Fantasy Football Fix: Looking at Aaron Rodgers in the Offseason

2010 Review (MVP of Super Bowl XLV)

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The big question heading into the 2010 season was if Aaron Rodgers could repeat his Pro Bowl performance from a year ago. 

The answer:  Hell Yes! 

In fact, Rodgers even managed to improve upon it in a few ways; the most obvious one, of course, being that he led his team to a 31-26 Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers while winning the game’s MVP honors in the process. 

Though the other expectations Rodgers would surpass in 2010 may not have been as high-profile as his playoff run, witnessing an uptick in his yards per passing attempt while simultaneously seeing his sacks plummet were just as instrumental to his overall campaign as his final feat—nothing to be overlooked.

As for how he did from a fantasy perspective, the same assessment applies. 

Once again, Aaron “it out” led all QBs in fantasy points by throwing for 3,922 yards and 28 passing TDs, while adding another 356 yards and four TDs on the ground. 

What made his No. 1 ranking so special, however, is that he was able to accomplish it in just 14.5 games (he left the Week 14 game before halftime with a concussion and missed Week 15).

Though his 21.9 fantasy points per game turned out to be a half-point less than what he put up in 2009, it was still second in the league next to Mike Vick (27.2 points/game in 12 games).  With five 300-yard games in 2010, and five more with 3+ touchdown passes (eight if you include the playoffs), Rodgers is now the overwhelming favorite to be the first QB off the board in 2011 fantasy drafts.

2011 Pros & Cons

 (+) Aaron Rodgers has the LOWEST Career Interception Percentage ever at 1.99 percent (second: Neil O'Donnell, 2.11 percent; third: Tom Brady, 2.19 percent).

 (+) He has five great receivers to throw to in Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley.

(+) Rodgers plays in a high-volume, pass-heavy offense, yet has rushed for 13 TDs in his last three years as a starter.

(+) Brett who??? Super Bowl MVP!!!  Rodgers has proven that he can handle the pressure, whatever type of game you put him in.

(+) The breakout of James Starks gives him the support of a bona fide threat, and will allow the running game to take some pressure off the passing game.

(+) In his three years as a starter, Rodgers finished second (2008), first (2009), and first (2010) in fantasy points.

(+) The Packers have one of the best defenses in the league, thus keeping the ball in his hands quite a bit

(–) Suffered two concussions in 2010 despite being sacked 19 fewer times.

(–) Tends to hold onto the ball too long, thus leaving himself more susceptible to injury.

(–) Super Bowl Victory letdown—Some players end up leaving for more money, some get lackadaisical, so no one knows how his teammates will react.

For the rest of Aaron Rodgers' Player Profile, CLICK HERE