Countdown to 2021 fantasy football drafts: Aaron Rodgers No. 48

Ranking Aaron Rodgers in fantasy football this season is a fool’s errand until we know his official status with the Green Bay Packers. But here we are, treading where angels dare not. Rodgers put up one of his best seasons in 2020 as he took his team to the NFC Championship and won the MVP award in the 16th season of his career. But Rodgers wasn’t satiated by his strong season and has grown weary of some of the actions taken by Packers management. He’s made it clear that he rather be traded than play with Green Bay in 2021, but nothing is set in stone yet.

To commemorate the 2021 NFL season, we’ll be counting down the 75 best fantasy football players in the league. Picking a Top 75 is subjective, especially when you are projecting a whole season of accumulated fantasy points, but that’s part of the fun. We’ll assume what I see as an average league, which is 12 teams, .5 PPR scoring and a roster of 1QB, 2RB, 3WR, 1TE, & 1RB/WR/TE. Kickers and defenses need not apply.

Change is the nature of the NFL beast, so trades and injuries will likely impact this list as we go along, but hey, this isn’t rocket science. We’re here to have a little fun and build up some much needed anticipation for a league cast in the shadow by baseball, soccer, hockey, etc. Sarcasm aside, the NFL is addictive and we’re here to give your daily fix as we close in on the season.

The official and often updated fantasy football drafting tiers can be found here.

No. 48, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers, QB

Rodgers led the league in completion percentage, passing touchdowns, interception percentage, adjusted yards per attempt, and quarterback rate. In his MVP season he ended up passing for 4,299 yards, 48 touchdowns and a measly five interceptions.

Competition for touches

The Packers split the running and passing game fairly evenly compared to the league, so Rodgers isn’t going to throw 40 times a game, but his extreme efficiency makes up for the lack of pass attempts. He’s the catalyst of the offense and will have his hand in all the good things that happen.

Team offensive expectations

As long as Rodgers is starting, the offense should have similar expectations to their good 2020 season. They once again didn’t add a worthy No. 2 wide receiver this offseason, so it will be up to Rodgers and Davante Adams to do the heavy lifting once again, but they sure are good at it.

What’s his upside?

Rodgers’s upside is as QB1 in fantasy, which he has shown multiple ties. Last season he finished second in quarterback fantasy points. His upside is Aaron Rodgers.

What’s his downside?

Rodgers’ downside is not playing a single snap in 2021. This offseason he’s seemed determined to force his way out of Green Bay, but the odds are long that he can make it happen. Will he sit? Will he be traded? Nobody knows for sure.

Projection

375/540, 4,300 yards, 42 touchdowns, 7 interceptions