2016 Fantasy Outlook
A torn ACL in the Packers preseason opener cost Nelson the entire season and crippled the fantasy production of pretty much the rest of the Green Bay lineup. He should be fine to go this season and Aaron Rodgers will make good use of Nelson. Remember, this is a guy who saw 151 targets in 2014. Nelson is now 31, so there is some danger he'll suffer a drop off, but he should be highly motivated after missing all of last season. Yes, he opened camp on the PUP list, but the Packers were always going to ease him into things. We're looking at the return of a 1,500-yard receiver who has twice reached double digits in touchdowns twice in the past four seasons he's played. He's going in the second round of most drafts and has been the eighth receiver taken. That sounds perfectly acceptable.
Fantasy Upside
Jordy Nelson was again one of the closest things to money among fantasy receivers last season, putting up just one absolutely dog game. And he gets enough action from Aaron Rodgers that he can single-handedly win you a week. There's no reason to think he can't catch 90-plus passes for 1,400-plus yards with double-digit scores once again.
Fantasy Downside
As long as Aaron Rodgers remains healthy, there's little downside to owning Nelson.
Bottom Line
There will be some bigger name receivers that will go before Nelson, but he'll produce right there with them. And with an ADP of 20, he's not a bad fallback option from those guys, especially if you get bonus points for long touchdowns.
Jordy Nelson Playoffs vs. Seahawks
Jordy Nelson was limited to two catches for 22 yards on five targets last week by the Cowboys. But he'll get plenty of work against the Seahawks as Aaron Rodgers won't shy away from his No. 1 target in two consecutive games. The Seahawks trust their corners enough that they won't necessarily role coverage to Nelson. In the opener this year against the Hawks, Nelson was targeted 14 times, catching nine passes for 83 yards.
Jordy Nelson Playoffs vs. Cowboys
Jordy Nelson being Jordy Nelson, you don't need me to give you an endorsement to play him. He's one of the top WRs in the game and has a great QB throwing him the ball - often. Nelson scored nine touchdowns in eight home games this season. Even with Aaron Rodgers hurting and the weather issues that should occur in this game, Nelson should still be a very strong start.
Jordy Nelson Week 17 vs. Lions
Jordy Nelson bounced back nicely last week with a nine-catch, 113-yard effort with a touchdown, catching all nine passes thrown his way. Detroit limited him to five receptions for 59 yards in the first meeting with the Packers but is just too good to consistently stop. He should get his usual production this week though the weather could be nasty.
Jordy Nelson Week 16 vs. Bucs
While five catches for 55 yards might not seem like a terrible day for most receivers, for Nelson it was his second-worst outing of the season. Not surprisingly, the Packers have lost both of his bad outings, the other coming against New Orleans. Nelson bounced back with a 6-152-2 line in his next game after the New Orleans debacle, so look for a similar bounce back this week.
Jordy Nelson Week 15 vs. Bills
Jordy Nelson is coming off one of his best games of the season - and that's saying something - with a line of 8-146-2. After catching just one TD in the first three games, he's been on a roll and now has 11 for the season. Buffalo's pass defense has been tough and kept Denver's talented WRs out of the end zone last week, but Nelson is just too good to keep under control.
Jordy Nelson Week 14 vs. Falcons
Jordy Nelson had just two catches for 53 yards last week but still found the end zone. He's as unstoppable as any receiver in the NFL and now faces an Atlanta secondary that gives up yardage in bunches to opposing wideouts. Nelson is a very solid start this week.
Jordy Nelson Week 13 vs. New England
Jordy Nelson had a regular receiver's output last week, catching eight passes for 68 yards. For many, that would be a great week. For Nelson, not so much. New England has allowed just seven WR touchdowns this season, so there's a chance Nelson has another so-so week. But I wouldn't bet on it. This game has the look of a shootout.
Jordy Nelson Week 12 vs. Vikings
Four receptions, 109 yards and a score. For Nelson, it was a so-so effort. That tells you how good he's been this season. He didn't get much action in Week 5 against Minnesota, as it turned ugly quickly, catching a season-low one pass for a 66-yard touchdown. He should do better than that this week. Nelson is an unstoppable force.
