Fantasy football: Dalvin Cook joins the Jets to bolster New York’s backfield

A turbulent fantasy situation just became an even rockier ride.

The wait is over, folks. Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has agreed to join the New York Jets and will improve an already talented backfield. It also further devalues Breece Hall as he’s returning from knee reconstruction and wasn’t expected to be 100 percent himself during the first half of the season.

Cook will play behind a surefire Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and should be a versatile asset in fantasy leagues. The well-rounded Florida State product is no stranger to injury, however, so gamers should consider that when factoring him into their draft plans.

The biggest question here is what kind of role will Cook and Hall have together when they’re both healthy. Hall was having a fine rookie season before the injury and will be a full year removed from the ACL tear come October 23. From a physical standpoint, the knee currently is structurally sound, but regaining confidence and spring in his step may take until the second half of the season.

Just how good will the Jets’ cast of WRs be with Aaron Rodgers?

Will Aaron Rodgers have Jets WRs soaring in 2023?

When you remember that the New York Jets started quarterbacks Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White last season, it gets easier to justify the price they paid the Green Bay Packers for QB Aaron Rodgers, even though the future Hall of Famer turns 40 in December and carries a massive contract. Rodgers, who had a down year in 2022 while dealing with a broken thumb, will doubtless be motivated to prove wrong those doubting him, and few carry a grudge like the newly minted No. 8.

As has been well documented, Rodgers brought some friends along as wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb both signed with the Jets after spending multiple seasons in Green Bay. In addition, former Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman was added in free agency. Those three newcomers will join last year’s first-round pick, Garrett Wilson, and veteran Corey Davis to form what should be the top five wideouts in 2023, though former second-round pick WR Denzel Mims remains as well.

With the massive talent jump from Wilson and company to Rodgers, fantasy owners are sure to be more excited about the Jets’ receivers this season, so let’s look at who could deliver.

Fantasy football: 2023 NFL free agency roundup

NFL free agency will drastically help reshape the fantasy football landscape as the new league year begins.

Now that NFL free agency is upon us, we’ll run through the fantasy football outlooks for trades, re-signings, midrange players, and tag recipients.

This analysis will be updated as players sign/re-sign in free agency, so be sure to check back regularly.

[lawrence-related id=474542]

Aaron Rodgers chooses the New York Jets, pending trade agreement

At long last, we finally know Rodgers’ intentions. Now, we wait some more for the deal to get done.

The drama is over. Aaron Rodgers informed the Green Bay Packers that he wants to play for the New York Jets after the Packers brass internally decided to move on with Jordan Love as the next starting quarterback in Titletown. Rodgers, 39, said the Packers are holding up the process to trade him to New York due to compensation requests.

The Packers are in the driver’s seat here, because it’s abundantly clear to everyone watching that the Jets have no leverage in the situation. Rodgers is the only remaining quarterback known to be available for New York to acquire with a championship-now pedigree. The deal will get done, and it’s just a matter of time at this point.

Last week, I wrote about the topic, so here’s an excerpt from the article’s fantasy football analysis of the situation:

The Jets boast a pair of talented wideouts in Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, and if Rodgers is on board, don’t be shocked to see free-agent receiver Allen Lazard join his friend. Perhaps the aforementioned Davis returns on a renegotiated deal to offer a possession asset. Signing wideout Adam Thielen would make a great deal of sense, too. Toss in RB Breece Hall (knee) for another dynamic weapon, assuming all goes well with his recovery.

The offensive line is not as strong as what protected him in Green Bay, though its potential is apparent with the likes of Alijah Vera-Tucker, Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown set to return. Tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin also provide adequate outlets as well as blockers.

New York’s new offensive play caller is Nathaniel Hackett, a longtime coach and friend of Rodgers. The defense is blossoming but may have to ascend with maturation of young talent as several veteran leaders are set to hit the open market. The defense still boasts a star-caliber player at all three levels, highlighted by Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley and Sauce Gardner.

Where will Aaron Rodgers play in 2023?

A recent visit with New York Jets officials has Rodgers’ next move in the spotlight.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was granted permission to speak with the New York Jets regarding a trade earlier in the week, and now we play the waiting game as his future is shrouded in mystery. If he says yes, there is no doubt the Packers will ship him off to the Big Apple.

Rodgers is known for taking his sweet time with decisions, and some recent commentary on his part alluded to retirement still being in play. However, there’s just too much money on the line for him to hang ’em up, it would seem.

Speaking of finances, only 10 teams have less projected cap space than the Jets as of Friday afternoon, and it would require the front office to get creative should No. 12 opt to leave. It’s not a deal-breaking factor, though we may see the release of wide receiver Corey Davis ($10.5 million in savings) and edge rusher Carl Lawson ($15.4M savings) as obvious ways to save space. The remaining money can be found through restructuring and minor cap casualties, such as the announced departure of WR Braxton Berrios ($5M savings). Furthermore, Rodgers’ deal could be reworked, depending on how eager he is to leave Green Bay.

With legal tampering opening Monday, expect to hear something from Rodgers’ camp by the close of the weekend. It’s not a certainty, however, since he marches to his own beat. It would behoove both decisions — stay or go — for him to address it prior to the opening of the window to negotiate with external free agents.

Aside from merely wanting a fresh start in the twilight of his career, Rodgers has some incentive to leave Titletown. The Jets boast a pair of talented wideouts in Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore, and if Rodgers is on board, don’t be shocked to see free-agent receiver Allen Lazard join his friend. Perhaps the aforementioned Davis returns on a renegotiated deal to offer a possession asset. Signing wideout Adam Thielen would make a great deal of sense, too. Toss in RB Breece Hall (knee) for another dynamic weapon, assuming all goes well with his recovery.

The offensive line is not as strong as what protected him in Green Bay, though its potential is apparent with the likes of Alijah Vera-Tucker, Laken Tomlinson, Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown set to return. Tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin also provide adequate outlets as well as blockers.

New York’s new offensive play caller is Nathaniel Hackett, a longtime coach and friend of Rodgers. The defense is blossoming but may have to ascend with maturation of young talent as several veteran leaders are set to hit the open market. The defense still boasts a star-caliber player at all three levels, highlighted by Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley and Sauce Gardner.

It’s easy to understand why leaving a winnable division to join a crowded AFC East in a more difficult conference could sway Rodgers to stay, but ultra-competitive types view that as a challenge, not a deterrent.

[lawrence-related id=474944]

One of the toughest aspects to gauge is whether the situation awaiting him in New York is enough to lure Rodgers away from the only pro team he has ever known and a fan base that is as loyal as it gets.

Legacy can be a telling motivator.

For as aloof and independent as he has come across at times, the California native spoke on the issue in 2020, on the Pat McAfee Show. “My thing is, legacy is really important, and having the opportunity do it all in Green Bay would mean a lot to me,” Rodgers said. “I understand kind of the track record of our squad, there have been times where we’ve had veteran players and they finished elsewhere. And I get it.” He added, “I’d like to make that decision easy for them, and the only way to do that is to keep playing at a high level and give them no choice but to keep bringing you back because you’re the best option and give them the best chance to win.”

The latter part of the quote is more interesting to me, because Rodgers played his worst ball in 2022 since taking over as the starter in 2008. It wasn’t all on him, but there’s no justifiable way anyone can ignore the dramatic rise in mistakes, even if they’re willing to overlook the dip in production due to personnel deficiencies.

Rodgers’ relationship with Green Bay’s front office has been in shaky for the past few years, and the team isn’t going to put up much of a fight to keep him if they’re willing to let him explore a trade. One could argue they’re confident he’ll stick around and are just appeasing him, which is fair, but there also is incentive to see Jordan Love start a full season as well as clear some of the debt load from the exorbitant contract extension he signed. Trading Rodgers will create $15.83 million in 2023 dead cap and another $24.48 mill in ’24 … less than ideal from Green Bay’s perspective, but it’s not prohibitive.

Okay, with all of those factors considered, does Rodgers make the jump to New York? I think it’s going to be a yes. I’ll go as far as saying the future Hall of Famer will retire before playing another down in a Packers jersey.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 18

With everything on the line, will No. 12 finish as a QB1 in fantasy?

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as the fantasy football gamble of the week.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 18

Tracking my predictions: 5-11-1
Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or lands on COVID-19 list after publishing

2021 record: 8-9-1
2020 record: 5-10-1

In Week 17, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was the choice here, and his six catches for 79 yards generated enough PPR points to qualify for a “win.” While I would have liked to see the projected score come true, the recommendation caused no harm, and some weeks that feels like a win in and of itself.

For the finale, we return to promote a familiar face playing in an unwelcoming confine … for his opponent, anyway.

QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

I have avoided including the same player twice in this space during a given season, but Week 18 has me feeling the return of Rodgers is apropos due to the situation ahead. He was the Week 1 selection and failed to deliver.

The 2022 season has not gone Rodgers’ way, but in the last four weeks his Packers have mounted a comeback that has them on the brink of a playoff berth.

Can he propel his team into the postseason? How will Green Bay choose to attack in this one? Will this be the last time we see him in a Packers uniform at Lambeau Field?

From a fantasy perspective, only one of those answers is relevant, and we’ll circle back in a bit.

In the Week 6 meeting with Detroit, Rodgers threw 43 passes — a season high — and connected on 53.5 — a season low. He finished with 291 yards passing, 40 more rushing, one touchdown throw, and an uncharacteristic three interceptions.

Not great.

For context, that was just the fifth time in Rodgers’ career in which he threw three picks, and the last time came in 2017. Don’t get too wrapped up in that blemish.

Seven times a quarterback posted at least 290 yards through the air vs. Detroit this season, and eight outings resulted in multiple touchdown strikes. Seven rushing TDs have come from the legs of quarterbacks, and while Rodgers doesn’t run like six years ago, he still has at least one rushing TD in each of the last five seasons and seven in the past three seasons. Seven seems like the magic number in this matchup.

Detroit has given up 10 performances of 22-plus fantasy points in 2022, and that includes Rodgers’ first meeting with the Lions. No team has granted more success in fantasy, and the boys in Honolulu blue have surrendered 30.1 percent more success than average on the year. Although the Lions have stiffened a degree in recent weeks, the likes of Zach Wilson and Sam Darnold have posted 24-pointers in the last three weeks. Kirk Cousins went for 29.2 in Week 14. If you remove Trevor Lawrence‘s 16.2-point Week 13 showing, you have to go back to Week 7 to find the last time a signal caller didn’t manage at least 21 points against Detroit.

The weather forecast is not going to be an issue for putting the ball in the air. The biggest risk here simply comes down to how the Packers will attack. There’s a low likelihood the Lions will explode offensively as Green Bay’s defense has played improved ball during the winning streak.

Detroit sits near the middle of the pack at stopping the run, ranking 12th in rushing yards allowed to RBs on the year. Containing Aaron Jones (knee, ankle) and AJ Dillon will be imperative for Rodgers to have a strong fantasy day. Those two combined for 41 yards on 12 carries in Week 9, so it’s absolutely within reason.

Aside the aberration vs. Carolina, Detroit hasn’t given up a 100-yard back since Week 5. That said, it’s not unfair to be concerned given how badly Detroit played in that anomalous outing, but its strong run defense vs. Chicago last week shows the Lions righted the ship.

With everything on the line, at home, in January, vs. a team still trying to learn how to be winners, putting faith in Rodgers is a wise gamble to make in fantasy lineups. He may not have the strongest day of Week 18 passers, but No. 12 is as safe a bet for QB1 returns as at any time this season.

My projection: 27-for-38, 287 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 12 rushing yards (27.55 PPR fantasy points)

Will Romeo Doubs defy the odds to shine as a rookie?

Rookie WRs and Aaron Rodgers rarely mix well. Can Doubs buck that trend?

When we posted a list of the top late-round rookie receiver fliers last month, one of the names included on there was Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who had caught the attention of the team’s beat reporters with a string of impressive plays during OTAs and minicamp. The arrival of training camp hadn’t changed that tune one bit, and the rookie continues to draw praise from those who cover the club and those who play for it, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

In recent remarks, the future Hall of Famer talked up Doubs, saying he’d been making “wow” plays every single day in practice, and then added that others who had done that over the years belonged in the franchise’s top-10 receivers of all time. That’s high praise from Rodgers, who has tended to be measured in his remarks about younger talent in his later years. Others, such as veteran Randall Cobb, have added their voice as well, saying that “nobody knows his ceiling just yet.”

[lawrence-related id=467672]

We had our first look at Doubs this past Friday against the San Francisco 49ers, albeit with Jordan Love under center, when he was targeted seven times and finished with three receptions, 45 yards, and a touchdown (on a 33-yarder where he beat the defensive back off the line of scrimmage).

While many will remember the score, Doubs also had a pair of drops, including one that turned into an interception for the 49ers. That kind of stuff could short-circuit the rookie’s ascension as if there’s one thing Rodgers doesn’t tolerate on the football field it’s turnovers.

Despite the uneven performance, the Nevada alum was seen working with the first-team offense over the weekend opposite Allen Lazard, though whether the Packers would really start him ahead of a veteran like Sammy Watkins once Week 1 arrives is suspect. The importance of earning Rodgers’ trust is an annual storyline in Green Bay, and you have to think that the trio of Lazard, Watkins, and Cobb will fill the top three spots at least early on.

It’s also worth noting that fellow rookie Christian Watson (knee) and tight end Robert Tonyan (knee) were both activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list on Sunday, Aug. 14. Although there’s no firm timetable for a return, the fact that they were activated suggests the team believes they’ll be ready to roll in September since remaining on the PUP when the 53-man roster is set requires the player to miss four games.

Fantasy football outlook

There are good reasons to be excited about Doubs’ future, and few things entice fantasy owners like the prospect of finding a breakout rookie in their draft. Still, Lazard should be the top receiver in Green Bay with the likes of Watkins, Cobb, Watson, and Doubs ebbing and flowing based on gameplan. If you’re going to roll the dice of Doubs, make sure it’s at the tail end of the draft.

Fantasy football: Where to draft Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

Analyzing Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers’ 2022 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

After a juicy offseason that swirled around a potential retirement, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be back on the field for the 2022 season. No one really knew what to expect from Rodgers, but he’s back.

The 4-time MVP will make an appearance for his 17th season.

Below, we look at Aaron Rodgers‘ 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him for his possible farewell season.

Rodgers has garnered an extensive resume over his years. Despite his age, he still tallied numerous honors in the 2021 season. Rodgers was named Most Valuable Player by the AP and by the PFWA.

Aaron Rodgers’ ADP: 70.39

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

Rodgers has an ADP of 70.39 in redraft leagues, which puts him in the range of the late 5th to early 6th round. His ADP is lower than his teammate Aaron Jones (20.77), though.

Among quarterbacks, Rodgers’ ADP puts him 11th at the position, behind the likes of Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos), and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), and slightly ahead of Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers), Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams), and Derek Carr (Las Vegas Raiders).

WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!

For over 25 years, TheHuddle.com has been helping fantasy players just like you win. This year, it’s your turn! Custom player rankings, tools and more to give you the edge over your competition.

Use code SBW22 to take 20% OFF a new subscription. Join now!

Aaron Rodgers’ 2021 stats:

Games: 16

Passing yards: 4,115

Completions | attempts: 366 | 531

Passing touchdowns: 37

Interceptions: 4

Carries | rushing yards: 33 | 101

Rushing touchdowns: 3

Where should you draft Rodgers?

Rodgers’ fantasy value, by most people’s expectations, will take a hit without WR Davante Adams (now  with the Raiders). The veteran QB’s weapons aren’t what they used to be, but he’s done more with less.

Rodgers had a terrific season last year and is a great option in this elite 2nd  tier of quarterbacks. Rodgers ranked 6th in fantasy points and 7th in fantasy points per game among QBs with more than 14 games played.

The loss of Adams will hurt, but the Packers did get WR Sammy Watkins, have Rodgers’ old teammate WR Randall Cobb and took WR Christian Watson in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The options will be there, and the MVP will get his numbers. I would take Rodgers above Wilson and certainly above Lance and Carr. He’s consistently been one of the best players in the NFL.

Draft Rodgers comfortable in the early-7th, late-6th round as quarterbacks start to get nabbed across the board in that range.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Access more NFL coverage:

BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWireTitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3472]

Fantasy football mock draft series: July takeaways

Recapping a recent fantasy football industry draft to look for trends and more.

Fantasy football drafts are heating up as we enjoy summer weather and cold beverages. A recently hosted industry mock draft is the source for this recap. Out of respect for the hosts of this draft, no reference will be made to its identity so the content remains fresh on their end, nor will the entire draft results be published here.

The draft results will appear in a magazine as part of a larger evaluation of the draft. Before getting into my individual picks, here are a few observations from a 12-team, PPR draft.

  • In last June’s iteration, Round 1 saw seven running backs and five receivers, including Cooper Kupp going at No. 2 and Justin Jefferson as the third selection. This version saw Kupp drafted fourth and Jefferson seventh with nine RBs making up the rest of the round.
  • Six RBs came off the board in Round 2 in 2021’s June draft, followed by one fewer receiver and solo tight end. This year’s June draft was no different. In the July edition, five backs, one tight end, and six wideouts were chosen.
  • The first QB, Josh Allen, was taken with the opening pick of Round 5 in June. Justin Herbert went just two picks later, and only a pair of passers came off the board in the next 31 selections (Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes). This time around, Allen was Pick 5:05, and Mahomes went with the very next spot. Herbert went with the eighth pick in the fifth round. Seven quarterbacks went in the first 75 choices this time. Quarterback remains quite deep with a viable starter often being available into the 13th round.
  • Tight end remains a little top-heavy, just like last year. Following the consensus top-six TEs — all of whom went in the first five rounds — the position gets really dicey. If you’re not comfortable playing the matchups, make sure to secure one of Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, Kyle Pitts, George Kittle, Darren Waller or Dalton Schultz.
  • In the first 100 picks, nine QBs, 40 RBs, 43 WRs and eight TEs — no significant changes from the June version when eight quarterbacks, 38 RBs, 45 WRs and nine tight ends were chosen.
  • Pick 10 is an interesting spot this year. In the FSGA draft, which was a 14-teamer, it was brutal compared to a 12-squad setup. This draft having a dozen teams made me appreciate the slotting more than expected.

Here’s a snapshot of the first 10 rounds broken down by number of positional picks:

1st: 9 RBs, 3 WRs
2nd: 5 RBs, 6 WRs, 1 TE
3rd: 5 RBs, 5 WRs, 2 TEs
4th: 4 RBs, 6 WRs, 2 TEs
5th: 3 QBs, 3 RBs, 5 WRs, 1 TE
6th: 3 QBs, 3 RB, 6 WRs
7th: 1 QB, 4 RBs, 5 WRs, 2 TEs
8th: 1 QB, 4 RBs, 7 WRs
9th: 2 QBs, 5 RBs, 3 WRs, 2 TEs
10th: 3 QBs, 3 RBs, 6 WRs

Tired of losing? Be sure to sign up for The Huddle today to gain an award-winning edge on the competition! We have 26 years of experience online building fantasy football champions.

My roster

Pos Player Team Bye
QB Aaron Rodgers GB 14
RB James Conner ARI 13
RB JK Dobbins BAL 10
RB Rashaad Penny SEA 11
RB Miles Sanders PHI 7
RB Hassan Haskins TEN 6
WR Ja’Marr Chase CIN 10
WR Stefon Diggs BUF 7
WR Jerry Jeudy DEN 9
WR Allen Lazard GB 14
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC 8
WR Jalen Tolbert DAL 9
TE Dalton Schultz DAL 9
TE Austin Hooper TEN 6
PK Matt Prater ARI 13
DT Los Angeles Chargers LAC 8

By round

Pick Rnd Player Tm Pos
10 1.1 Ja’Marr Chase CIN WR
15 2.3 Stefon Diggs BUF WR
34 3.1 James Conner ARI RB
39 4.3 J.K. Dobbins BAL RB
58 5.1 Dalton Schultz DAL TE
63 6.3 Jerry Jeudy DEN WR
82 7.1 Rashaad Penny SEA RB
87 8.3 Miles Sanders PHI RB
106 9.1 Allen Lazard GB WR
111 10.3 Aaron Rodgers GB QB
130 11.1 Marquez Valdes-Scantling KC WR
135 12.3 Hassan Haskins TEN RB
154 13.1 Austin Hooper TEN TE
159 14.3 Jalen Tolbert DAL WR
178 15.1 Los Angeles Chargers LAC Def/ST
183 16.3 Matt Prater ARI K

Keeping the previous iterations’ format alive, each pick gets a brief explanation of my draft thoughts:

Aaron Rodgers vs. Joe Burrow: Which QB should you be drafting?

Is the reigning, back-to-back MVP ready to take a back seat to the third-year pro?

Comparing Aaron Rodgers and Joe Burrow prior to the 2021 season would have seemed like a lopsided exercise in futility. But, Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl to make the conversation much more realistic, despite Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers posting a league-best 39 wins over the past three seasons.

So, who has the better 2022 fantasy prospects? Let’s look at their pros and cons.

Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers

Pros

  • Not just a four-time MVP winner, but he has won the last two (2020, 2021)
  • He has thrown 85 touchdown passes the last two seasons – the most in any two-year stretch of his career.
  • Rodgers is incredible at protecting the ball and not throwing ill-advised passes. Over the last four seasons, he has thrown 2,223 passes and just 15 interceptions – an average of one pick per every 148 passes.
  • While not much of a rusher in fantasy terms, he has scored six rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons – the most in any two-year span in the last decade.

Cons

  • The trade of Davante Adams takes away his unquestioned top target. Over the last four seasons (57 contests), Adams was targeted 614 times – almost 11 times a game.
  • Not only did Rodgers lose Adams as his primary weapon, the Packers also allowed Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown to walk in free agency – two players who had a long history learning with Rodgers.
  • Entering his age-39 season in a young man’s game
  • He hasn’t been the developer of young wide receivers at nearly the same rate as his predecessor Brett Favre. Rodgers is notorious for not trusting rookies.

Tired of losing your league every season? Be sure to sign up for The Huddle today to gain an award-winning edge on the competition! We have 26 years of experience online building fantasy football champions.

Credit: Sam Greene/Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

Joe Burrow

Pros

  • Has made incredible progress in just two NFL seasons, making his first Super Bowl appearance in just his second season. His success demonstrates the potential for another significant jump in his maturation process. Still learning the game, as he increases his quarterback IQ, the game will slow down for him.
  • He has three of the most dynamic young receivers in the league with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
  • The Bengals have a balanced offensive attack and can run Joe Mixon 20 times per game to take the pressure off Burrow to be the focus of the offense at all times.
  • Cincinnati upgraded its offensive line with the additions of center Ted Karras, right guard Alex Cappa and right tackle La’el Collins.
  • Displayed good consistency last season, completing more than 70 percent of his passes has averaged 39 pass attempts a game in his career. With that many attempts consistently, good things will happen.

Cons

  • Whether it was the fault of his offensive line or holding the ball too long, Burrow was sacked a league-high 51 times. He has been sacked 83 times in 26 NFL career starts.
  • He has already suffered one significant injury, and until the on-paper upgrades along the line show it on the field, Burrow will continue to be a quarterback fantasy owners have to fear will miss time due to injury.
  • He threw 14 interceptions last season, just one fewer than Rodgers has thrown in the last four years combined.
  • Although he didn’t show too many ill-effects from the significant leg injury he suffered in 2020, his rushing attempts bottomed out. As a rookie, he averaged 3.7 rushing attempts a game. In 2021, he dropped to 2.5 attempts. His rushing yards also took a hit, dipping from 14.2 yards a game to 7.4 yards a game.

Fantasy football outlook

Rodgers (ADP 6:06) is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he has the weakest supporting cast of receivers at any point during his career. Without his security blanket in Adams, he has to count on lesser receivers to get the job done.

Burrow (ADP 5:10), on the other hand, has young dynamic weapons who are only getting better with time. Because of that, if he stays healthy, Joe Burrow is the better fantasy quarterback option in 2022.