Packers Fantasy Preview

[The Lung]

From: http://fantasy.sportingnews.com/nfl/experts/bill-bender/20090713.html

Packers: It's Rodgers' neighborhood

WHAT'S NEW

Another year has passed, another training camp is near, and the Packers still can't escape the ghost of a certain flip-flopping, semi-retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback.

That flip-flopping, semi-retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback's flirtation with the Minnesota Vikings has cast a cloud over Aaron Rodgers again. Not that Rodgers -- or any Packers fan -- should care anymore.

Sure, the Packers finished 6-10 and lost seven games by four points or less. Four points or less. Go figure.

Rodgers, however, emerged as a first-class fantasy play. He finished in the top five in yards (4,038) and touchdowns (28) while throwing just 13 interceptions. He also finished third among all QBs in fantasy points (346.92).

Rodgers' same supporting cast returns. The Packers signed Greg Jennings to a three-year extension. Jennings and veteran Donald Driver combined for 2,304 yards and 14 TDs. Green Bay was one of only three teams with two 1,000-yard wide receivers, and the Jennings-Driver combo had more yards and just as many TDs as the Randy Moss-Wes Welker experience.

Ryan Grant remains the team's workhorse at back, and despite struggles at times he finished strong. Trust his value as a RB2.

Last year's dysfunction was defense. The Packers ranked No. 26 against the run. Veteran coach Dom Capers will change the scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4, and a pair of promising first-round picks in B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews Jr. should help with the overhaul. The transition will take time, but Green Bay will be competitive in the NFC North.

But will they be ready if that flip-flopping, semi-retired, future Hall-of-Fame ghost shows up at Lambeau Field in Week 8 wearing a purple helmet?

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