RB Cedric Benson UP

Benson reportedly will not be suspended by the league following his recent arrest. This is a big surprise for me, but nonetheless it does move Benson back up my board. He’s still an injury risk, but he’s a talented running back, motivated in a contract year.

RB Bernard Scott DOWN

Scott still has some value because of Benson’s injury history, but with Benson not getting suspended, Scott’s chances to start at some point this year got a lot slimmer.  

WR Brandon Marshall UP

Marshall has been cleared to go full strength for training camp. This is huge for him as he is joining a new team, a new scheme, and pairs with a new quarterback. There’s also a much slimmer chance of any early season struggles for Marshall, who is coming off of a hip injury (you know, the one Josh McDaniels thought he was making up).  

WR Donald Driver DOWN

Driver is still not practicing after having surgery on both of his knees. That’s bad for a 35 year old receiver. He already started to deteriorate late last season. In the Packers last 9 games, including playoffs, he had 37 receptions for 491 yards and 2 scores. Over 16 games, that’s 66 catches for 873 yards and 4 touchdowns. Whether that was age, or the breakout play of Greg Jennings across from him, or simply the fact that a revamped offensive line gave Rodgers more time in the pocket to hit his downfield targets, over Driver the possession type guy. Whatever the issue, it’s not getting better for him this year. He’s older, Jennings is better, and so is the offensive line, and he’s hurt and may not be ready to start the season. Avoid.

WR James Jones UP

Every game Driver misses, Jones will be a starter and thus fantasy valuable. That’s how explosive the Packers offense is.

WR Greg Jennings UP

In his last 9 games, including the playoffs, he had 42 catches for 745 yards and 3 scores. Over 16 games, that’s 75 catches for 1324 yards and 6 scores. Whether it be him breaking out, or Driver getting older, or the improvement of the Packers line, allowing Rodgers to hit him deep, he was much better in the 2nd half last year. It will only continue this season. Their line improved in the offseason, Jennings is moving into the prime of his career as he turns age 27 in September, and Driver is not only old, but badly hurt. Those 75 catches for 1324 yards and 6 scores seem pretty realistic right now, possibly with even more touchdowns because of how explosive the Packers’ offense is. Expect 70-80 catches 1300-1400 yards and 6-8 scores. 

TE Jermichael Finley UP

With Driver hurt, Finley also stands to improve. He’s a tight end and will get a lot of the possession receptions that Driver won’t. He’s also healthy despite there being some questions about his health in the offseason. 

WR Marques Colston DOWN

Colston has been placed on the PUP/Active list after failing his conditioning test, following offseason knee surgery. This is his 3rd straight offseason with knee issues so there are concerns here. 

WR Dez Bryant UP

Yep, this guy again. Bryant suffered a high ankle sprain in practice and will be out 4-6 weeks, meaning all of training camp, probably all the of the preseason, and potentially putting his season opener in doubt. This not only means he could miss a game, but it makes it a lot tougher for him to make the starting lineup, get in sync with his new quarterback, and overall get into game speed. Remember, this guy hasn’t played a game in months thanks to a stupid NCAA suspension last year so those preseason games could have been huge for him. He should still be an explosive player for you by mid season, but he could have some trouble helping you early on.