Aaron Rodgers is back. Picked in the top three of virtually all fantasy drafts, Rodgers underperformed for the first three weeks of the season, and after two good weeks of play, Mr. Discount Double Check himself exploded into the threat we all expected him to be with the biggest fantasy day of any quarterback this season.
Rodgers severely struggled in weeks two and three for a combined 19 points in the two weeks before bouncing back with 27 and 24 fantasy points in weeks four and five, respectively. In week six however, he showed why he is the best quarterback in the league. With over 300 yards and six touchdowns, Rodgers had a truly incredible performance, tying a franchise record for touchdowns in a game.
More astounding is that Aaron Rodgers did this against an undefeated team, which featured the third-ranked defense in the NFL. Green Bay made Houston look average, as the Texans defense struggled to control the various options at Rodger’s disposal.
The reigning MVP had the performance of a lifetime at a moment when his team needed it most to avoid falling to 2-4 on the season. Now at .500, the Packers are in the middle of both the NFC North and Wild Card races, and look as deadly as they did last season when they finished 15-1.
If Rodgers and the rest of the Packers offense can continue to perform on the same level as they did Sunday, any questions of Green Bay’s supremacy will fade and the Packers will once again claim their rightful title as the scariest offense in the NFL.
Fantasy Pickups of the Week:
Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland
Gordon has put up consecutive weeks of 15 points or more, amassing 181 yards and three touchdowns in the last two weeks. The problem, though, is Gordon has done the damage on a mere five catches. He is a big-play wide receiver with limited opportunities, so if he fails to break a big one down the field for a touchdown he may not have much of an impact whatsoever.
With six teams on a bye this week, many will be in need of a receiver to fill a starting spot on the roster. Gordon is a solid option this week, especially facing a less than stellar Indianapolis Colts’ pass defense in week seven.
He comes with risk, perhaps more than other options, but the gains on taking a chance on him are much greater. Gordon can take it to the house at any given moment and the Browns are actually scoring.
Owned in fewer than three percent of ESPN standard leagues, Gordon is easily available for most fantasy players. Swoop on him if he is available and you need a receiver.
Alex Green, RB, Green Bay
Green is going to get the opportunities to become a big-time back both fantasy-wise and on the actual playing field with Cedric Benson out, but whether he will produce is an entirely different matter.
While his 22 carries against Houston on Sunday came during a blowout, Green figures to receive another heavy workload facing St. Louis next week, as the Packers are expected to win and take the lead early on.
Despite amassing a mere 65 yards Sunday, the Texans have a stout rushing defense, and Green may have an easier time against the Rams. St. Louis is no slouch against the run however, limiting Reggie Bush to 17 yards on 12 carries last week. Even so, St. Louis is no where on the same level as Houston defensively.
Green will have the opportunities to excel, and if he can capitalize with a touchdown or more yards, he can be a flex play this upcoming Sunday.
