NFL Team Preview: Green Bay Packers look to stay healthy, recapture NFC North crown from rival Vikes

That’s Green Bay’s franchise quarterback discussing how the Packers need to stay healthy to be successful in 2016. It’s hard to blame him considering how banged-up the Pack have been during training camp, but if Green Bay’s offense is humming along at full speed the rest of the NFC should be wary. For the better part of Aaron Rodgers’ tenure as the starting quarterback the Packers’ offense has been a top ten unit. Last year, with Jordy Nelson getting knocked out for the entire year in the preseason, Randall Cobb was forced to play out of position on the outside in lieu of slot, and that experiment can charitably be described as a “disaster.” But it’s a new season and Jordy Nelson is going to be lining up in his customary spot, Cobb will return to the slot, Ty Montgomery is healthy again and Eddie Lacy is lean, mean and ready to rumble. While we’re still three weeks out from Week 1, it is not unreasonable to expect the Packers meeting the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game come January 2017. If you can’t wait until that potential tilt, fret not, the teams will be meeting at Lambeau in Week 14.

Camp Report

Wideout Randall Cobb spoke candidly with our own NFL Radio when addressing his deficiencies last season, statistically his worst. “I feel like I had way too many drops this past season. It’s embarrassing to be honest with you. I feel embarrassed watching the film.” With a healthy Jordy Nelson back in the mix for 2016, Cobb will be moving back to his natural slot role and that will afford him a great chance to shine and to, yes, redeem himself after last season’s disappointing campaign. The vibe around Packer training camp is decidedly business-like, if not downright urgent. Many of the Packers offensive linemen are up for new contracts after the season and have every fiscal motivation necessary to protect Rodgers in the pocket. With Rodgers still in his prime, a lighter Eddie Lacy, a healthy Jordy Nelson and a motivated Randall Cobb, there’s no better time than right now for the Packers to make another title run.

Fantasy Studs and Sleepers

Stud: Aaron Rodgers, QB. The passing volume is there, the receivers are there and Aaron Rodgers needs to reclaim the fabled “Championship Belt.” Don’t draft him too high, but if he’s lurking in the fourth or fifth round just grab him.

Sleepers: Does it count to put Randall Cobb here? Jordy Nelson here? Eddie Lacy? They’re all due for rebound seasons and you’d be wise to claim any of this trio. Looking for a deeper sleeper? Bet on Ty Montgomery.

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