Good Morning Packer Nation!!! Welcome to The Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview!  This week, the Green Bay Packers will be hitting the road to take on the AFC South division leading Indianapolis Colts.  Last week, the Packers had another lackluster performance at Lambeau, leaving Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff searching for answers.  This abhorrent performance on their home turf highlighted all of the deficiencies on the Packers roster and has given many, including myself, a pessimistic outlook at this week’s contest.  

Will the Packers find a way to bounce back and play inspired football? Or will they get dominated in all three phases of the game by a very solid Colts team?  I will have the answers to those questions and more in this week’s Sunday Morning Packers Gameday Preview.  I am happy to have you with me here today for this matchup of playoff contenders; so just sit back, relax, and enjoy this morning’s Packers Gameday preview with your morning cup of Joe or drink of choice.

What to Expect Against the Colts in Week 11?

Last week’s debacle showed us that the Packers may have one of the most overrated defenses in recent memory (They are currently ranked 9th, ESPN.com).  If you think that I am out of my mind with this statement ask yourself the following question: Who besides Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark, and Jaire Alexander are you trying to avoid matching up with? (I even think Z’s stats are a touch inflated against bad teams)  I think Savage has had a solid season, I like what Chandon Sullivan brings to the table, I see potential with the tandem of Krys Barnes and Kamal Martin, but I think this defense lacks those 3-4 consistent, unit changing players that can shoulder most of the load when everyone else is struggling. (Z's sack numbers are great but he needs help).

At this point, every opposing offensive coordinator knows the simple plan for gashing this defense: Run the ball, run the ball, and then run the ball again.  Let’s face it, Frank Reich is going to roll out this same blue print that everyone else has been using against Mike Pettine.  Look for Philip Rivers to throw the ball 15-20 times max and have Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, and Jordan Wilkins take care of the rest.  This is the best and obvious game plan for the Colts.  Why take chances on risky throws when you can run behind one of the leagues best offensive lines who will create plenty of holes for their talented backs.  This will ensure that the Colts will control the time of possession and create safe throwing lanes for Philip Rivers.

On offense, I see the Packers becoming very one dimensional against the Colts top ranked defense which is led by their strong front.  I see DeForest Buckner anchoring Indy’s front and Darrius Leonard plunging the A gap and closing up any running lanes for Aaron Jones.  

Aaron Jones has been very ordinary, in fact over his last four starts, he has just 190 total rushing yards. I think you can always count on a couple of good drives and explosive plays from the Packers offense, but this week, I think that may not be enough to outlast the Colts. 

Three Burning Questions That Will Determine the Outcome of This Afternoon’s Game:

1. Will Aaron Jones be shut down again?
2. Will Mike Pettine find a way to at least contain the Colts rushing attack? 
3. Will the Packers line hold up and can Aaron Rodgers put up points if Aaron Jones is shut down?

Sunday Afternoon Fantasy Football Picks (Always Start the Plug and Play Guys)

• Allen Lazard- I think Aaron Rodgers is going to want to get Allen Lazard back up to speed right away.  I expect a 5-7 target day and a couple of big plays from “the lizard”. 
• Nyheim Hines- With Jonathan Taylor starting to lose touches, Hines could be set to take on a much bigger role this Sunday.  Hines had a standout effort against a stout Titans defense which should translate into another strong performance against a less than stellar rush defense. 
• MVS- I think Aaron Rodgers continues to roll with MVS on big chunk plays, especially with Davante Adams and Xavier Rhodes matched up in a prize fight all afternoon. I think Rodgers will look for and connect with MVS on multiple shot plays. I think we could see another 4-5 catch day with 100+ yards and a touchdown.   

Picks, Parlays, and Game Props

• Viable Anytime TD Scorer Options: Davante Adams, MVS, Allen Lazard, Nyheim Hines, and Zach Pascal. 
• Anytime TD Scorer Parlay: Davante Adams and Nyheim Hines. (+285)
• Viable Game Parlay(s): Colts -2.5 and under 51.5 (+260), Colts -9.5 and over 43.5 (+362), Colts -4.5 and under 59.5 points (+210)*best value, and (touchdown match winner parlay) Indianapolis D/ST/ Colts (+800)
• $5 five team parlay: Browns, Steelers, Chargers, Vikings, and Chiefs.
• Two Touchdown Scorer: Nyheim Hines (+950) 
• Game Pick: I think the Colts are the better team in two of the most important phases in this matchup (defense and special teams) and their offensive line will make their offensive unit equal to the capability of the Packers high powered offense.  I always thought this would be a tough game, but after their performance last week, I see the Colts further magnifying and exposing all of the Packers deficiencies.  Give me the Colts by a score of 31-20.   

Packer fans, I want to hear from you!  Let me know your thoughts on this game against the Colts.  How do you see it playing out? Did you hit on any fantasy or game/parlay picks from the last few weeks?  What are your picks for this week?