Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson's Post-Week 8 Fantasy Reaction

When the New Orleans Saints conveyed that they wouldn't allow Jordy Nelson to beat them, Green Bay Packers star Aaron Rodgers promptly went to his next-best receiving option in Randall Cobb.

Rodgers and Cobb combined for a 70-yard touchdown pass on the opening possession of Sunday night's game, beginning what promised to become an instant, shootout classic in Week 8.

But the Saints continued to stymie Nelson, while Rodgers wasn't quite the same after suffering a left hamstring injury in the third quarter of Green Bay's 44-23 loss at the Superdome.

Player	PASS	YDS	TD/INT	Fantasy Points
Player	REC	YDS	TD	Fantasy Points
Aaron Rodgers	28/39	418	1/2	24
Randall Cobb	5	126	1	18
Jordy Nelson	3	25	0	2

To get an idea of Rodgers' competitive grit, he waltzed into the end zone for a 14-yard score with 5:07 left in the fourth after tweaking that left hamstring. He added 21 yards on the ground on two carries to go on top of his big night through the air.

The bit role Nelson played isn't something fantasy owners should be concerned with. He's been a WR1 all year long and merits the label with his steady helping of targets and innate chemistry with Rodgers.

Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman was hyperbolic but accurate in describing the full Nelson fantasy situation:

Amid a contract year, Cobb certainly stepped up to the plate in a big way Sunday. Already with nine touchdowns through half the season, the young star is beginning to realize his immense potential.

Doug Farrar of Sports Illustrated noted how Cobb, by any advanced statistical measure, is emerging as one of the league's elite offensive playmakers:

The Packers have a rare case where they have two No. 1-caliber fantasy receivers on the same team. But that all hinges on Rodgers' health, which is now in question following his scramble along the sidelines in New Orleans.

Green Bay head coach Mike McCarthy provided an update on Rodgers' condition as he met with the media afterwards:

As long as Rodgers is fit, he will continue lighting it up, if his entire body of work to date in 2014 is any indication.

Green Bay's Week 9 bye couldn't come at a better time, as Rodgers will have extra time to heal and prepare for another Sunday night showdown with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears in Week 10 at Lambeau Field.

The Bears just yielded 51 points to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Week 8. If Rodgers' hamstring is right, he should light up the scoreboard at Lambeau on November 9, with both Nelson and Cobb playing prominent roles to appease fantasy owners.