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It’s a dream matchup. Peyton Manning against Aaron Rodgers. Two of the best defenses squaring off. Two undefeated teams. Primetime. The closest thing to perfection in the eyes of a football fan. But what does it mean for fantasy owners?
In a game featuring two of the best quarterbacks of this generation, if not all time, it might be the defenses that headline the show. The over/under for Sunday night’s contest is a dinky 44.5, according to Westgate Las Vegas Superbook. 44.5 points, combined, for Manning and Rodgers, who have made a living lighting up scoreboard after scoreboard, as bright and loud as Rockefeller Center around Christmas. Can Denver’s and Green Bay’s defenses really silence the two brilliant-minded quarterbacks, on the field and in fantasy lineups?
According to ESPN, the Green Bay Packers lead the league in scoring defense, allowing only 16.8 points per game, are fourth in opponent passer rating, and are tied for sixth in interceptions with eight. The Packers proved the stinginess of their defense last week against the San Diego Chargers, limiting Philip Rivers and a high-powered offense to only two touchdowns in six drives into the red zone. They rank tied for ninth in red-zone defense, relinquishing touchdowns on 47.6% of opposing team possessions. The Packers did give up an insane 503 passing yards to Philip Rivers, but what’s important is their ability to impede and prevent discount-double-checks from other teams. The Packers are also tied for second in the league with 23 sacks on the season, second behind none other than the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos will counter with a powerful defense of their own, centered around their league-best pass rush and their league-leading ability to force turnovers. They too are a stingy bunch, giving up only 17 points per game, putting them tied for second in the league. According to Yahoo! Sports, the Broncos defense has scored the most fantasy points of any other defense this season, have given up the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks, and the second fewest to wide receivers.
Yes, stats are just stats and we’re all aware of the phrase on any given Sunday. It’s hard to sit either quarterback, even Peyton who has had a less than stellar season, but no one will think you’re crazy if you decide to do so. If you decide to go with another favorable matchup this Sunday. Numbers unfortunately don’t lie and the consistent performance of both defenses are hard to ignore. So what does this all mean for fantasy owners? Start either quarterback with caution. When has that ever been said?
