The Packers are a fantasy conundrum. Four possible WR1s, a talented back in Josh Jacobs, last week’s TE1 in Tucker Kraft—who I picked as my top tight end on Injury Report Live Week 4—and of course, Jordan Love ($6,500). Love has proved his arm talent and maturity after finishing the 2023-24 season with only one interception and a rating of 107 in the last 10 games, but what is his fantasy value with just a sample size of two games? Let’s break it down.
**note: Jordan Love (ankle) was limited in practice on Thursday, stay tuned for his full injury update on Injury Report Live Friday at 3 p.m. ET.
Week 4: Vikings 31, Packers 29
Green Bay’s franchise gem returned from a sprained MCL last week vs. the Vikings and was in for a rude awakening against Brian Flores’ witchcraft of a defense. The Pack went down 28-0 in the second quarter, forcing Jordan Love to work some magic of his own. Love hit a career-high 51 pass attempts to rally Green Bay to a 29-31 finish—nearly completing an improbably comeback. 389 passing yards and four passing touchdowns led to a whopping 34.16 FPTS, which could have been even more if his accuracy was under control. Love threw three interceptions and finished with a 59.3 CMP%, plus he only completed 8/23 attempts of passes 10 yards or more.
Love vs. Rams Defense
Now, this is a matchup I like. Not only is Love coming off of a 22-point fourth quarter and 30+ FPTS performance, but he’s going against a severely weak Los Angeles secondary that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per pass attempt to QBs. The Rams’ pass defense ranks 31st in efficiency, has allowed the 12th most passing yards per game (219.8), and is T-3rd for most passing TDs per game (2). While Love did throw three picks last week, the Ram’s secondary just has one interception on the season and has allowed a rating of 122.7 to QBs.
This all sounds good, but the one concern I do have is how Love operates under pressure. Last week, Love was pressured on 37.5% of drop backs and completed just 7/20 passes with two interceptions—that’s a 35 CMP%. The Rams’ defense has increased their pressure rate from 35.3% last season (16th) to 41.3% this season (1st) with the addition of rookie linebacker Jared Verse.
Overall, the Rams can be beat with explosive plays and exploiting weak one-on-one matchups. CB Tre’Davious White—who allowed a 75.7 rating to Caleb Williams last week—versus young Dontayvion Wicks ($5,000) is a matchup I’m eyeing. Wicks led the Packers in targets against Minnesota and pulled in two scores. With Christian Watson (ankle) sidelined and Romeo Doubs ($5,400) questionable for personal reasons, Wicks is gearing up for a huge game.
**not positive about Dontayvion Wicks? See here: Dontayvion Wicks is a must-add, must-start fantasy football wide receiver for Week 5
One note, however, is Jordan Love was most accurate throwing to the slot receiver—AKA, Jayden Reed ($6,500)—and completed 80% of his attempts for 161 yards. Pair that with the fact that Reed caught 7 of 8 targets for 139 yards, a score, and 30.10 FPTS vs. the Vikings and I’d say the Love-Reed stack is pretty appetizing.
Going against a weak defense with solid weapons, the short answer is yes: you should start Jordan Love in Week 5.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All views expressed are my own. I am an employee of DraftKings and am ineligible to play in public DFS or DKSB contests.
