The Atlanta Falcons have scored the ninth-most points in the NFL this season (256). The Green Bay Packers are 12th in the league with 252 points scored in 2010. The Falcons average 29.8 points when they play in the Georgia Dome, over eight points more than they average on the road. The Packers follow the same pattern, averaging 31 points at Lambeau Field but only 19.4 when they travel. With both teams averaging over 25 points this season, their Week 12 showdown has all the building blocks of a shootout. Which fantasy player will best take advantage of those points and which one should you keep on your bench? Let's dig in.
Start
Packers' WR Greg Jennings - The Falcons' secondary has allowed the 3rd-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this year. They have given up 11 wide receiver touchdowns in the past five games. Jennings has scored six touchdowns in his last five games and has averaged 6.4 receptions and 104 yards in those contests. He's the number one target for Aaron Rodgers in a pass-first offense. The Falcons' secondary takes gambles (they are second in the NFL with 15 interceptions) but they have also been getting beat on a regular basis this year. Start Jennings and continue to ride the hot hand.
Sit
Packers' RB Brandon Jackson - I'm not sure whether the Falcons' pass defense is bad because their run defense is so solid teams are forced to pass or their run defense is rated so high because their pass defense is terrible and teams never need to run. It's the chicken and the egg really, but the Falcons' rush defense has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to running backs this year. Jackson is a questionable start most weeks but especially this week, he deserves to be left on the bench. Stick with the Packers' passing game in this one.
Final Thoughts
Rodgers, Michael Turner (despite the Packers' third-ranked rush defense) and Roddy White are all must-starts, regardless of the matchup. You simply can never bench them. Mason Crosby may struggle since the Falcons allow the second-fewest points to opposing kickers. The rest of the Falcons and Packers are all moderate plays depending on the rest of your team.