After an incredible week for football, Week 16 of the NFL season ends with a somewhat limp matchup on Monday night. The New Orleans Saints are beat up with little to play for but pride, while the Green Bay Packers are cruising toward the post-season. I’ll preview the game below, but first a few takeaways from the rest of Week 16.

Jayden Daniels is the Offensive Rookie of the Year

Look, I’m a Broncos fan. I love Bo Nix. I love what Nix has done this season. I love that the Broncos are playoff contenders. But Daniels is the Rookie of the Year. He’s come up big when it has mattered most, including a five-touchdown day as the Commanders beat the Eagles on Sunday. His team is in the playoffs and it’s largely due to the turnaround on offense with the No. 2 overall pick.

The Bengals vs Broncos game will be huge

The Broncos had a golden chance to lock up a playoff spot Thursday night, but they fell short against the Chargers. With the Colts, Bengals, and Dolphins all winning on Sunday, the pressure is on the Broncos. A win in one of their last two games—or even a tie—and they are in the playoffs. But the Bengals, who were once 4-8 and left for dead, suddenly have a pulse. Better than that, they host the Broncos on Saturday. That game will have a massive impact on the AFC playoff picture.

The NFC comes down to the division races

The Commanders, Eagles, Lions, Vikings, and Packers are all in the playoffs. Between them will be two division winners—and the NFC’s top overall seed—and three Wild Card teams. That leaves the Buccaneers and Falcons fighting for the NFC South, and the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks battling for the NFC West. That should make for a fun final two weeks.

Now, on to the Monday night game.

New Orleans Saints (5-9) at Green Bay Packers (10-4)

On paper this isn’t a great matchup. Perhaps that’s why they play the game, but on a cold night in Green Bay, I’m suspicious. For the visiting Saints, there isn’t much to like in fantasy. Spencer Rattler is starting at quarterback and Alvin Kamara is likely done for the season. I would consider Kendre Miller as a low-end flex, but honestly, I’m not taking a chance on any other Saint.

For the Packers, Josh Jacobs is an RB1 and has to be in your lineup. I like Jordan Love, too. He’s a no-brainer start in Superflex and possibly a start in a 1QB league depending on your options. Among receivers, I like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs as flex plays. Reed is the upside play while Doubs feels like he has a more stable floor. Tucker Kraft is a TE2 with upside, while Christian Watson is a boom-or-bust WR4 for me.

I’m taking the Packers in what could be a laugher.

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.

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