With Aaron Rodgers resting on the bench, who would have thought the Green Bay Packers would put up 550 total yards of offense and 45 points?
Back-up QB Matt Flynn had a career day with a franchise record six touchdowns and 480 passing yards in the 45-41 shootout win at Lambeau Field.
Since 1970, Flynn is the 3rd QB to throw for 3 or more TDs in his first two starts. The other two were Dan Marino and Kurt Warner.
For the Lions, QB Matthew Stafford put up college-like numbers with 520 yards and five touchdowns. And there was that Calvin Johnson guy with 244 receiving yards as well.
After Sunday’s performance, Flynn is most likely assured a starting job somewhere in the NFL next season. Included in the deal will be a large pay-increase, meaning there is no way he comes back to Green Bay to sit behind Rodgers in the near future.
One of the reasons Flynn flourished was the play of WR Jordy Nelson who has emerged as a legitimate top receiver. Nelson caught nine passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns.
I think it’s safe to say Flynn, Nelson, Stafford and Megatron (C. Johnson) played huge parts in leading teams to their fantasy championship this week.
Even though Rodgers had his 17 game starting streak snapped, the league’s likely MVP still had a good day while becoming the owner of the single-season passer rating record. By not playing, his 122.5 rating bypasses Peyton Manning’s mark of 121.1 set in 2004. Rodgers ends the season completing 343 of his 502 passes for 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns.
Even though the Lions gave it their best try, they will most likely receive the sixth and final seed, earning them a trip to New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Packers will have a full week to rest and await their opponent in the second round.
What did you think of this crazy shootout game? If your team is without a QB, would you go after Matt Flynn? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.