2021 Packers Stock Report: Week 16

The Green Bay Packers are firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to controlling their own destiny as the No. 1-seed in the NFC.

If that’s not something that makes you happy this holiday season, then I don’t know what is.

But a Christmas day win over the Cleveland Browns didn’t come easy. After jumping ahead early, the Browns fought back and had a chance to win the game until Rasul Douglas intercepted Baker Mayfield to secure the victory.

So let’s dive right into the stock report for the Green Bay Packers after a 24-22 win over the Cleveland Browns at Lambeau Field in Week 16.

Buy

Rasul Douglas- I’ve added Rasul Douglas to the ‘buy’ list a few times this season, but I can’t leave him off it this week. Douglas recorded two more interceptions on Saturday, including the game-sealing pick on the final Browns’ offensive possession. Is he a perfect player? No. Is he exactly who the Packers needed without Jaire Alexander? Absolutely. He is consistently solid in pass coverage and his knack for the ball has been a pleasant add to this defense.

Davante Adams- Like Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams is someone who you can add to the ‘buy’ list almost every week. Again, Adams was excellent on Saturday (outside of a rare drop near the end of the game). Every week, defenses throw everything but the kitchen sink at him as far as coverages go. Yet, every week, Adams produces. Against the Browns, he finished with 10 catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns. The best receiver in the NFL will continued to be relied on heading into the most important time of the season.

Rashan Gary- Two sacks and three quarterback hits on Sunday added to an already impressive resume this season for Rashan Gary. In his third year out of Michigan, Gary has been relied on heavily as a primary edge rusher with the absence of Za’Darius Smith. Like Douglas, he’s not necessarily a perfect player. But he’s constantly in the backfield wreaking havoc, which is exactly what you want out of that position. It hurts me to type, but there seems to be a very real chance that Za’Darius won’t return this season. So, buy up Gary’s stock before the playoffs.

Sell

Passive playcalling- Yuck. Two weeks in a row of the Packers offense stalling in the second half and going away from the aggressive playcalling that put the squad ahead in the first place. It allowed the Ravens and the Browns, consecutively, to both get back into the game late. Both Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers have mentioned how it’s something that will be addressed and corrected moving forward, so, sell it. See ya.

Run defense- The Packers have struggled in the past few games defending the run. First, the defense surrendered 137 yards on the ground to the Bears. Then, 143 to the Ravens. Saturday, it was 219 to the Browns. With how cold it’s projected to be at Lambeau Field on Sunday night, and how heavily the Vikings can rely on the run game with a dynamic player like Dalvin Cook, I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous about the run defense. Sell, for now.

Hold

AJ Dillon- Speaking of the run game, I’ve just got this feeling that AJ Dillon will touch the football often on Sunday. Dillon didn’t necessarily do anything to raise or lower his stock against the Browns, but with how cold it will be on Sunday, I’d love to see Dillon physically run through Viking defenders and wear them down. Nothing better than a big, physical running back in the cold in Green Bay. Hold on to his stock, because it could jump with a solid game this weekend.