Allen Lazard

2022 Fantasy Upside
Allen Lazard will step into a much larger role than he has ever held before in 2022 following the departure of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling from Green Bay this offseason. Those two players accounted for nearly half (48%) of Aaron Rodgers' targets last season. That massive target vacuum will have to be filled primarily by Lazard, rookie Christian Watson, and veteran journeyman Sammy Watkins. Lazard would appear to have a massive advantage in the target competition given his established history and rapport with Rodgers, who has never shied away from feeding trusted pass catchers. Lazard may not have a track record of being his team's top wideout, but his volume potential is massive in 2022 given the state of the Packers' offensive depth chart. Being the top target for Aaron Rodgers is always something that will attract attention in fantasy, and Lazard looks primed for that role this year. The pair already produced eight touchdowns last year with Lazard playing a part-time role. Lazard does not look like an exciting name to draft, but he has the potential to blow away his previous career-highs this year.

2022 Fantasy Downside
Just because Lazard is set up to take on a larger role in the absence of Adams and Valdes-Scantling, there is no guarantee he will be able to replicate their levels of production. Lazard is not nearly as physically talented as Adams and cannot compete with MVS as a straight-line deep threat. Lazard is coming off career best numbers across the board in 2021, but that only amounts to a 40-513-8 line over 15 games. The Packers also may adjust their offensive philosophy to a more run-based approach this year given the downgrades in their pass catching group during the offseason. Betting on Lazard to produce at the same level of Rodgers' previous top options will likely result in disappointment.

2022 Bottom Line
Lazard does not jump off the page from a statistical or talent standpoint, but his role is very valuable in that he will likely be the first read for Aaron Rodgers on many of Green Bay's passing plays this season. That fact alone makes Lazard worthy of Flex consideration in fantasy.