We begin our in-depth analysis of the NFC North with the dynasty capsule of the Green Bay Packers. While their defense needs some serious help, their offense features a few of the best dynasty options in all of fantasy football. From top to bottom, this team can put up points in both reality and fantasy. With all the dynasty capsules, I attempt to create something quirky and interesting in the introduction, but everything I’ve tried for Green Bay turns out way too cheesy. Regardless, here’s the state of the Packers from a dynasty perspective.
Players in their Prime
Aaron Rodgers QB
Rodgers was highly regarded coming out of California, as scouts raved about his accuracy and decision making ability. Unfortunately, Alex Smith was chosen by the 49ers first overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, sending Rodgers into a historic draft freefall. The Packers took him at #24 that year in what will go down as one of the biggest steals in the draft history.
After sitting behind Brett Favre for three full seasons, Rodgers finally got his chance in 2008. After delivering a an amazing campaign that saw him become the 2nd highest scoring quarterback in most formats, Rodgers followed it up with 4,434 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions in 2009. When you add an additional 316 yards and five rushing touchdowns from Rodgers, you had the No. 1 quarterback in fantasy football last year.
At just 26 years of age, you can make a very good case for Rodgers to be the first quarterback taken in startup dynasty drafts. Not many would argue if you value him as the premier quarterback in dynasty fantasy football leagues.
Greg Jennings WR
Most owners would be thrilled with 68 catches, 1,113 yards and four touchdowns from their No. 2 WR. Believe it or not, every one of those numbers from Jennings was down in comparison to 2008. You can blame that on a variety of reasons, but he’s still the best option in an offense that attempted 541 passes last season. As the No. 1 option on a pass oriented team, it would be a surprise if he didn’t improve on all those numbers in 2010 and beyond. He could easily flourish into being a future No. 1 WR in fantasy.
Ryan Grant RB
It seems every year we look for Grant’s replacement in Green Bay instead of looking at Grant himself. You’d think he’d get more respect after his career best totals of 1,253 yards, and 11 touchdowns, but he’s typically undervalued in dynasty leagues. While he’s certainly no Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson, he’s the lead back in an offense that scores points every week. Grant will likely never run for 1,500 yards, but you could do a lot worse in your search for a No. 2 RB.
Rising Players
Jermichael Finley TE
Finley’s 55 catches, 676 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2009 don’t get you too excited. His 34 catches, 496 yards, and four touchdowns in his last six games played do, though. His combination of speed and size creates havoc for opposing defenses. His late emergence has some dynasty owners thinking he’s the No. 1 TE prospect in their respective leagues. While we’re not quite ready to value him more than Vernon Davis, it’s hard to blame those who do.
James Jones WR
Followers of dynastyleaguefootball.com know we recently tagged Jones as one of our “Summer Sleepers.” He’s certainly a sleeper when you consider the entire NFL player pool, but he’s a clear rising talent when you analyze the Packers specifically. He needs to continue improving his route running and ball security issues, but he’s very talented. Donald Driver reportedly had surgery on both of his knees this offseason and that’s just the latest reminder that Jones’ time is coming sooner rather than later.
Players with Falling Values
Donald Driver WR
Driver posted his sixth straight 1,000 yard season with 1,061 yards and six receiving touchdowns in 2009. He’s been an incredibly consistent player for Green Bay, but with knee issues at the ripe old age of 35, his career is clearly winding down. James Jones should take over as the No. 2 WR soon and Jordy Nelson is more than capable of being a No. 3 WR for this team. Driver is obviously not a huge part of their long-term plans. He shouldn’t be part of yours, either.
Brandon Jackson RB
A once highly sought after rookie from Nebraska, Jackson clearly finds himself on the roster bubble this season. With James Starks in the fold, Jackson needs to show something quickly or he’ll find himself on the waiver wire in both fantasy and reality.
Ahman Green RB
His swan song was fun to watch, but the Packers clearly got the most from Green many years ago. He’s no longer a viable roster stash in dynasty leagues and likely won’t be back with Green Bay next year.
Sleeper
James Starks RB
At 6’2” and 218 pounds, Starks is well-built for a RB. If Ryan Grant gets injured or underperforms, Starks has starting RB ability. You may not know much of him since he went to school at Buffalo, but that may just change one day.
Super SleeperFlynn is certainly no challenge to Aaron Rodgers’ job as the starter in Green Bay. However, he’s been impressive enough for the Packers to let go of Brian Brohm and feel comfortable with him as their backup. If Flynn shows up big in the preseason, he could find himself being a trade target for other teams in the future.
Matt Flynn QB
Summary
The Packers boast one of the most explosive offensive units in the NFL, led by the explosive Aaron Rodgers. With a wide open offensive philosophy, there are many Packer players to covet in dynasty leagues. When you consider the youth on this team, there aren’t too many safer rosters for dynasty league owners to pluck their fantasy football players from.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
- The Dynasty Aftermath: Why Taylor Swift isn’t Good Enough for Travis Kelce - September 26, 2023
- Lineup Advice: Week 4 - September 26, 2023
- The Dynasty Fantasy Football Impact of the Mike Williams Knee Injury - September 25, 2023
So what about WR Jordy Nelson? He has had a fabulous off season so far. He was drafted higher than James Jones and has great hands. He makes acrobatic catches at times. He isn’t so much fast as quick. He would surely be in the hunt with James Jones I would think. Word is he will see more playing time. Plus – and I LOVE the Pack and bleed green and gold. Isn’t the value of all the WR’s somewhat watered down because of so many targets and now with Jermichael eating up alot of those targets…..for fantasy purposes who is considered a number 1 wide receiver vs a 2nd or 3rd or 4th in your opinion?
I really do have Finley as my #1 TE and believe he’ll finish that way. His playoff game I don’t think was any sort of a fluke, it was a young player breaking out and showing what he’s capable of week in and out, and while it may be a small tidbit the fact that he was in Fitzgerald’s camp this summer bodes very well for a WR like TE.
I think this is different then the Greg Olsen hype because Olsen had never posted a game as good as Finley did in the playoffs, or showed that type of athleticism, and Finley isn’t getting a new QB or offense put together, this is coming back in tact with him becoming a much bigger part.
I know people like him, but he’s easily my #1 as I don’t see Vernon Davis putting up those same TD totals again. Finley has a realistic shot of posting low end WR1 numbers I think and those can end up winning you games from the WR position.
