QB:
Jordan Love, Packers
If you watched last week’s game against Minnesota, the first half was a rough one for Love, but to his credit, he came back in the second half and played very well and made the outcome extremely competitive. I think at the beginning of last week’s game, he was worried about his knee, but then, as he got more comfortable, he found a rhythm. The Rams are the perfect foil for the Packers, as their defense will allow Love to take some shots downfield to Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. At the same time, I think that they’re going to allow Josh Jacobs to run the ball at will, which will open up the play-action passing game even more. I don’t know whether or not Love throws for over 250 yards, but I think he gets three touchdowns this week and has a terrific passing efficiency.
Brock Purdy, 49ers
This feels like a get right game for the 49ers, whose offense has been out of sync for most of the season. San Francisco should have its way against Arizona’s zone defense, and Purdy should be able to pick them apart to the tune of about 300 yards and three passing touchdowns. I feel certain that Deebo Samuel is going to score at least one touchdown, and I think there’s a good chance that Aiyuk and/or George Kittle will find the end zone, too.
Joe Burrow, Bengals
Call this a hunch but I have a feeling that this divisional game is going to be higher scoring than most people expect. Burrow’s Vegas passing yards total is 255 1/2 passing yards, which tells me that the sportsbooks agree. The Bengals won’t be able to run the ball against Baltimore, so Burrow will need to be aggressive, and I like him to throw 2 touchdowns. People are going to stay away from him thinking that the Ravens defense is impenetrable, but I don’t think it is, and I think Cincinnati has a real shot to win this game.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals heads to the locker room after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter of the game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 16, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Honorable Mention:
Joe Flacco: If Richardson is out, Flacco is a MUST start
Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence is this close to finding his footing. His first half against Houston last week was the best he’s played all season.
RB:
Kyren Williams, Rams
The Packers have allowed 19 receptions to opposing running backs which is one of the highest numbers in the league. We’ve been wanting Williams to get more PPR production and this is the week that he should. I am also assuming that the Rams are going to be playing from behind for most of this game so Williams is in a great spot for 100+ total yards from scrimmage and a great opportunity for a touchdown.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the ball during the first half of the game against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Josh Jacobs, Packers
The Rams have allowed the most rushing yards to opposing teams this season, as well as the third most rushing touchdowns. Last week, Jacobs wasn’t able to get going because the Packers were playing from behind against Minnesota, and there was a lot of Jordan Love late-game garbage time production. Look for that to be reversed in Week 5, as Jacobs gets a 100-yard game and a possibility of multiple touchdowns.
Javonte Williams, Broncos
The Raiders have allowed 5.39 yards per carry, which is the worst in the NFL. Additionally, they’ve led up the fifth most receptions to opposing running backs. Denver wants to limit how much they let Bo Nix pass the ball and this feels like a game where they can get a lot of chunk plays in the running attack. Williams is going to have a big day and I think he’s being seriously overlooked. I’ve got him getting about 80 yards and a touchdown.
Honorable Mention:
Jerome Ford: If he can get past the Commanders DL into the open field, he can make some big plays.
De’Von Achane: Tyler Huntley should improve, but Achane hasn’t had the breakout game yet.