Fantasy Football Projections Week 2: Will Aaron Rodgers Carve Up Panthers DBs?

On Sunday, the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers take on the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers, despite a 422-yard passing performance from quarterback Cam Newton, lost their Week 1 contest against the Arizona Cardinals by a score of 28-21. This was due primarily to a 309-yard, two touchdown performance by Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb.

The Carolina defense struggled to stop Arizona's passing attack and put little pressure on Kolb. If they are to have any success against Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they need to significantly improve from their Week 1 performance.

It seems highly unlikely that Carolina's defense will be able to do enough in the course of one week to stop Rodgers.

While the Panthers boasted the 11th-best passing defense in yards allowed in 2010, they also ranked 26th in both points and first downs allowed.

Kolb is no Rodgers.

Rodgers is one of the most accurate and prolific passers in the NFL. On Sunday, he has a perfect opportunity to put up at least 400 yards and three or more touchdowns against the Panthers.

Great news if you're a Packers fan, and even better for those of you with Rodgers on your fantasy rosters.

Rodgers was a first-round fantasy draft pick in 2011 for good reason. While Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick often went a pick or two above Rodgers in many of this year's drafts, Rodgers is the more consistent passer and has an excellent offensive line to keep him protected.

For the Panthers to get enough pressure on Rodgers and successfully cover his many targets—nine in the Packers' win over the Saints—is a tall order, and I doubt they can do it.

This will be yet another win for the Green Bay Packers, and, if you've Rodgers as your starting fantasy quarterback, another good start to a successful week for your team.