long way toward deciding the division winner.
Green Bay has quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Eddie Lacy and wide receivers James Jones and Ty Montgomery all on the weekly injury report. The first three will all play Sunday, while Montgomery appears to be out yet again; he hasn't played since Week 6. For Minnesota, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson should both play through their injuries and be more-or-less fine for the game.
The Packers will travel to the Vikings’ home field for Sunday’s game, with kickoff scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy names to consider:
PACKERS
Start ‘em: After a rough stretch, Aaron Rodgers has 32 and 21 fantasy points in his last two games. He's fine. ... Even with only one game of more than five fantasy points in his last six, Randall Cobb is still, you know, Randall Cobb. If you have him, you're using him.
Start ‘em?: He has the team's starting running-back job now, but James Starks is no sure thing; he's more like a high-end flex. ... Davante Adams is seeing loads of targets since getting healthy. In PPR he's a great option, but even in standard, there's quantity there.
Sit ‘em: Now that he's healthy again, Eddie Lacy will be a part of the team's offense, but until he shows some of the value that made him a top draft pick, he's not a fantasy option. ... The return of Adams has rendered James Jones an afterthought. ... Richard Rodgers has been producing of late, but you can't count on touchdowns continuing. ... Mason Crosby hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 2. It's been bad. ... The Packers' defense has negative-four combined fantasy points in its last four games.
VIKINGS
Start ‘em: The only first-rounder this year who has stayed healthy and productive basically all year has been Adrian Peterson. ... Stefon Diggs has tailed off a bit the last couple weeks, but overall he's still averaging 10 fantasy points a game since he made his debut. ... Blair Walsh has been one of the league's best fantasy kickers.
Start ‘em?: You like the Vikings’ defense, but the Packers’ offense is good enough that, if it clicks, no defense can really stop it.
Sit ‘em: We haven't seen any of the big-game potential Teddy Bridgewater flashed last year. ... Behind Peterson and Diggs, there aren't enough touches left for Mike Wallace or Kyle Rudolph.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Adrian Peterson, Stefon Diggs, Blair Walsh
Start if you're desperate: James Starks, Davante Adams, Minnesota defense
Bench: Eddie Lacy, James Jones, Richard Rodgers, Mason Crosby, Green Bay defense, Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Wallace, Kyle Rudolph
