Each week the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week (Scoring thresholds – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points [10 for shockers], WR: 11 fantasy points: TE: 10 fantasy points; .5 PPR).
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers
| Start pct. | 21% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Packers |
| BetMGM line | GB -3 |
| BetMGM total | 44.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | 17.1 pts |
Last Thursday’s old codger clash between Rodgers and Joe Flacco indisputably proved age is indeed nothing but a number.
Conquering the wrinkles and the gray, the geriatric passers surgically diced defenses, chucked pinpoint bombs and even “sprinted” on backbreaking scrambles. Earning extra AARP points in the process, the partially petrified pair mesmerized the masses in arguably the best game witnessed so far this season.
This week in another main-stage appearance, Rodgers is looking to gash a Green Bay franchise he’s forever linked to. During his 18 seasons along the lake, he amassed 59,055 passing yards, 475 passing touchdowns, four MVP trophies and one Super Bowl title. Legendary.
Possibly a year away from permanent ayahuasca excursions in the Hawaiian Islands, he’s looking to remind Lambeau patrons of his greatness one last time. The gripping primetime plot is ideal for a NetFlix docudrama. On NBC, the game’s ratings are sure to rank up there with the Friends finale. Joey Tribbiani agrees.
The Packers haven’t quite affixed padlocks to opposing teams’ offensive playbooks. Entering Week 8, they’re No. 13 in pass EPA D, yielding 230.7 pass yards per game, 10 total passing TDs and the 17th-most fantasy points to QBs. In total, four passers have achieved 'Flame' status against them.
Beyond the superficial stats, Rodgers has posted downright gaudy advanced numbers. Currently, he’s No. 1 in red zone completion rate and top-15 in four additional completion categories. He may be a cover model on billboard ads for the Shady Acres Retirement Center, but he continues to sling it like a twenty-something.
Defying Father Time at 41, Rodgers should again show vintage form in a marquee matchup in Western PA.
In the harshest bye week of the season, slam some Metamucil in 12-team leagues.
Fearless Forecast: 237 passing yards, 2 passing touchdown, 0 interceptions, 4 rushing yards, 20.3 fantasy points
Michael Penix, Falcons
| Start pct. | 9% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Dolphins |
| BetMGM line | Atl -7.5 |
| BetMGM total | 46.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | 19.2 pts |
Porpoises are cunning creatures by nature. They're highly intelligent and self-aware tricksters who glide through ocean waters often unimpeded.
In Miami, the team adorning the Dolphins nickname is the antithesis of the remarkable species they represent.
More sea-floor dragging blobfish, the failing Flippers are inarguably one of the flimsiest defenses known to man. Highly penetrable in myriad areas, Anthony Weaver's unit is particularly beatable through the air. Seven weeks in, Miami ranks rock bottom (no. 32) in dropback EPA defense, allowing 7.87 pass yards per attempt, 217.0 pass yards per game, 15 total QB touchdowns and the 10th-most fantasy points to signal callers. Again, floundering.
Atlanta's passing appendage isn't exactly the most robust performer. Penix is currently No. 36 in adjusted completion percentage and No. 20 or worst in five other completion percentage categories. Tossing it in successfully into tight places has been consistently misadventurous. This season, he's tallied 20+ fantasy points only twice, slotting at No. 28 in points per game.
But a reminder, the Dolphins are a disaster. With a number of QBs on bye -- Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, Trevor Lawrence and Kyler Murray the biggest names -- fantasy managers scratching and clawing for meaningful production should place him high on the wishlist. Despite his obvious shortcomings, Penix has the surrounding arsenal and matchup to post firm QB1 numbers in 12-team leagues.
This week, the Falcon flies high.
Fearless Forecast: 243 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 7 rushing yards, 20.9
Season record: 10-4