Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to deal with a pinky toe injury. He injured his toe while out with COVID after the Packers’ win against the Arizona Cardinals. Will Rodgers suit up for a Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Christmas Day, and what can fantasy football managers expect from him?
Update 12/25/21: Aaron Rodgers is officially active and will play against the Browns.
Aaron Rodgers’ recent success
Rodgers has been playing as well as any QB over the last four weeks. Over that span, he has posted 1,301 yards with 13 touchdowns and 0 interceptions on 146 pass attempts.
Since his bye week, Rodgers has somehow managed to look even better than he did early on in the year. He posted 341 yards with 4 touchdowns in a 45-30 win against the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football.
He followed that up with 268 yards and 3 touchdowns in a close win against the Baltimore Ravens last week.
His current play has even catapulted him into recent MVP talks. With a lackluster game from Tom Brady in Week 15, Rodgers is now the betting favorite to take home the award with +125 odds.
Who will benefit if he’s out?
The Packers’ offense will take a step back if Rodgers isn’t able to play. Jordan Love was decent in his only start this season, throwing for 190 yards, 1 TD, and 1 interception. However, Love cannot support the weapons on this offense the same way Rodgers can.
If ever Rodgers were to miss time, the Packers would lean heavily on Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon, and Davante Adams. They would lose efficiency, though, limiting their upside with Love under center. Ultimately, it’s hard to say anyone besides Love would benefit from Rodgers missing this game.
Will Aaron Rodgers play in Week 16?
Reporter Rob Demovsky stated that Rodgers is expected to play through his toe injury, as it’s mainly pain management. He won’t practice a whole lot, and that has been the case in recent weeks.
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On the Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers argued the injury “[is] not going to stop me from playing.” It’s been suggested he’ll continue playing and probably not practice. This was the case this week, as Rodgers recorded a DNP (did not participate) in each of Green Bay’s three practices.
Are there fantasy points available against the Browns?
The Packers veteran is playing as well as anyone in the NFL, and his toe injury hasn’t hurt his fantasy value.
The Browns have been good against opposing QBs this season, allowing an average of 17.8 fantasy points per game. They have also kept opposing WRs in check, allowing only 20.6 points per game in standard leagues.
The Browns are also getting healthier after going through one of the most intense COVID breakouts of the season. With several of their defensive pieces returning to the field, the Browns might be able to hold Rodgers in check a bit, especially if the toe injury is somehow aggravated.
However, if you are in your fantasy playoffs, it’s likely because of Rodgers’ stellar play this season. That makes it tough to bench him. Rodgers can be used as a QB1 in fantasy football this weekend.
