Aaron Rodgers is the showstopper in Green Bay. He is the name on the marquee, the unbeatable force driving the unbeaten Packers.
But he and his fleet of receivers do not operate alone. The Packers do run the ball occasionally. And as the season dips closer to the dingy winter, deteriorating weather conditions may force Rodgers and the Packers to hand the ball to their backs, rather than fling it through the cold, wet and wind.
Think back to last year, particularly during the Packers’ playoff run. That’s when rookie James Starks made his splash. Without Ryan Grant, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 1, seemingly without any capable backup RBs, and passing conditions more challenging, the Packers found a running game. And though they in large part have abandoned this running game thus far this season, we expect it will be resurrected in the coming weeks, this time before the postseason — only this time, it may not be Starks who benefits.
Rookie Brandon Saine saw his most extensive action last week. Granted, it was just six carries, but he looked capable, and we expect he will get more carries down the stretch, especially with Starks dealing with a recurring ankle problem. Grant will see an increased role as well, but his legs aren’t nearly as young as Saine’s.
Starting this week vs. a Raiders defense that ranks in the bottom five vs. the run, we expect to see better numbers from the Green Bay ground game. If you’re looking for a one-week wonder, Grant might be your man. But if you are in the market for some late-season upside, then go with Saine.
BIG WEEKS
Carson Palmer, QB
Raiders, at Packers
More of a reflection on the Packers’ pass defense than confidence in Palmer. Could rack up yards and scores, but be prepared to swallow a couple INTs.
Rex Grossman, QB
Redskins, vs. Patriots
Not unlike Palmer. If it’s one or the other, we’ll take Palmer.
C.J. Spiller, RB
Bills, at Chargers
Can’t ignore the number of opportunities he is getting with Fred Jackson out. After a solid defensive showing last week, the schizophrenic Chargers are due to let him run wild.
Miles Austin, WR
Cowboys, vs. Giants
We theorize, Laurent Robinson’s solid work filling in for the injured Austin (hamstring) allowed the Cowboys to abstain from rushing Austin back. We expect a strong return.
Vincent Jackson, WR
Chargers, vs. Bills
V-Jack has been feast or famine over the past six weeks. Look for him to feast vs. a Bills team that seems to have given up.
SMALL WEAKS
Tim Tebow, QB
Broncos, vs. Bears
With Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and a strong defense, we think the Bears can slow the Tebow Express.
LaGarrette Blount, RB
Buccaneers, at Jaguars
With either sore starter Josh Freeman or rookie backup Josh Johnson under center for Tampa Bay, we expect the Jags to focus strongly on stopping Blount.
Steven Jackson, RB
Rams, at Seahawks
With no legitimate weapons other than Jackson on a makeshift Rams offense, we expect little scoring from St. Louis in a hostile environment against a Seattle team that is playing much better of late.
A.J. Green, WR
Bengals, vs. Texans
If you’re platooning Green at WR2 or have another solid flex option, don’t be afraid to bench A.J. for a week.
Roddy White, WR
Falcons, at Panthers
Tallied just 20 yards in the first meeting vs. Carolina, and he is dealing with a shoulder injury. If you have a worthy replacement, bench White.