Aaron Rodgers

Week 2 vs. Chicago Bears
Concerns about Aaron Rodgers' diminished supporting cast proved to be valid in Week 1 with the Packers struggling to get anything going offensively against the Vikings, particularly in the passing game. Rodgers appeared to struggle with the departure of Davante Adams, as he finished with a miserable line of 195 scoreless passing yards and an interception on 34 attempts before being pulled for backup Jordan Love late with the game out of reach. The Packers appear to have major issues getting separation downfield, but hopefully the return of Allen Lazard will restore some element of downfield passing to an offense that relied almost entirely on its running backs in Week 1. Rodgers has historically owned the Bears and the Packers return to Lambeau Field in Week 2, suggesting a bounce back could be in store. Rodgers is worth another shot as a QB1 this week, but if the Packers struggle to pass the ball again Sunday night, it will be time to sound the panic alarm on the Green Bay offense for fantasy purposes.

2022 Fantasy Upside
Aaron Rodgers' resume speaks for itself. The four-time MVP has won the award the last two seasons and continues to defy age as he posts massive numbers in both real and fantasy football. In 2021, Rodgers continued to dominate opposing defenses to the tune of 7.7 yards per attempt (6th in the league), 37 passing touchdowns (4th in the league), and only four interceptions. Rodgers continued to demonstrate exceptional arm talent and on-field chemistry with his receivers, particularly Davante Adams who is now in Las Vegas. Rodgers will also have to handle the loss of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but his ability to read defenses and pinpoint accuracy will allow for separation no matter who is catching passes on the other end. Rodgers and Matt LaFleur have yet to give us any reason to believe they cannot manufacture a productive offense in Green Bay, and Rodgers still looks to have enough juice left in the tank to post another strong season for the Packers and fantasy managers alike.

2022 Fantasy Downside
Rodgers' downside stems from his age (he will turn 39 during the upcoming season) and the loss of Adams, who has been his clear top target for the past eight seasons. While Rodgers has shown very few signs of slowing down due to age, it's fair to wonder whether that will continue with a depleted supporting cast. Adams and Valdes-Scantling accounted for a whopping 48.2% of Rodgers' targets last season. The Packers will have to make up nearly half their targets in the passing game with some combination of Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, and rookie Christian Watson. Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, and Robert Tonyan remain, but the skill players at Rodgers' disposal are far from intimidating as an overall unit. Rodgers' absurd arm talent and reading of the game should keep him productive enough to be fantasy relevant as a fringe QB1, but a third consecutive season in the running for MVP appears unlikely.

2022 Bottom Line
Aaron Rodgers' fantasy profile comes with more concerns than usual heading into the 2022 season. While Rodgers' individual play continues to be excellent, he will eventually see some statistical regression due to his age, and the supporting cast concerns that accompany the departure of Adams and Valdes-Scantling could only accelerate that process. While it is likely Rodgers will continue to be productive enough to warrant consideration as a low-end QB1 or streamer, posting another elite fantasy season will be exceedingly difficult.