It was a tough week for the New England Patriots after falling 37-26 to the Baltimore Ravens. Yet the loss is the least of their worries because Mac Jones suffered an ankle injury. The good news is that it does not appear as severe as it looked. However, he is officially ruled out despite his effort, and Axl (Brian) Hoyer will be the quarterback.
After beating Tom Brady in Tampa, 14-12, the Green Bay Packers will now be home to face Bill Belichick’s Patriots. Offensively, it has been a slow start for the Packers. So far, the Patriots are averaging slightly more points per game, 16.7, than the Packers, 16.0. The Pats also win the yards per game battle, 364.7 to 355.7. However, that was with Jones at quarterback; now, it is Hoyer.
Statistically, the Packers separate themselves with defense and fewer turnovers. Their defense is only giving up an average of 15 points per game, and the Patriots are giving up 23.7. There is little doubt the Packers will win this game; the only question is by how much. Since they are at home and facing Hoyer, they will likely win by at least a touchdown and a field goal (10 points).
Patriots Best Bets to Consider in Week 4
Packers -9.5
Under 40.5
Patriots Under 14.5 Points
Aaron Jones Anytime TD Scorer
The Packers have not scored over 27 points so far this season, and Belichick is not about to let them do it now. He is going to muck this game up. The Packers are still likely to score 21-24 points, but the Patriots, with Hoyer, are not likely to score more than 14 points against this week’s top defense.
Start Them
Aaron Rodgers
If you have Rodgers, you are starting him and hoping for his upside.
Aaron Jones
Jones is a must-start in all leagues. He does face a good run defense, but his pass-catching ability is a game changer.
A.J. Dillon
Dillon is a solid flex play. It depends on your roster, though.
Packer Defense
The Packers are the top-ranked defense this week and a must-start in all leagues.
Damien Harris
Harris is a solid flex option. He has been running hard, but he does not get enough opportunities. The Patriots have had to push the ball down the field, and he is splitting carries. This week will be different, though; this could be his breakout game. The Patriots will likely run the ball often without Mac Jones to keep this game close.
Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson is another solid flex option, and he had more points than Harris last week. He runs like a beast that is trying to break free. It should be his week to break out because the Patriots will have to rely more on their strong run game.
RB – RHAMONDRE STEVENSON (NE) vs BAL
🔸 FantasyPros ECR: RB37
🔹 Sleeper Pts Proj (PPR): 9.9
🔸 DK Price: $4.8k✅ Beneficiary of Ty Montgomery injury (Snap Share 25% to 62% Week 1-2)
✅ Vs high powered BAL offense could lead to more receiving opportunities due to game script https://t.co/BXS1gbhJBU pic.twitter.com/OZfbfNbY1M— Matt FF Dynasty 🏈 (@MattFFDynasty) September 22, 2022
Sit Them
Allen Lazard (Ankle, Limited Practice)
Lazard will play Sunday, but he should only be in your lineup if you are in a deep league as a flex or playing a daily fantasy showdown.
DeVante Parker
Parker had a breakout game last week and landed on the fantasy radar. He should be stashed on a roster but not worthy of a start yet. Especially now that Hoyer is his quarterback. Parker does not have full command of the offense yet, and we need to see more before we start him. However, he is worth taking a flier on using in daily fantasy tournaments.
