Our Green Bay Packers 2022 Fantasy Preview gives you the run down on the teams outlook going into the season. Now, I’m excited for the 2022 season for the Packers, selfishly because they are coming to the UK. That aside, the Packers have had some switching with their coaching staff, with Adam Stenavich promoted to OC from OL coach.
The biggest change (and loss) is longtime Packer Davante Adams moving on. But, at least the Packers finally drafted a receiver right?
Notable Offseason Moves
Additions
- Sammy Watkins (WR)
Departures
- Davante Adams (WR)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR)
- David Moore (WR)
- Equanimeous St. Brown (WR)
Positional Previews
Notable Players- Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers silenced the stories that were sure to circle during the offseason around his future early. The team also used a draft pick on a receiver- finally. So the sky is the ceiling right?
Nope. The team also moved Davante Adams off the roster. His almost telepathic relationship with Rodgers was huge for both players. The range of outcomes of one of the best at the position is now alot more ranged.
Rodgers is likely to finish as a borderline QB1, just due to his individual performances, but it could be painful as he develops chemistry with his new receiving group. The only returning pieces of note are Aaron Jones, Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan.
Notable Players- Aaron Jones & AJ Dillon
The backfield with the Packers has been Jones’ (at least for fantasy), with Dillon being used in the rotation. Jones has more fantasy value currently, as he has been used as a receiver effectively. With Adams leaving the team, Jones is likely to get an increase in targets, in the short term at least. Jones’ floor is a mid-level RB2 in this offense, with his ceiling alot higher if he scores a few more TDs.
Dillon has flex consideration each week, with the way the team split carries in the backfield. If Jones were forced to miss time, Dillon has shown that he can shoulder the workload. Dillon is a solid option in your draft, especially if you went heavy on receivers early.
Notable Players- Christian Watson, Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard & Randall Cobb
This Packers receiving group is devoid of a headliner, since Adams was moved off the roster. One of these players is going to be great for fantasy. The talent of Rodgers just wills it to happen. He has to throw the ball to someone.
Starting with one of the few returning pieces, Lazard. Lazard enjoyed his best season last year, with 40 catches for 513 yards and 8 TDs. He has a good frame for the position and is able to win battles in the air. Lazard is the guy I feel most comfortable in the offense in selecting in a draft.
Watkins, despite his struggles, is the most likely receiver to get primary coverage, just because he is the only player that has done anything of note. Watkins brings a veteran presence to the room, and has shown his ability to perform previously. With a new QB, he could have a bounce back in value.
Then we move onto the rookie Watson. Selected at the top of the second round, he is likely to see the field early in the season through need. As a result, he is going to be given targets in the offense, and has the talent to perform with them. Worth a late-round selection in your draft, especially if you can afford to be patient.
Ultimately, one of these players is going to finish as a WR2, or two finish as a WR3. Take a ticket to the one you prefer, and hope you strike it lucky!
Notable Players- Robert Tonyan
Tonyan didn’t live up to his 2020 season, but that is due in part to the fact that he only managed to play in eight games. It was always going to be tough to live up to that 2020 season, where he caught a TD every 5th pass that came his way.
For 2021, his season is most likely something between the two. He could well see an increase in targets, with Adams leaving the team and leaving Tonyan as one of the only receivers with rapport with Rodgers. It comes to how much he costs in your draft. If he is available towards the end of your draft, then he is well worth picking up.
Strength of Schedule
Check out the rest of the draft kit. And, as always, if you want something more specific to your league- reach out! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Image Credit: Brad Rempel – USA TODAY Sports
