The Packers have no reason to play their starters having clinched
the only NFC bye in Week 17. Meanwhile, Boyle is getting a chance
to play for injured Jared Goff and while he threw three interceptions
last weekend, he also threw for 262 yards and two scores. Against
second-teamers, and at home for the first time this season, he
may be able to reduce his mistakes.
Over the past five games, the Falcons’ pass defense ranks
26th and one of the worst teams against running quarterbacks having
yielded a league-high three rushing touchdowns over that span.
Hill will likely take advantage of that weakness, being it is
his strength.
Both teams have qualified for the post-season, but could still
move up in seeding. However, additionally the Eagles have suffered
at least a dozen significant Covid-19 list losses this week and
will be huge road underdogs no matter who they end up playing
in the playoffs, so likely won’t play their starters. Dallas
put up a 41 spot on the Eagles in their first meeting, with Prescott
throwing for 238 yards and three scores.
The Dolphins pass defense has been top-10 all season, but since
Week 13 has been No. 1 allowing just 11.8 FPts/G. That includes
the fewest completions (61) and yards (612) and just two touchdown
passes over the four games. The Patriots, already in the post-season,
could be scoreboard watching and if the Bills-Jets game gets out
of hand for Buffalo, would have no good reason to keep their starters
in the game.
In 16 games, Ryan has thrown for under 200 yards seven times,
including five of the last eight. Julio Jones is gone, Calvin
Ridley is gone. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts left the last game
with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Week 18. Meanwhile,
the Saints have allowed just 12.3 FPts/G over their last five
contests (ranked No. 2 over that span) and are still in the playoff
hunt. They need a win and a 49ers loss at the Rams.
While the Rams can’t get the No. 1 seed, staying at No.
2 to avoid a trip to the “frozen tundra” of Green
Bay until the NFC Championship, while also knocking a division
opponent out of the playoffs seems like a worthy goal. The Rams’
pass defense ranks No. 7 against opposing fantasy QBs and has
yielded just one touchdown pass since Week 13.
