Monday Showdown Week 15

Photo: USA Today Sports

Disclaimer

These contests are intended to be fun as you’re watching the game. It’s incredibly difficult to get a real edge as there are so few options, and in MME contests, there are often many duplicate lineups. One play or one penalty can change the entire outcome of the game.

Game Strategy

The Packers are seven-point home favorites and have the extreme home-field advantage here playing in the cold against a team from Los Angeles that isn't used to it. The Over/Under is set at only 39.5 points. This is a matchup between two playoff teams last season that disappointed in 2022. For one of these two teams, this will be a bright spot as their season draws to a close. After Baker Mayfield's comeback performance last week for the Rams, look for this to be a week the Packers find some good mojo. Packers lineups should dominate in this one.

INJURY REPORT

• Matthew Stafford and John Wolford (Rams QBs) both OUT
• Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson both OUT
• Aaron Donald OUT
• David Bakhtiari (Packers LT) OUT

Captain Consideration:

1. Aaron Rodgers
2. A.J. Dillon
3. Aaron Jones
4. Christian Watson

Los Angeles Rams

Quarterback

Baker Mayfield - Flex

Baker Mayfield had an awesome come-from-behind win last week after only being with the team for a few days. It was an awesome story but let's not let it cloud our judgment overall. Mayfield is a flawed quarterback who ranks just 35th in passing yards per game (192.9) and 33rd in pass touchdowns per game (0.9). Still, he's in play as a flex now that he's paired with Sean McVay in a favorable matchup against a Packers defense that only ranks 31st in EPA/Play Allowed, 22nd in Dropback EPA Allowed, and 27th in Success Rate.

Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End

Cam Akers - Flex

Cam Akers is no lock, as his offensive snap percentage was very underwhelming last week: just 42%. Still, Akers has been the Rams' lead back for two weeks in a row and has seen opportunity totals of 18 and 13 in those games. Akers has scored three touchdowns in those games as well. And Akers has a great matchup against a Packers defense that only ranks 31st in EPA/Play Allowed, dead last in Rush EPA Allowed, and 27th in Success Rate.

Kyren Williams - Flex

Kyren Williams is an interesting tournament play. He's only received nine total opportunities over the past two weeks combined, but three weeks ago, he was the Rams' lead back, playing on 70% of the offensive snaps and turning 14 opportunities into 60 total yards. The matchup is there for Williams to be a tournament winner against a Packers defense that only ranks 31st in EPA/Play Allowed, dead last in Rush EPA Allowed, and 27th in Success Rate. It's just a matter of whether McVay decides to give him an extended run in this one or not.