Fantasy Football 2012: Breaking Down the Green Bay Packers

What can the Green Bay Packers do for you this fantasy season? Check out Athlon Sports' team report as we break down the rookies, veteran players to watch and avoid, fantasy playoff schedule and more to help you get ready for the 2012 season.

Inside the Locker Room
with Jason Wilde, ESPNMilwaukee.com

Jordy Nelson or Greg Jennings?
As long as quarterback Aaron Rodgers and both players are healthy, Nelson and Jennings will both deliver huge numbers. Nelson’s breakout year (15 touchdowns) figures to cause him to draw more attention than he did last season, when some defenses inexplicably chose to cover him one-on-one for entire games. That said, Nelson, Jennings and Jermichael Finley create the ultimate conundrum for opposing defenses, which must decide who merits the most attention.

Is Randall Cobb the top sleeper in this offense?
Folks who watched the Packers all season won’t call Cobb a sleeper. He’s a natural playmaker who’s a tough cover lining up in the slot. His quickness off the ball and elusiveness in the open field make him a vital target on slants and other quick passes that he can turn into big gains. The slot was once the domain of Donald Driver; even if Driver returns, expect Cobb to take away some of his snaps.

Will Jermichael Finley ever develop into a consistent, elite fantasy tight end?
Finley’s numbers would have been so much better if only he held onto the football. He was in the top five in the NFL in drops last season with 11, then added two more in the playoff loss to the Giants. He is such a matchup nightmare for defenses, but he has to improve his concentration and focus to truly put up elite numbers.

Athlon's Best Bets

Sleeper: Cedric Benson, RB
Deep-Sleeper: Randall Cobb, WR
Overvalued: Jermichael Finley, TE
Top Rookie: Nick Perry, LB
Bounce-Back: Clay Matthews, LB
Top IDP: Morgan Burnett, S

Related: Desmond Bishop Out for the Year?

2012 Draft Class

Fantasy Impact: With most of their core returning from last season, the Packers used only two picks on offense. Tackle Andrew Datko and quarterback B.J. Coleman are developmental selections. Addressing the front seven on defense was critical. End Nick Perry and tackles Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels should figure prominently into the line rotation this year. Worthy’s selection is especially crucial, as he can help anchor the defense at the nose tackle position.

Fantasy Playoff Run: Weeks 14-16 (DET, at CHI, TEN)

It’s the Packers: Play ’em if you got ’em. They go against a Detroit team that drafted defense with a majority of its picks after ranking sixth- and 12th-worst against fantasy QBs and WRs, respectively. Chicago was middle of the pack against fantasy backs and receivers. Championship week is vs. a Tennessee team that was one of the top fantasy defenses vs. QBs and WRs in 2011.

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