The Green Bay Packers fell to 5-3 following a 44-23 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night. After scoring on four drives in the first half, the Packers managed just one touchdown in the second half at the Superdome.
Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb lead Packers fantasy efforts in Week 8 loss
An injury to Rodgers’ hamstring appeared to hinder the Packers offense in the second half. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Aaron Rodgers appeared to injure his hamstring in the third quarter, which seemed to limit the overall performance of the Packers off. Let's take a look at their fantasy performances in Week 8.
Aaron Rodgers: After throwing for more than 200 yards in the first half, Rodgers slowed down with a leg issue in the third quarter. He still finished with 28-of-39 passes completed for 418 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Rodgers’ hamstring issue came prior to both of his picks. His overall numbers were good enough for a QB1 again, but his status should be monitored to determine if his hamstring needs further treatment. Fortunately he gets a bye week to heal up.
Eddie Lacy: The Saints did not have fun facing Lacy, as the second-year running back consistently broke tackles and fought for extra yardage. Lacy rushed for 59 yards on 13 carries, but he added a huge amount of value with eight receptions for 123 yards on nine targets. Lacy soaked up the garbage time dump offs from Rodgers and Matt Flynn. The Packers are off in Week 9 but Lacy will return as a promising fringe RB1 against the Chicago Bears in Week 10.
Randall Cobb: Cobb broke away for a 70-yard touchdown just two minutes into the game. He finished with five receptions for 126 yards on seven targets. Cobb's touchdown was a bit of a fluke and more of a result of terrible defense by the Saints secondary, but his scoring streak continues regardless. Cobb now has a touchdown reception in five consecutive games. He's a WR1 every week.
Jordy Nelson: Keenan Lewis and the Saints defense kept Nelson to three catches for 25 yards, an extremely uncharacteristic performance from one of the top fantasy wide receivers. Nelson has gone back-to-back weeks with five targets. Owners will likely hope he sees greater volume after the bye. Through eight games, Nelson is on pace to score 12 touchdowns.
