Week 1 at Chicago
In two games against Chicago last season, Rodgers lit the Bears up for over 300 passing yards in each game with a combined 10 touchdown passes. Sound good? Yes, he's got some question marks at the receiver position, but Rodgers is the No. 1 QB in fantasy football this week. Even without Jordy Nelson, there are enough weapons for Rodgers to tear things up.
Fantasy Upside
Aaron Rodgers is probably the surest thing going among quarterbacks in fantasy football. He might not have the 50-touchdown seasons in his back pocket that some other guys do, but you can pencil him in for around 4,500 yards, 40 touchdown passes, give or take a few, and 200 or so rushing yards and a couple of more scores. He has an outstanding supporting cast as well.
Fantasy Downside
Rodgers has missed some games here and there, including seven in 2013. But overall, he's been a pretty durable guy. There's not much downside.
Bottom line
We're talking about one of the best quarterbacks in the league here. If you're going to take him, you have to take him early. And he'll likely live up to the draft spot. He had a couple of dog games in 2014, but his consistency is what you're looking for in the QB position. He'll have just as many games where he'll win the game for you on his own with a five- or six-TD game.
Aaron Rodgers Playoffs vs. Seahawks
Aaron Rodgers threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns last week despite his injured calf. But the Packers kept Dallas off their injured star in that game. That will be more difficult at Seattle. Rodgers had just 189 yards and one TD at Seattle in Week 1. He might do better than that this week, but I wouldn't count on a lot more.
Aaron Rodgers Playoffs vs. Cowboys
With basically two weeks to rest his injured calf, Aaron Rodgers still isn't healthy. But he's healthy enough. The weather in Green Bay doesn't appear as if it will exactly cooperate with a strong passing game, either. But he's Aaron Rodgers, so he won't let those things affect him. What his injury might limit is his running. But Rodgers should be his usual effective self. We have him as the top option this week.
Aaron Rodgers Week 17 vs. Lions
Aaron Rodgers managed to throw for 318 yards and a TD last week at Tampa Bay despite playing with a strained calf. He's been able to practice this week and there's no way he's missing this game against the Lions. Detroit did limit him to a season-low 162 yards and one score in their first meeting and hasn't allowed more than two touchdown passes in a game all season. Don't expect a monster game out of Rodgers. But he should be solid. You're starting him if you have him.
Aaron Rodgers Week 16 vs. Bucs
Aaron Rodgers didn't have his best day last week, throwing for just 185 yards with two interceptions, but he also wasn't helped by seven dropped passes. The Packers should be a little ticked off after their loss at Buffalo and will take out their frustrations on the lowly Bucs. Tampa Bay has given up 26 TD passes this season. Look for Rodgers and company to try to push that total over 30.
Aaron Rodgers Week 15 vs. Bills
Aaron Rodgers continued to roll along last week with 327 yards and three touchdown passes last week. He also added 28 rushing yards for yet another strong effort. He faces a stiff test against the Bills this week. Buffalo has not allowed TD pass in six of its past seven games and has only given up two TD passes during that span. Rodgers is Rodgers, however, and is a must-start.
Aaron Rodgers Week 14 vs. Falcons
We didn't get a six-touchdown game out of Aaron Rodgers last week, but he did pass for 368 yards and a pair of scores in a winning effort. Atlanta has been pretty stingy against opposing passers this season, allowing just 15 TDs. But part of that has been because they've been so easy to run on. Rodgers should be solid as usual.
Aaron Rodgers Week 13 vs. New England
Aaron Rodgers had a "human" day last week, throwing for 206 yards and two scores. He added another 34 yards rushing, the second consecutive game in which he's topped 30 yards on the ground. There's no reason to think he's going to have two bad games in a row. And this one looks like it will be a shootout. Keep riding Rodgers.
Aaron Rodgers Week 12 vs. Vikings
Ho-hum. Aaron Rodgers threw for another 341 yards and three touchdowns last week as he continued his onslaught against anyone who happens to line up against him. This week, it's the Vikings. Minnesota kept him to a season-low 156 yards passing - though he did have three TD passes - in a Week 5 meeting, but that was because the game got out of control early. Rodgers is a must-start in any format. He's the hottest QB in the league.
