UPDATE: Packers plan to start QB Malik Willis against the Titans on Sunday, as Jordan Love will likely be out for one more week, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
When Jordan Love went down with a leg injury at the end of Eagles vs. Packers in Brazil, there was little doubt in anyone’s mind the star QB would miss some time. The question was not would Love be back, but when?
It appears the Green Bay star might be returning sooner rather than later.
The news, a major boost to the Packers, comes as a surprise. Initial forecasts for Love’s MCL sprain had the signal caller returning around midseason, not in Week 3. Green Bay backup Malik Willis ($5,000) could still start Sunday’s game in Tennessee, but prudent fantasy managers should prepare for all possibilities.
Love ($6,200), when healthy, has already established himself as one of the game’s best passers. Fresh off of a 2023-24 campaign that saw him put up 4,159 passing yards and 36 total touchdowns, the Packers QB entered this season with high expectations prior to his Week 1 injury.
Still, the fact that Love returning so soon casts doubt on his ability even if he does suit up. While a less effective Pro Bowler remains a net positive for the Packers, the same can’t be said for fantasy football and DFS players.
It would be foolish for a team that entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations to run the entire offense through a still-recovering quarterback. Green Bay signed running back Josh Jacobs to take the load off of Love, and Sunday is a prime opportunity to do so in what could be an ugly game; the current points total is set at 38 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Titans, off to a 0-2 start, still boast a competitive defense. Through two games, Tennessee has surrendered the fewest passing yards and second-fewest yards per attempt in the league. While some of that can be attributed to a terrible offense allowing opposing teams to run the ball, the bottom line is that air yardage might be tough to come by.
At the end of the day, Love (if he plays) is one of the bigger boom-bust quarterbacks on Sunday’s slate. While Green Bay should control time of possession against an inferior opponent, the Packers would be wise to lean on the running game. It would take a very efficient, touchdown-heavy performance for Love to make a big difference in your lineup.
In a pinch, there are certainly worse options on the board than a high-quality passer against a mediocre team. However, given the level of uncertainty we have on Love’s true health, playing it safe and looking for other options at a loaded position might be the move.
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