Fantasy: Rodgers has enough around him to succeed

By Neal Coolong  |   Thursday, August 14, 2008  |  Comments( 5 )

Green Bay Packers
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In case you haven’t noticed, Brett Favre isn’t in Green Bay anymore.

But did the outstanding fantasy production of the Packers last season go with him to New York?

Favre’s fantastic 2007 season saw the Packers finish second in the NFL in total offense (370 yards per game). While the consensus doesn't favor new quarterback Aaron Rodgers duplicating Favre's 28 touchdowns and 4,155 passing yards, the Packers have plenty of players who may still produce outstanding fantasy seasons.

Judging by the way the Packers attacked the Bengals in their preseason opener earlier this week, the former's offense will depend largely on the run-after-catch ability of veteran receiver Donald Driver and the outside success (17.4 yards per grab in 2007) of Greg Jennings.

Factor in James Jones, Ruvell Martin and tight end Donald Lee, who had 575 yards and six touchdowns last season, and the Packers clearly have a bevy of talented targets for Rodgers to work with.

That only helps a quarterback, regardless of whom he’s replacing.

The key stat to remember with the Packers is that Favre threw 15 interceptions last season – the ninth-highest total in the NFL. Driver (1,048 yards), Jennings (12 touchdowns) and Lee (tied for sixth among TEs with six TDs) were still outstanding fantasy producers.

That kind of talent doesn’t compel a team to push a safety closer to the line for ground support, which opens things up for running back Ryan Grant -- who averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns last year.

All Rodgers needs to do is stay accurate and upright to provide his skill players the opportunity to duplicate past success. If he does, don't expect much of a drop-off in Green Bay when it comes to fantasy production.

Fantasy Playbook: An entirely new kind of fantasy game!
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one...
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