Monday Recap, Week 15

We’re nearly to the end of Week 15 of the NFL Season. One game remains between the Rams and the Packers, and with the developments this weekend it could still have playoff implications for the Packers. It likely also has playoff implications for you if you’re still alive in fantasy. We’ll look more at the game in a minute, but first let’s consider what else we learned from Week 15.

The Jaguars are still alive

The Jaguars’ path the playoffs won’t be easy, but when the music stops on Week 15, they’ll still have a chair. The team pulled off the 40-34 win over the Dallas Cowboys to move to 6-8 on the season. The Titans fell in Los Angeles to the Chargers to drop to 7-7 on the season. The Titans have lost four straight, including a battle with the Jaguars. The Jaguars are now just one game back with three games to play. And looming large is a Week 18 re-match between the teams. All this sets up a fascinating stretch drive as the Jaguars climb back into the playoff picture in the AFC South.

The Patriots made a mistake

Everything seemed to line up for a Patriots win on Sunday. The Patriots have been finding a way, the Raiders are struggling and Bill Belichick boasts a strong record against former assistant coaches. Instead, the game was tied at 24 as regulation came to a close, seemingly headed to overtime. Then, the unthinkable happened. The Patriots started a series of lateral passes on the final play, trying to win in regulation, I guess. Instead, the ball ended up in the hands of Chandler Jones, who scored the winning touchdown. It’s a major blow for the Patriots’ playoff chances, as they slip to 7-7 and now are chasing the 8-6 Dolphins and Chargers. It was also a major gaff for a team—and a coach—known for their discipline.

The NFC South is a disaster

The Panthers lost Sunday. The Falcons lost Sunday. The Buccaneers lost Sunday. The only reason the Saints won is because they were playing the Falcons. The Buccaneers lead the South at 6-8. The rest of the teams are 5-9. They’re about to spend a bulk of the next three weeks playing each other. It’s truly anyone’s race and doubtless the “winner” will get to host the Dallas Cowboys. This is one of the craziest seasons in recent memory, but the implosion of this division is perhaps the craziest part.

Now, on to the Monday night game.

Los Angeles Rams (4-9) at Green Bay Packers (5-8)

A few months ago, this would have seemed like a sure bet to be a battle among the top teams in the NFC. Not so much now. The Rams have suffered a slew of injuries that derailed their 2022 season. The Packers, meanwhile, have suffered through inconsistent play. Yet, the way the NFC is going, the Packers have a slim chance to make it back into the race—they simply need to win out.

For fantasy, for the Rams, I’m hoping you’re not relying on anyone. Baker Mayfield was solid in his first start but he’s a low-end QB2 for me. It’s hard to know which—if any—receiver you should trust. I’m not confident playing any of them. I do like Cam Akers as an RB2. For the Packers, Aaron Rodgers is a high-end QB2. In the backfield, Aaron Jones has been battling an injury, but if he’s a go I’m starting him. I also like A.J. Dillon. Among receivers, it’s hard to be confident about a floor, but Christian Watson was hot pre-bye. I like him the best as some boom potential, especially if you need a big score to win your fantasy week.

The Pick: Packers.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.