After many rumors swirled in the offseason, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has returned. Rodgers will look to build upon his MVP season with another great season, a point of interest for fantasy football players. It was a career year for Rodgers, but he fell just one game short of the Super Bowl for the second year in a row.

This offseason brought quite a scare to Packers fans and fantasy owners.

The rumors started on the draft night when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Rodgers was unhappy with the Packers. These rumors continued to spiral with reports about Rodgers contemplating retirement or requesting a trade. Rodgers addressed all of these rumors in his first press conference and was very honest.

Rodgers is bound to have another great season after putting all the controversy behind him.

2020 Fantasy Statistics with Packers

Rodgers had a phenomenal 2020 campaign with the Packers. He put up the best statistics of his career. He threw for 4,299 yards on a 70.7 percent completion percentage. Rodgers also threw for 48 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions with a passer rating of 121.5. It was quite a great second season in head coach Matt LaFleur's offense. Rodgers will likely have another great season as he will have even more familiarity in the offense.

The Packers are looking to make it to the Super Bowl led by Rodgers this season. Many have referred to this season as “The Last Dance” with many players' futures uncertain going forward. This reference refers to Michael Jordan's documentary, and Rodgers and Adams posted a cryptic message on their Instagram stories referring to this.

While it may be the last dance for these Packers stars in Green Bay, it is bound to be a great season.

2021 Fantasy Projections

ESPN projects a regression in Rodgers' production for the Packers as we head into the 2021 season. They project him to have about 20 more yards, but 14 fewer touchdowns and 4 more interceptions. ESPN described their projection by saying “Rodgers is unlikely to repeat as the No. 2-scoring fantasy QB.” With that said, Rodgers will still be a great quarterback for any fantasy owners.

An important thing for fantasy owners to consider is the targets their quarterback has. Rodgers has one of if not the best receivers to throw to in Davante Adams who can take over a game. The depth around Adams has grown as they head into the 2021 season, which should help Rodgers out. One of Rodgers' favorite receivers over the years, Randall Cobb has returned to the Packers via trade. It was clear the Packers wanted to make Rodgers happy as they added many playmakers in the offseason.

The NFL's number one offense last season is loaded with offensive talent. At the receiver position, the Packers have Adams, Cobb, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, and Devin Funchess. They also have a dynamic backfield with star running back Aaron Jones and second-year back A.J. Dillon. The Packers also have tight end Robert Tonyan who had a great 2020 campaign. They also have a solid offensive line and tight-end Marcedes Lewis who can block pass rushers one on one.

Although ESPN projects a decline in numbers, Rodgers will still thrive for the Packers and remain in the upper echelon of quarterbacks. A safe projection for Rodgers would be for him to be in the second tier of quarterbacks. The top tier includes Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Kyler Murray, who are all expected to have great fantasy seasons. Rodgers is in the tier with Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, Tom Brady, and Justin Herbert.

Rank at Position

Rodgers will easily be a top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2021, assuming he remains healthy for the Packers. He is primed to have another great season following his 3rd MVP award.

All signs show that Mahomes, Allen, and Murray will be the top quarterbacks for fantasy in 2021. Mahomes and Allen are both on contending teams in the AFC with pass-heavy offenses. Murray on the other hand is looking to make it to the playoffs for the first time. His offensive attack with the Arizona Cardinals is a balanced rushing and passing game that fits Murray perfectly.

That leaves the next tier of quarterbacks where Rodgers sits with the Packers. This tier is difficult for fantasy owners to decide on which quarterback to take. Prescott is coming off of a horrendous injury, while Jackson had a disappointing 2020 fantasy campaign. Herbert is the most intriguing player in this tier, but he is boom or bust. The safest bets are Wilson, Brady, and Rodgers.

ESPN projects Rodgers to be the 6th best quarterback, but he has the potential to be even more than that. If you draft Rodgers as your fantasy quarterback, you won't regret it. The Packers won't, either.