During the weekend I cautioned against starting Aaron Rodgers against the Seattle Seahawks in the Pacific Northwest tonight. The primary reason for that was Seattle’s impressive secondary, which boasts three young Pro Bowl performers.
With that in mind, it is important to note that I fell flat on my face in projecting fantasy football studs on Sunday. In doing so, I might have looked a little bit too much at perceived mismatches. Darren McFadden and Matt Ryan, both of whom I had as questionable starters this week, went off against solid defenses.
Maybe I haven’t learned my lesson as I am, once again, looking at matchups in this Monday Night Football Game.
Seattle has allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete less than 60 percent of their passes and accumulate a quarterback rating of just over 70. They are playing at home, a venue that is difficult on visiting offenses.
Additionally, Rodgers just hasn’t looked like the MVP performer we saw a season ago. Jay Glazer reported on Sunday that Greg Jennings might for four weeks, which obviously means he will not be playing against Seattle tonight.
I just don’t envision a scenario where Rodgers lights up Seattle’s defense. Their front seven is too stout, which will complicate timing routes in an offense without the presence of their top wide receiver.
Expect Seattle to play a lot more zone/nickel coverage as they are not going to have to worry too much about Cedric Benson and the Packers’ running game. This will take lanes away from Rodgers. There is no mismatch in regards to Jordy Nelson going up against Brandon Browner either. Instead, it seems more like a wash between those two stellar performers. Earl Thomas going up against Jermichael Finley actually seems to favor Seattle more than it does Green Bay at this point.
You also have to take into account the fact that Rodgers has been sacked eight times through two games. I fully expect LeRoy Hill, Bruce Irvin and Chris Clemons to dominate the trenches, once again throwing off Green Bay’s timing in the passing game.
Final Projection
Rodgers: 23/41-255 yards, one touchdown and one interception.