Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. He's in danger of missing this weekend's game vs. the Steelers. His absence would likely mean a bigger role for WR Allen Lazard.
Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling injured his hamstring in the 4th quarter of Sunday night's game vs. the 49ers. He's officially questionable to return, but we'd be surprised to see him back out there after he pulled up gimpy at the end of a deep route.
The Athletic's Matt Schneidman notes that Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling's hands look much improved in training camp so far. Drops have been a problem for MVS through 3 NFL seasons. "Valdes-Scantling’s hands have been noticeably better so far in camp," Schneidman writes. "Not just on blatantly catchable balls, some of which he has dropped in the past, but on passes he has no business catching, too. If he keeps this up, he’s the clear-cut No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams. Valdes-Scantling isn’t just a deep-ball threat anymore, and that’s scary for defenses that have largely been able to game plan for a one-dimensional receiver in the past." MVS built some momentum last year with 8 catches, 148 yards and a score in Green Bay's 2 playoff games and has seemingly carried that into 2021. He's a nice target late in drafts -- especially best balls.
WR Randall Cobb tweeted that he's been traded to the Packers, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirms that the deal will be done once Green Bay gains cap space to make room. Cobb spent his first 8 seasons with QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, finishing as a top 30 fantasy WR 3 times (2012, 2014 and 2015). He posted a 55-828-3 line and WR42 PPR finish with the Cowboys in 2019. Then in Houston last year, Cobb tallied 38 catches, 441 yards and 3 scores in 10 games. He finished 60th in PPR points per game. But Cobb ranked a respectable 26th in yards per target, 52nd in yards per route run and 50th in Pro Football Focus receiving grade among 99 WRs with 40+ targets. Rodgers clearly had a big say in this move -- and we'd expect him to make sure Cobb is the starting slot receiver this season. That'll leave Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard and rookie Amari Rodgers fighting for the last spot in 3-WR sets. In Houston, meanwhile, Cobb's departure frees up the starting slot job. Consider newly acquired WR Anthony Miller the favorite to win that.
The forecast for tonight's Titans-Packers game calls for temperatures in the low 30s with snow and winds of 10-15 mph with gusts of 25-30 mph. Those are less-than-ideal conditions for the passing games, but we're still expecting plenty of points in this one. The game still has a big 53.5-point over/under. We'd stick with all the regulars from these teams in fantasy lineups.
The forecast for today's Vikings-Packers game calls for 25 mph sustained winds with gusts close to 40 mph. The wind is expected to die down a bit throughout the game. Temperatures will be in the 30s with a wind chill in the 20s. Those are tough conditions for the passing and kicking games. We've lowered our passing projections a bit for both teams and would avoid both kickers in this game.
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