One of few positive moments of the 2024 season for New York Jets fans came in October, when star wide receiver Davante Adams revealed his trade to the team by appearing behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers on The Pat McAfee Show.

The move – which brought Adams to New York for a conditional third-round pick – came following three close losses, bumping the Jets to 2-4. Despite the skid, which would extend for two more games, the Jets’ front office continued to market themselves as “all-in.” That’s where Adams came in.

>READ MORE: HOW DEVANTE ADAMS LANDED WITH THE JETS

At the beginning of the season, Adams had five 1,000-yard seasons, with another two coming in at just three yards under that mark. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and had been named to the First Team All-Pro twice. Most notably, he had achieved most of that success with the Green Bay Packers, catching balls from none other than Rodgers, who went to the Jets a season after Adams landed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Optimism was high. Adams delivered on his end, by and large, posting a fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season and catching seven touchdowns for the Jets, who direly needed the offensive production. But the team – and Rodgers – struggled, finishing with a record of 5-12.

Two seasons of cratered expectations were enough. The Jets are moving on from Rodgers, and have officially released Adams after trade negotiations presumably didn’t yield fruit.

The 32-year-old’s contract would have counted for a league-high $38.3 million against the salary cap in 2025. With Adams’ contract off the books, the Jets have an additional $29.877 million in cap space – although their attraction for free agents amid the upheaval is slim, to say the least.

In the meantime, the Jets will roll with Garrett Wilson, who seems to be their only viable long-term option at wide receiver (Allen Lazard, another Rodgers favorite, seems likely to be released). Wilson, 24, had another productive campaign in 2024, posting his third 1,000-yard season of his three-year career. Even so, unless he takes a massive step, he can’t carry the Jets offense by himself.

It’s now New York’s responsibility to find a quarterback and secondary receiver(s) – or risk another year in the league basement.

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams said Wednesday that he is unsure if he will return to the team in 2025. The Jets acquired Adams in a trade earlier this season with the intention of pairing him with his old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The team has gone 1-5 since he stepped on the field.

“That’s a great question, and I truly don’t have an answer to it right now,” Adams said when asked about returning to the Jets next season. “I would love to be a part of this football team. I love these guys. Came in, like I said, Day 1 I was welcomed…. I’d love to go to war with these guys, but it’s a business. There is a lot of pieces contractually and obviously with Aaron’s future and a lot of things that I can’t control, so we’re just going to finish this year off strong and hopefully we do enough to where everybody is feeling like it’s the right thing to do for us to stay here. But after this year, we’ll assess and figure it out.”

Adams implied that his future in New York depends on that of Rodgers, his longtime quarterback in Green Bay. The wide receiver embraced the Jets as an opportunity to reunite with Rodgers, but with the 41-year-old passer seemingly on his way out, it is likely that Adams would depart in free agency as well. 

The Jets traded for Adams at a low point in a lowly 2024 season, shortly after the team fired head coach Robert Saleh. Since then, New York has only regressed, losing close games to inferior rivals, suffering horrendous miscues on offense, and generally failing to capitalize on a loaded roster of young talent. The team is 3-9 and will soon be eliminated from playoff contention.

None of this is necessarily Adams’ fault, who has performed solidly while often being the victim of Rodgers’ poor play, alongside fellow star receiver Garrett Wilson. But when the Jets made the trade, many speculated that it did absolutely nothing to fix the Jets’ issues. That assessment has been validated over the last six weeks.

At 31, Adams could still have something to offer teams in free agency and will likely attract several potential buyers. His days of securing a massive long-term deal are likely over, but it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to land with a playoff-caliber team and positively contribute. Unless Rodgers returns, the Jets, who will likely be in search of a clean slate, would be unlikely to retain Adams’ services.

Wide receiver Davante Adams offered an explanation for his Raiders trade request while speaking to reporters about his move to the New York Jets. Adams didn’t provide a crystal clear answer but eventually settled on the idea that he didn’t feel comfortable in Las Vegas.

“I want to feel like I can impact the game every time I touch the field,” Adams said. “Having the confidence that I’ll be able to make some plays and change the game, if need be, versus getting out there on the field and feeling like we need too many things to go right in order for me to be successful. And when I say ‘me be successful,’ I don’t mean me going out and having an All-Pro year every time… Sometimes you’ve got to make it easier and get to a situation that allows you to be yourself.”

Adams avoided saying that the Raiders were not competitive, and he wanted to succeed somewhere else, but he still strongly implied it. At age 32, he remains a premier wide receiver in the league and said that he is excited to be competing with former Packers teammate Aaron Rodgers again. Adams missed his last three Raiders games with a hamstring injury, but Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said that he expects him to play in Week 7. 

For the duration of Adams’ tenure with the Raiders, the team was a massive underachiever and made several decisions that pulled the proverbial rug from under the wide receiver’s feet. The most impactful of these moves was to send away quarterback Derek Carr, who was a major draw to get Adams in Las Vegas in the first place.

As a member of the Jets, Adams is entering a tense situation. Though his arrival should be a massive help to the offense, the team has underachieved to this point and is still reeling in many ways from former head coach Robert Saleh’s shocking termination.

Following the firing, many argued that getting rid of Saleh, a defense-oriented leader, did very little to solve the team’s problems on offense. In this case, adding Adams is a concrete move in the right direction, giving Rodgers another reliable option down the sidelines. With his ideal situation now in full effect, it is now on the quarterback to prove that he can lead this team to the postseason.

The sweepstakes for wide receiver Davante Adams is firmly under way, as Adams’ trade request has seemingly been accepted by the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite the star receiver’s obvious talent, a number of financial caveats, from Adams’ current contract to future negotiations, may narrow down the list of potential buyers.

Adams has routinely expressed his displeasure in the Raiders since last season, and after trade rumors fell through in 2023, Las Vegas is again looking for interested parties. A mix of solid reports and flimsier rumors seem to suggest that there is immense interest in the receiver across the league.

The New York Jets have been labeled the favorites to acquire Adams because of his previous connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. With Rodgers under center, Adams became a household name with the Packers, and New York has already brought on the likes of receiver Allen Lazard and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in order to better accommodate its quarterback.

Meanwhile, in a similar vein to the Jets, the Saints may also be able to provide a comfortable and familiar system for Adams. It’s hard to remember now, but one of Adams’ primary reasons for going to the Raiders in the first place was to play with quarterback Derek Carr. The two were teammates together at Fresno State, and Adams was eager to play with his old quarterback in Las Vegas. The team waived Carr the following off-season and he signed with New Orleans.

While the Jets and Saints might provide the right fit, they may not be the most desperate. Several teams, including the Steelers, Commanders and Chiefs, could significantly benefit from a trade for a premium wide receiver. Pittsburgh sent Diontae Johnson to Carolina in the off-season, Washington’s receiver core beyond Terry McLaurin is flimsy at best and the Chiefs just lost Rashee Rice to an ACL injury. Adding Adams could open up entirely new offensive possibilities for all three teams.

While fantasizing about Adams’ potential impact around the league provides a great deal of entertainment, money may prove to be the deciding factor. In 2024, he has a $16.89 million salary. Any team that acquires Adams at this point will take a salary cap hit around $13 million this season.

To address this problem, teams will likely request that the Raiders continue paying part of Adams’ salary. This obviously hurts Las Vegas, but could also help them acquire more in return for him.

In another potential snag, there is no more guaranteed money on Adams’ current contract after this season. Not only must the team trading for him have the cap space now, but it’s possible that he will also ask for a new deal before he sets foot on the field again. The Jets have already seen the dangers of this, as newly acquired linebacker Haason Reddick is currently sitting out the 2024 season because the team didn’t meet his  contract demands.

The logistical and financial nightmare of acquiring Adams is at direct odds with the prospect of fielding Adams, which would be immensely exciting for every team in the league. The price must be right, however, and teams must deal with the razor-thin margins and future planning before they can bring the six-time Pro-Bowler aboard.

Before Jimmy Garoppolo got benched for Aidan O’Connell after his struggles, the Raiders consulted their star receiver for his cents on what to do. According to Davante Adams, he was allowed to okay the move.

“Well, my opinion was I signed off on that,” Adams said during an episode of Netflix’s documentary series Receiver. “I love Jimmy and he’s a great guy, but something had to happen for us to have a chance down the stretch and in order for me to remain a Raider.”

Speculation poured in saying that Adams would request a trade if Garoppolo didn’t get benched based on the receiver’s comments. The New York Jets attempted to snatch the receiver from Las Vegas last season to salvage the season after Aaron Rodgers went down in week one with a season-ending injury.

Garoppolo got benched following week eight’s forgettable matchup at Ford Field. During the game, Jimmy-G missed Adams on two wide-open passes that could have altered the outcome significantly – the Lions won 26-14. This also marked the start of a new era in Vegas as coach Josh McDaniels was fired and replaced with Antonio Pierce. The Pierce era got off to a strong start, as the Raiders trounced the Giants 30-6 and won four of the remaining eight games – one of the victories came against the Chiefs on Christmas Day.

The star receiver was vocal about his support of coach Pierce, as he wanted the interim to be the permanent coach after last season’s late stretch. Adams caught 56 passes for 605 yards and five touchdowns in the nine games O’Connell started.

“I want whoever is going to look the best when it’s live bullets,” Adams commented in an FS1 interview. “I think Aidan has the job because obviously, he was here before.” The Raiders signed Gardner Minshew this offseason to provide competition to O’Connell.

Davante Adams signed a five-year $140 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders after he was traded from the Green Bay Packers in 2022. Yet still, due to the team’s combined 14-20 regular season record in the past two years, his name has remained in many trade rumors and speculation.

In February, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Tom Telesco said that Adams “is a Raider” and wouldn’t be traded. Most recently, Adams echoed those thoughts as he spoke to reporters at his football camp.

“If I wanted to be gone, I’d be gone by now,” Adams said. “This is where I want to be.”

Much speculation about Adam’s future in Las Vegas came from his discontent with the team’s previous head coach, Josh McDaniels. McDaniels led the team to a 6-11 record in 2022 and a 3-5 record in 2023 before being dismissed by the organization halfway through the year.

After his departure, the Raiders introduced Antonio Pierce as interim head coach, whom Adams strongly advocated for. With Pierce now the team’s head coach, Adams seems much more confident in the team and his future with them.

“It’s already helped the morale of the team. It’s what we were all looking for To be able to continue with the same mindset that we had. That’s our guy,” the six-time Pro-Bowler in Adams said.

Before arriving with the Raiders in 2022, the 31-year-old spent the previous eight years of his career in Green Bay with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, making the playoffs in six of those years and the NFC Championship game four times. On the other hand, Las Vegas has only made the playoffs once in the past seven years, but Adams joined the team looking for a new start, knowing playoff success still needs to be guaranteed.

Despite the team’s poor performance with McDaniels at the helm, Adams has continued his All-Pro level receiving performances. In 2022, he had 100 catches for 1,516 yards and a league-high 14 receiving touchdowns. In 2023, Adams had a similar year, finishing with 103 catches for 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns. Besides the coaching change, Adam’s numbers are even more impressive, considering Las Vegas brought in rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connellmidway through the season.

Along with Adams, Las Vegas has Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker in their receiver room but little to no depth after their starters. It will be another challenging year for the Raiders with a second-year quarterback in a division with the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs; if Adams can keep up the output of the past few years, it could prove well for the team.

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said Wednesday that he fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler on the belief that the team was not going to improve under their leadership. Davis claimed that he wanted to wait until the trade deadline to clean house.

“Unfortunately, I had great hopes for Josh and Dave,” Davis told ESPN. “It just seemed we were going in the wrong direction. So, with the trade deadline, I just felt it was time to make a change, time to make a move.”

In addition to McDaniels and Ziegler, Davis also fired offensive coordinator Mike Lombardi to finish a nearly complete personnel change. Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce has been promoted to interim head coach, assistant general manager Champ Kelly as interim general manager and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree as the interim offensive coordinator.

The Raiders are in the midst of a horrendous season, as they currently hold a 3-5 record despite an abundance of talent on both sides of the ball. With wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Josh Jacobs on offense and DPoY contender Maxx Crosby on defense, the team seemed poised for success before the season. Instead, some of these stars have simply grown frustrated as the team has cycled through quarterbacks without finding any answers.

Adams has been the most vocal in his criticism of the team, which makes some sense considering he was traded to Las Vegas in 2022 as the team was rebuilding. Since then, the Raiders have sent away quarterback Derek Carr and acquired Jimmy Garoppolo, who has struggled immensely when he hasn’t missed time due to injuries.

In a 26-14 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football, Adams made just one catch for 11 yards despite appearing open for big plays through the game. He was visibly frustrated speaking to reporters after the game.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to say at this moment,” Adams said. “I truly don’t. I wish I had the words to say something that’s not going to get blown up in the media and taken out of context.”

This isn’t the first time Adams has expressed his frustrations with the team, and though his comments led to rampant trade rumors, he is apparently in Las Vegas to stay for the time being. He is currently on pace to have one of the worst seasons of his career, including his early ones in Green Bay before he rose to stardom.

In the backfield, Jacobs has managed to find slightly more production, as he is not as reliant on the team’s quarterback. But as a whole, the offense is vastly underperforming and the defense is struggling in turn.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams had some choice words for his own team following a 23-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, and it’s hard to say the situation has improved at all since. With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in concussion protocol Sunday, Las Vegas skidded to 1-3 in a 24-17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, exacerbating Adams’ message to reporters that he can’t stand much more.

“I don’t got time to wait around. … It’s not a personal thing,” Adams said after the team’s loss to the Steelers. “I mean it is a personal thing, but it ain’t just about me. It’s not my mentality to sit here and try to take all season to figure it out. You use these early games like this to establish our identity. We’re not doing the things the right way to establish a winning culture early in the season, so we gotta do something to turn that around.”

The star wide receiver’s comments were so strong that media outlets reported several rumors that he would be traded in subsequent days. The Green Bay Packers, his old team where he rose to stardom while working with Aaron Rodgers, were named as a potential suitor. The Dallas Cowboys and Steelers were also listed as interested buyers, while other more hopeful fans salivated over the idea of sending him to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

But beyond the chatter inextricably tied to Adams’ frustration, the Raiders have not said anything one way or another about sending him away. This can be taken as a sign that the team is indeed looking for interested buyers, or it can simply mean that coaches and other personnel have more important things to worry about at the moment.

Between a middling passing game and a below-average running game despite Josh Jacobs’ best efforts, the Raiders have not begun the 2023 season in the cleanest way. Following a gritty win over the Denver Broncos (recent victim of a historic blowout against the Dolphins), Las Vegas was uncompetitive against the Bills and similarly hapless on offense against the Steelers. Against Los Angeles, backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell failed to throw a touchdown to match his lone interception.

The Raiders’ failure to capitalize on vulnerable opponents like Pittsburgh and Los Angeles is damning evidence that the team was not properly prepared at the start of the season. Players are still catching up to speed in a league that does not offer many chances to do so. The Steelers boast an underpowered offense and the Chargers have lost stars Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams to injuries. Neither team has enough star power to match the likes of Adams or Jacobs at key positions. In many ways, they’re doing the best with what they have. The Raiders are evidently doing less.

It makes sense that Adams would grow impatient with a team that promised him playoff contention in 2022 without delivering. With a new quarterback under center and the same result on the field, it is highly logical for him to begin looking at other teams and wondering how he could contribute to their systems. It’s highly likely that these teams are thinking the same thing.

The Las Vegas Raiders will pursue Tom Brady in the 2022 offseason, as the team reportedly hopes to trade Derek Carr at some point in the next month. Brady’s contract with the Buccaneers will expire at the end of this season, allowing the 45-year-old quarterback to consider multiple options for the 2023 season and beyond.

Since Brady came back from his very brief retirement last offseason, he has not addressed his future much with reporters, instead assuming a short-term mindset as he finishes his final season with the Bucs. But reports suggest that several teams have inquired about signing Brady to a new deal, which could extend his career for multiple seasons. Along with the Raiders, the Titans and 49ers are both rumored to be interested.

The Raiders are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season in which Carr, the team’s current quarterback, failed to maintain momentum after the team’s 2021 playoff appearance. Despite the addition of Davante Adams and an impressive season for running back Josh Jacobs, poor play from Carr and an even poorer defense kept Las Vegas out of contention.

With Carr reportedly on the trade block, Brady’s seven Super Bowls seem to be more than enough for teams like the Raiders to offer a deal, even as he makes his way to yet another age barrier at 46. Teams will undoubtedly be interested in Brady for as long as he wants to play football, putting him in a position to decide how he wants to proceed.

As he did in Tampa Bay, Brady would likely require an effective coaching staff and exceptional players around him, something that Las Vegas can likely offer. Head coach Josh McDaniels worked closely with him as the quarterback’s coach and offensive coordinator of the Patriots. Meanwhile, Adams, Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller are formidable offensive contributors.

The pieces may fall perfectly into place for Brady to reunite with his old coach in Las Vegas, but another retirement decision will ultimately determine whether the quarterback will be available to any team in the near future. For now, the Raiders must find a trade partner for Carr while Brady and the Bucs prepare for the Cowboys in their NFC Wild Card game.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams was charged with misdemeanor assault in the Municipal Court of Kansas City Wednesday morning.

Adams shoved a credentialed photographer following a loss to the Chiefs on Monday Night Football and, along with legal charges, could also face disciplinary action from the NFL.

Following the incident, which occurred as Adams was walking back to the locker room at Arrowhead Stadium, the star wide receiver immediately apologized, expressing frustration about the Raiders’ 30-29 defeat.

“So I wanted to say sorry to him for that because that was just frustration mixed with him literally just running in from of me,” Adams said in a postgame interview. “I shouldn’t have responded that way, but that’s how I initially responded. So, I want to apologize to him for that.”

Despite Adams’ apology, Kansas City police confirmed Tuesday that the photographer, who was identified as Ryan Zebley, filed a police report after suffering whiplash and possibly a minor concussion. Zebley was working as a freelance photographer for Monday Night Football.

Adams was charged on Wednesday, with court records showing that he was cited for “an intentional, overt act” in harming the photographer. He is set to appear in court on Nov. 10.

If convicted, Adams could technically serve six months in jail but will more likely have to pay a fine for as much as $1,000.

His troubles do not end there, however, as the NFL could still punish him for violating the league’s Personal Conduct policy. The NFL typically acts in response to legal outcomes and has suspended players for two to three games in similar cases in the past.

In nine seasons in the NFL, Adams has never faced disciplinary action, instead gaining a reputation as a dependable star receiver for the Green Bay Packers.

In his first season with the Raiders, the team has competed at times but nevertheless maintains a 1-4 record through five weeks.

The season hasn’t started but the Green Bay Packers already miss Davante Adams.

After quarterback Aaron Rodgers criticized the team’s receivers for dropped passes and poor play at training camp on Tuesday, coaches organized a private meeting between players on Wednesday morning to clarify the issue.

Rodgers’ original rant to reporters, in which he said that mistake-prone receivers will be benched and that he was going to have to target running backs more, was the first time that the quarterback has expressed frustration with the offense since Adams left in March.

In eight seasons with Green Bay, Adams established himself as one of the best receivers in the league before getting traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Though the Packers still have established pass catchers in Sammy Watkins, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, most of Rodgers’ criticism was aimed at younger receivers on the team. Green Bay has drafted many players at this position in recent years, namely Romeo Doubs, Amari Rodgers and Christian Watson.

In the team meeting the following day, Rodgers reportedly gave more detailed critiques to the players, who have taken it well and hope to improve.

Doubs, in particular, told ESPN that he embraces the challenge that he and his teammates face.

“Aaron spoke to us about what he likes or what not just based on concepts or what he sees,” Doubs said. “So then that way we can be able to react faster, play faster and just be able to dominate and continue to be who we are.”

Though Rodgers’ original comments sparked a debate between fans, the quarterback has never been one to avoid candor during interviews. I

n recent weeks, he has spoken openly about his hesitance to receive a vaccine for COVID-19 as well as his use of psychedelics to maintain his mental health.

On the field, Rodgers continues to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but playing without Adams this season represents a new challenge.

Packers receiving cores have consistently been among the best in the league for Rodgers’ entire career, and though Rodgers’ elite passing ability has enabled that, it has also been made possible by a number of elite receivers. Complaints to the press and critical team meetings can only do so much as the regular season inches closer.

In the NFL, when you give your quarterback a brand-new, $150 million, three-year deal it’s difficult to keep the rest of your star players. The Green Bay Packers learned this the hard way: Mere days after Aaron Rodgers’ signed his new pact to stay in Wisconsin, his (now former) receiver Davante Adams was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

In return, the Raiders are sending their first- and second-round picks—22nd and 53rd overall, respectively—in this year’s draft, which will give the Pack four choices in the top 60 (22, 28, 53, and 59).

The 29-year-old Adams will be signing a five-year contract with $67.5 million fully guaranteed to remain in the desert. He’ll be reunited with his Fresno State teammate, Derek Carr, who is, of course, the QB for the Raiders.

LV is now 25-1 to win the AFC, while GB dropped from 11-1 to 12-1 to win the Super Bowl.

The departure of one of Rodgers’ favorite targets leaves a void, as two other receivers from last year’s team are free agents: Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown. The former could still be brought back, but St. Brown signed with the Bears. The team’s top receivers are Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers and Malik Taylor.

Rodgers and Adams own the Packers’ record for most career touchdowns by a QB-WR tandem (68), breaking the QB and Jordy Nelson’s former record of 65.

The Packers are close to getting their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers back, even if he stays with the team for just one more season.

The news comes just after Rodgers and fellow teammate Davante Adams posted photos mimicking The Last Dance with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that this reunion between the two football players will in fact be similar to Jordan and Pippen, as it will be their final season teaming up together.

While the Packers’ CEO Mark Murphy reportedly has told shareholders that Rodgers will be with the team well beyond the 2021 season, Schefter is stating that this will most likely be his final run with Green Bay. Interestingly, Murphy did not tell reporters whether or not he expects Rodgers to report to training camp with other Packer veterans.

Whether Rodgers will actually suit up for the Packers requires patience and waiting to see if he shows up to training camp.

It has not been the offseason the Green Bay Packers were hoping for after a great playoff run last season. The Packers are currently in limbo regarding the situation with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has essentially ghosted the team. Rodgers reached a breaking point after being unsatisfied with the team, and no longer wants to play for them. Green Bay refuses to trade Rodgers and is hoping that he will play this season. So far, it is hard to predict what will happen considering the disgruntled star has skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp.

One impact of the Rodgers situation is on the future of Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams. Will Adams stay with the team now that there is an unknown in regards to Rodgers’ future? Well, Adams currently plans on remaining in Green Bay.

“That’s the plan, man,” he said. “I’m not planning on going anywhere.” It is a sigh of relief for Packers fans, knowing that the All-Pro wideout has no intention of leaving town.

“[The plan is] only one piece of it, though,” he added. “Obviously, the quarterback situation helps it, but the stars got to align across the board as far as contractually. We’ll figure all that stuff out and let it happen. I’ll be at training camp like I said regardless, we’re going to play the season, and we’ll see how all of that pans out.”

Adams touched on the Rodgers situation and he remained optimistic that the quarterback will return to the team. “That’s my guy,” he said of Rodgers. “His locker is always going to be there. I don’t see him leaving and I pray that he doesn’t. We’re all just going to stay in good spirits and just let the chips fall where they may.”

The success of the Packers will depend on the outcome of the ongoing Aaron Rodgers drama. Rodgers is disgruntled with the organization. His frustration stems back to last year’s draft when the team selected quarterback Jordan Love without notifying him. The organization is in a tough spot because they are trying to keep Rodgers, who doesn’t want to play for Green Bay anymore.

If Rodgers ends up playing for Green Bay, they will remain a competitive team. However, if he is traded or holds out, the Packers will struggle.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST GREEN BAY PACKERS TICKET DEALS!

Green Bay Packers Schedule:

• Week 1: Sun 09/12 at New Orleans Saints
• Week 2: Mon 09/20 vs Detroit Lions
• Week 3: Sun 09/26 at San Francisco 49ers
• Week 4: Sun 10/03 vs Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 5: Sun 10/10 at Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 6: Sun 10/17 at Chicago Bears
• Week 7: Sun 10/24 vs Washington National Team
• Week 8: Thu 10/28 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 9: Sun 11/07 at Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 10: Sun 11/14 vs Seattle Seahawks
• Week 11: Sun 11/21 at Minnesota Vikings
• Week 12: Sun 11/28 vs Los Angeles Rams
• Week 13: BYE
• Week 14: Sun 12/12 vs Chicago Bears
• Week 15: Sun 12/19 at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 16: Sun 12/25 vs Cleveland Browns
• Week 17: Sun 1/02 vs Minnesota Vikings
• Week 18: Sun 01/09 at Detroit Lions

NFC North: The Packers are massive favorites to win the division if Rodgers suits up. If the star quarterback does not play, the division will be wide open for the Vikings or Bears to pass Green Bay in the standings. Green Bay won the division last year and made it to the NFC Championship game, where they were eventually ousted by Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champions.

Matchups: The Packers have a very difficult stretch of games between Week 8 and Week 16. During that span, they will face the Chiefs, Seahawks, Rams, Bears, Ravens and Browns (all of whom made the playoffs last year). Even the contests against non-playoff teams are not automatic wins (at Arizona and at Minnesota). Green Bay will have to start the season strong if they want the division title and a high playoff seed, however, that may not be easy either as they travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints in Week 1. This will be a very interesting season for the Packers.

Overall: Green Bay’s success depends on whether Rodgers plays. The Packers have a good roster, but without Rodgers, they are pretenders, not contenders. The Packers have one of the best wide receivers in the league in Davante Adams, as well as a top running back in Aaron Jones. Outside of those weapons, the Packers are sub-par at the skill positions. It’s a good thing they have a solid defense, otherwise, Rodgers would have way too much of a burden on his shoulders.

At the end of the day, it is hard to envision the Packers trading away their future Hall of Fame quarterback, even if he requested a trade. Green Bay will find a way to make sure Rodgers is on the field by the time the regular season begins.

Prediction: The Packers will finish with a 12-5 record and will win the NFC North. If Rodgers does not suit up for Green Bay, they will still finish with a 9-8 winning record.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST GREEN BAY PACKERS TICKET DEALS!

Heading into the 2021 NFL season, we have ranked the top players at each position. Today, we are focusing on the wide receiver position. Click on each player to view his individual writeup in the slideshow or click on the link at the bottom to view the entire slideshow from the beginning.

1. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
2. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
3. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
4. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
5. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
6. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
7. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
8. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
9. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
10. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

Click HERE to view the full the slideshow!

Best Of The Rest:

• 11. Allen Robinson, CHI / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
• 12. Chris Godwin, TB / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
• 13. Julio Jones, ATL / Age: 32 / FA: 2024
• 14. Terry McLaurin, WAS / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
• 15. Kenny Golladay, NYG / Age: 27 / FA: 2025
• 16. Mike Evans, TB / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
• 17. Amari Cooper, DAL / Age: 27 / FA: 2025
• 18. Robert Woods, LAR / Age: 29 / FA: 2026
• 19. Will Fuller, MIA / Age: 27 / FA: 2022
• 20. Diontae Johnson, PIT / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
• 21. Adam Thielen, MIN / Age: 31 / FA: 2025
• 22. Cooper Kupp, LAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
• 23. CeeDee Lamb, DAL / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
• 24. Tee Higgins, CIN / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
• 25. Odell Beckham Jr., CLE / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
• 26. Brandon Aiyuk, SF / Age: 23 / FA: 2025
• 27. Courtland Sutton, DEN / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
• 28. D.J. Moore, CAR / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
• 29. Tyler Lockett, SEA / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
• 30. Chase Claypool, PIT / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
• 31. D.J. Chark, JAC / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
• 32. Tyler Boyd, CIN / Age: 26 / FA: 2024
• 33. Deebo Samuel, SF / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
• 34. JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
• 35. Robby Anderson, CAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
• 36. Brandin Cooks, HOU / Age: 27 / FA: 2024
• 37. Jarvis Landry, CLE / Age: 28 / FA: 2023
• 38. DeVante Parker, MIA / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
• 39. Marquise Brown, BAL / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
• 40. Corey Davis, NYJ / Age: 26 / FA: 2024
• 41. Curtis Samuel, WAS / Age: 25 / FA: 2024
• 42. Antonio Brown, TB / Age: 33 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
• 43. Jalen Reagor, PHI / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
• 44. Jerry Jeudy, DEN / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
• 45. Laviska Shenault, JAC / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
• 46. Jamison Crowder, FA / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
• 47. Michael Pittman Jr., IND / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
• 48. Sterling Shepard, NYG / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
• 49. Cole Beasley, BUF / Age: 32 / FA: 2023
• 50. Marvin Jones Jr., JAC / Age: 31 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
• 51. Henry Ruggs III, LV / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
• 52. Mecole Hardman, KC / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
• 53. T.Y. Hilton, IND / Age: 31 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
• 54. Nelson Agholor, NE / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
• 55. Christian Kirk, ARI / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
• 56. Michael Gallup, DAL / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
• 57. Darius Slayton, NYG / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
• 58. John Brown, LV / Age: 31 / FA: 2022
• 59. Darnell Mooney, CHI / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
• 60. Denzel Mims, NYJ / Age: 23 / FA: 2024

It is never too early to take a look at fantasy football rankings. Below are the top options at each position. This list does not include incoming rookies, but we have to start somewhere. As players move around due to free agency, trades and the NFL Draft, we will update this list.

(Note: Listed ages are for the start of the 2021 NFL season.)

QUARTERBACKS

Click HERE to view a slideshow on the top-ten quarterbacks entering the 2021 season.

1. Patrick Mahomes, KC / Age: 25 / FA: 2032
2. Josh Allen, BUF / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
3. Lamar Jackson, BAL / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
4. Kyler Murray, ARI / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
5. Dak Prescott, DAL / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
6. Deshaun Watson, HOU / Age: 25 / FA: 2026
7. Aaron Rodgers, GB / Age: 37 / FA: 2024
8. Russell Wilson, SEA / Age: 32 / FA: 2024
9. Tom Brady, TB / Age: 44 / FA: 2022
10. Justin Herbert, LAC / Age: 23 / FA: 2025
11. Jalen Hurts, PHI / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
12. Joe Burrow, CIN / Age: 23 / FA: 2025
13. Ryan Tannehill, TEN / Age: 33 / FA: 2024
14. Matthew Stafford, LAR / Age: 33 / FA: 2023
15. Taysom Hill, NO / Age: 31 / FA: 2022
16. Kirk Cousins, MIN / Age: 33 / FA: 2023
17. Matt Ryan, ATL / Age: 36 / FA: 2024
18. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT / Age: 39 / FA: 2022
19. Derek Carr, LV / Age: 30 / FA: 2023
20. Baker Mayfield, CLE / Age: 26 / FA: 2023
21. Jameis Winston, NO / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
22. Tua Tagovailoa, MIA / Age: 23 / FA: 2025
23. Carson Wentz, PHI / Age: 28 / FA: 2025
24. Jimmy Garoppolo, SF / Age: 29 / FA: 2023
25. Teddy Bridgewater, CAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2023
26. Jared Goff, DET / Age: 26 / FA: 2025
27. Daniel Jones, NYG / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
28. Mitchell Trubisky, CHI / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
29. Drew Lock, DEN / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
30. Sam Darnold, NYJ / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
31. Alex Smith, WAS / Age: 37 / FA: 2023
32. Cam Newton, NE / Age: 32 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
33. Ryan Fitzpatrick, MIA / Age: 38 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
34. Nick Foles, CHI / Age: 32 / FA: 2023
35. Marcus Mariota, LV / Age: 27 / FA: 2022
36. Gardner Minshew, JAC / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
37. Andy Dalton, DAL / Age: 33 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
38. Jacoby Brissett, IND / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
39. Dwayne Haskins, PIT / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
40. Nick Mullens, SF / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (RFA)

RUNNING BACKS

Click HERE to view a slideshow on the top running backs entering the 2021 season.

1. Christian McCaffrey, CAR / Age: 25 / FA: 2026
2. Dalvin Cook, MIN / Age: 26 / FA: 2026
3. Alvin Kamara, NO / Age: 26 / FA: 2026
4. Saquon Barkley, NYG / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
5. Derrick Henry, TEN / Age: 27 / FA: 2024
6. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL / Age: 26 / FA: 2027
7. Nick Chubb, CLE / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
8. Jonathan Taylor, IND / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
9. Aaron Jones, GB / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
10. Austin Ekeler, LAC / Age: 26 / FA: 2024
11. James Robinson, JAC / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
12. Joe Mixon, CIN / Age: 25 / FA: 2025
13. Josh Jacobs, LV / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
14. Miles Sanders, PHI / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
15. D’Andre Swift, DET / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
16. J.K. Dobbins, BAL / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
17. Cam Akers, LAR / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
18. David Montgomery, CHI / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
19. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
20. Antonio Gibson, WAS / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
21. Chris Carson, SEA / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
22. Kareem Hunt, CLE / Age: 26 / FA: 2023
23. Myles Gaskin, MIA / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
24. Kenyan Drake, ARI / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
25. Melvin Gordon, DEN / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
26. Raheem Mostert, SF / Age: 29 / FA: 2022
27. James Conner, PIT / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
28. Leonard Fournette, TB / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
29. Ronald Jones, TB / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
30. David Johnson, HOU / Age: 29 / FA: 2022
31. Chase Edmonds, ARI / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
32. Devin Singletary, BUF / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
33. Damien Harris, NE / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
34. Nyheim Hines, IND / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
35. J.D. McKissic, WAS / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
36. Tarik Cohen, CHI / Age: 26 / FA: 2024
37. Zack Moss, BUF / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
38. A.J. Dillon, GB / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
39. Jeff Wilson Jr., SF / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
40. Tony Pollard, DAL / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
41. Darrell Henderson, LAR / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
42. LaMical Perine, NYJ / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
43. Latavius Murray, NO / Age: 31 / FA: 2023
44. Jamaal Williams, GB / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
45. Gus Edwards, BAL / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (RFA)
46. Philip Lindsay, DEN / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (RFA)
47. Marlon Mack, IND / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
48. Benny Snell Jr., PIT / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
49. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, TB / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
50. Mike Davis, CAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
51. Damien Williams, KC / Age: 29 / FA: 2022
52. James White, NE / Age: 29 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
53. Duke Johnson, HOU / Age: 27 / FA: 2022
54. Salvon Ahmed, MIA / Age: 22 / FA: 2022
55. Alexander Mattison, MIN / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
56. Sony Michel, NE / Age: 26 / FA: 2023
57. Rashaad Penny, SEA / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
58. Ito Smith, ATL / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
59. Kerryon Johnson, DET / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
60. Joshua Kelley, LAC / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
61. Matt Breida, MIA / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
62. DeeJay Dallas, SEA / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
63. Boston Scott, PHI / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (RFA)
64. Justin Jackson, LAC / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
65. Giovani Bernard, CIN / Age: 29 / FA: 2022
66. Darrynton Evans, TEN / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
67. Ty Johnson, NYJ / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
68. Wayne Gallman, NYG / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
69. Lynn Bowden, MIA / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
70. Malcolm Brown , LAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
71. Tevin Coleman, SF / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
72. Carlos Hyde, SEA / Age: 30 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
73. Rex Burkhead, NE / Age: 31 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
74. Anthony McFarland Jr., PIT / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
75. Jerick McKinnon, SF / Age: 29 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
76. Brian Hill, ATL / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
77. Devontae Booker, LV / Age: 29 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
78. Jalen Richard, LV / Age: 27 / FA: 2022
79. Kalen Ballage, LAC / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
80. Mark Ingram, FA / Age: 31 / FA: 2021 (UFA)

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. Davante Adams, GB / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
2. Tyreek Hill, KC / Age: 27 / FA: 2023
3. DeAndre Hopkins, ARI / Age: 29 / FA: 2025
4. Stefon Diggs, BUF / Age: 27 / FA: 2024
5. D.K. Metcalf, SEA / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
6. Calvin Ridley, ATL / Age: 26 / FA: 2023
7. Michael Thomas, NO / Age: 28 / FA: 2025
8. A.J. Brown, TEN / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
9. Justin Jefferson, MIN / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
10. Keenan Allen, LAC / Age: 29 / FA: 2025
11. Allen Robinson, CHI / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
12. Chris Godwin, TB / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
13. Julio Jones, ATL / Age: 32 / FA: 2024
14. Terry McLaurin, WAS / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
15. Kenny Golladay, DET / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
16. Mike Evans, TB / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
17. Amari Cooper, DAL / Age: 27 / FA: 2025
18. Robert Woods, LAR / Age: 29 / FA: 2026
19. Will Fuller, HOU / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
20. Diontae Johnson, PIT / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
21. Adam Thielen, MIN / Age: 31 / FA: 2025
22. Cooper Kupp, LAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
23. CeeDee Lamb, DAL / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
24. Tee Higgins, CIN / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
25. Odell Beckham Jr., CLE / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
26. Brandon Aiyuk, SF / Age: 23 / FA: 2025
27. Courtland Sutton, DEN / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
28. D.J. Moore, CAR / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
29. Tyler Lockett, SEA / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
30. Chase Claypool, PIT / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
31. D.J. Chark, JAC / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
32. Tyler Boyd, CIN / Age: 26 / FA: 2024
33. Deebo Samuel, SF / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
34. JuJu Smith-Schuster, PIT / Age: 24 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
35. Robby Anderson, CAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
36. Brandin Cooks, HOU / Age: 27 / FA: 2024
37. Jarvis Landry, CLE / Age: 28 / FA: 2023
38. DeVante Parker, MIA / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
39. Marquise Brown, BAL / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
40. Corey Davis, TEN / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
41. Curtis Samuel, CAR / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
42. Antonio Brown, TB / Age: 33 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
43. Jalen Reagor, PHI / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
44. Jerry Jeudy, DEN / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
45. Laviska Shenault, JAC / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
46. Jamison Crowder, NYJ / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
47. Michael Pittman Jr., IND / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
48. Sterling Shepard, NYG / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
49. Cole Beasley, BUF / Age: 32 / FA: 2023
50. Marvin Jones Jr., DET / Age: 31 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
51. Henry Ruggs III, LV / Age: 22 / FA: 2025
52. Mecole Hardman, KC / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
53. T.Y. Hilton, IND / Age: 31 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
54. Nelson Agholor, LV / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
55. Christian Kirk, ARI / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
56. Michael Gallup, DAL / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
57. Darius Slayton, NYG / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
58. John Brown, BUF / Age: 31 / FA: 2022
59. Darnell Mooney, CHI / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
60. Denzel Mims, NYJ / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
61. Van Jefferson, LAR / Age: 25 / FA: 2024
62. Mike Williams, LAC / Age: 26 / FA: 2022
63. Allen Lazard, GB / Age: 25 / FA: 2021 (ERFA)
64. Emmanuel Sanders, NO / Age: 34 / FA: 2022
65. Tim Patrick, DEN / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (RFA)
66. Keke Coutee, HOU / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
67. Jakobi Meyers, NE / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
68. Gabriel Davis, BUF / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
69. Bryan Edwards, LV / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
70. Parris Campbell, IND / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
71. Russell Gage, ATL / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
72. Sammy Watkins, KC / Age: 28 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
73. James Washington, PIT / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
74. Preston Williams, MIA / Age: 24 / FA: 2022
75. K.J. Hamler, DEN / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
76. Rashard Higgins, CLE / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
77. Quintez Cephus, DET / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
78. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB / Age: 26 / FA: 2022
79. N’Keal Harry, NE / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
80. Randall Cobb, HOU / Age: 31 / FA: 2023

TIGHT ENDS

1. Travis Kelce, KC / Age: 31 / FA: 2026
2. George Kittle, SF / Age: 27 / FA: 2026
3. Darren Waller, LV / Age: 29 / FA: 2024
4. Mark Andrews, BAL / Age: 26 / FA: 2022
5. T.J. Hockenson, DET / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
6. Dallas Goedert, PHI / Age: 26 / FA: 2022
7. Noah Fant, DEN / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
8. Robert Tonyan, GB / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (RFA)
9. Hunter Henry, LAC / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
10. Logan Thomas, WAS / Age: 30 / FA: 2022
11. Mike Gesicki, MIA / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
12. Evan Engram, NYG / Age: 27 / FA: 2022
13. Hayden Hurst, ATL / Age: 28 / FA: 2023
14. Irv Smith Jr., MIN / Age: 23 / FA: 2023
15. Cole Kmet, CHI / Age: 22 / FA: 2024
16. Zach Ertz, PHI / Age: 30 / FA: 2022
17. Rob Gronkowski, TB / Age: 32 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
18. Jonnu Smith, TEN / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
19. Austin Hooper, CLE / Age: 26 / FA: 2024
20. Eric Ebron, PIT / Age: 28 / FA: 2022
21. Jared Cook, NO / Age: 34 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
22. Blake Jarwin, DAL / Age: 27 / FA: 2024
23. Tyler Higbee, LAR / Age: 28 / FA: 2024
24. Adam Trautman, NO / Age: 24 / FA: 2024
25. Dawson Knox, BUF / Age: 24 / FA: 2023
26. Dan Arnold, ARI / Age: 26 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
27. O.J. Howard, TB / Age: 26 / FA: 2022
28. Drew Sample, CIN / Age: 25 / FA: 2023
29. Gerald Everett, LAR / Age: 27 / FA: 2021 (UFA)
30. Chris Herndon , NYJ / Age: 25 / FA: 2022
31. Harrison Bryant, CLE / Age: 23 / FA: 2024
32. Jordan Akins, HOU / Age: 29 / FA: 2022

Stay tuned for more updates.

It is never too early to start looking at next year’s fantasy football draft. 2021 will be the year of the running back, as I anticipate the first six picks in nearly all formats to be running backs.

1. RB Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

Although McCaffrey didn’t play in many games over the last couple of seasons, there is no denying his electrifying talent. If I were drafting first in 2021, I wouldn’t hesitate to select the best dual-threat running back in the league. In just three games this season, CMC averaged a ridiculous 30 fantasy points per game. If he had kept that up for the entire season, he would have been the top player in all of fantasy football.

2. RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

If you owned Kamara this past season, he likely led you to a dominant performance and a fantasy football championship. Although Kamara failed to rush for 1,000 yards, he did amass for 21 rushing and receiving touchdowns, good for first in the NFL. Six of those touchdowns came in championship week when Kamara broke out for 155 rushing yards and a whopping 53.2 fantasy points.

Although the potential departure of Drew Brees will hurt Kamara’s value, particularly in PPR leagues, he is still one of the best dual threat backs in the NFL and will be a top-two pick in all formats. Look for him to catch plenty of passes and finish second among running backs in receptions, behind the one and only McCaffrey.

3. RB Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Barkley has missed lots of time in each of his past two seasons. Fantasy managers who drafted Barkley this past season got minimal production from him before he tore his ACL in Week 2. That being said, the early reports about his rehab have been nothing but positive and the timing of the injury suggests that he will be ready for Week 1 even though he didn’t undergo surgery until late-October.

As a rookie in 2018, Barkley led the NFL with 2,028 yards from scrimmage, hauled in 91 receptions (second among running backs), scored 15 combined touchdowns, and finished second in fantasy points scored in a full season and on a per-game basis.

Barkley shouldn’t have any issues in 2021 as the Giants’ offensive attack will again be centered around the young and flashy back. Not to mention, it won’t hurt that Daniel Jones will have another year of experience under his belt.

4. RB Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

Cook finished as the second-best running back in fantasy football last season after producing 1,557 yards on 312 carries, 16 rushing touchdowns, 44 receptions for 361 receiving yards and an additional touchdown through the air. The former Florida State bruiser took a huge leap this season and as long as he can remain healthy in the future, he is a sure-fire RB1 in all fantasy formats.

The Vikings’ offense is extremely run-heavy, especially after the departure of Stefon Diggs. Although Minnesota still likes to give Kirk Cousins a chance to haul it down field to Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, Cook will continue to see 20-plus touches per game. If he remains healthy, something he struggled to do in college, don’t be surprised if he sneaks atop the leaderboard.

5. RB Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys

Zeke did not look like himself as soon as Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending leg injury. If Prescott does not return to the Cowboys, Elliott will likely slip out of the first round and into the second. However, if Prescott does indeed return as Dallas’ signal caller – and i do believe that he will, Elliott will not be available after the first six picks of the draft.

6. RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Henry never ceases to amaze me. Yet again, the former Alabama running back bulldozed his way to over 2,000 rushing yards this past season, along with 17 rushing touchdowns. Henry’s one weakness is his ability to make plays in the passing game. Despite playing 16 games this past season, the All-Pro back caught just 19 passes for 114 yards. If Henry and Ryan Tanehill develop some chemistry on short and intermediate routes, Henry could move into the top three players in all of fantasy football.

7. WR Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers

It’s about time we get to the first wide receiver on this list. Adams missed a few games this season, yet still finished as the No. 1 WR in fantasy football. Aaron Rodgers’ favorite weapon finished the 2020 season with 115 receptions, 1,374 yards and 18 touchdowns. Adams averaged a mind blowing 25-plus fantasy points per game.

Although we should expect to see touchdown regression, the Packers lack solid pass catchers outside of Adams. Even when opposing defenses knew that Rodgers was going Adams’ way, cornerbacks and safeties simply had no way of stopping the electrifying plays that these two guys made, day in and day out. Expect more of the same in 2021, however, I do think Adams struggles to find the end zone quite as much as he did this past year, despite the fact that he seems to be impossible to stop in the red zone.

8. TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Although Kelce is listed as a tight end, for fantasy purposes, he is just as good as the best receivers in the game. With Patrick Mahomes under center in that Chiefs’ aerial offensive attack, someone is going to get open on each and every play. It is simply impossible to stop a team with so many dynamic weapons, particularly when they have a quarterback as talented as Mahomes.

Although Darren Waller finished the season with two more receptions than Kelce, Kelce averaged 20.9 fantasy points per game compared to Waller’s 17.4. Along with his 105 catches, Kelce finished with 1,416 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Drafting Kelce in the late first round makes a ton of sense given the positional scarcity at tight end. There are only a handful of good tight ends in fantasy football, and none of them come close to Kelce’s level.

9. WR Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints

This one is a bit of a risk considering Thomas will need to develop a rapport with either Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston in the wake of Brees’ retirement. Fantasy owners were likely burned by Thomas this season, who did not score his first touchdown until the Saints’ Wild Card victory over the Chicago Bears.

Thomas is undergoing some offseason surgery and will be good to go by OTA’s next season. Forget about this past season and take a chance on the stud wideout next season. It won’t get any worse than it was this season.

10. WR Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

Hill is one of the most fun players to watch in the NFL. Not only is he part of that electrifying offense in Kansas City, but he is also one of the fastest players in the league. There is a reason that his Twitter handle is @cheetah.

Last season, Hill finished as the second-best wide receiver in PPR fantasy leagues. Although he only accumulated 87 receptions, he made up for that by going for 1,399 combined receiving and rushing yards, plus 17 touchdowns.

In 2021, expect Hill to continue to get open with ease as opposing defenses are forced to respect Mahomes’ ability to toss it short to Kelce. Hill will build off this successful campaign and should be drafted at the end of the first round.

Stay tuned for more fantasy football content here at Usports.org.

Tickets are on sale now for the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the visiting Green Bay Packers. The game is set for this Sunday, January 19, at 6:40 pm ET on FOX.

GET DEALS ON TICKETS FOR NFC CHAMPIONSHIP HERE! 

The 49ers are coming off a dominant 27-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Round game this past Sunday. Jimmy Garoppolo threw for just 131 yards with one touchdown and an interception, but the running game worked well for the Niners. Tevin Coleman lead the way with 12 rushes for 105 yards and two touchdowns while Raheem Mostert carried the ball 12 times for 58 yards. Both players averaged 4.8 yards per carry.

On the defensive side of the ball, Nick Bosa made Kirk Cousins uncomfortable all game and finished with two sacks. In the regular season the Niners gave up only 281 yards of total offense per game, good enough for second best in the league. Against Minnesota they only gave up just 147 yards of offense. Look for them to pressure Rodgers with different blitz packages.

The Packers are coming off a hard fought battle at Lambeau Field as they defeated the Seahawks 28-23. Davante Adams lead the way for Green Bay with eight receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Aaron Jones only averaged three yards per carry, but was able to get into the endzone twice.

One of the biggest storylines will be Garoppolo vs Rodgers, the up and coming quarterback opposite a Super Bowl Champion with eight Pro Bowl appearances. Garoppolo is coming off his first full season with the Niners compiling 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Meanwhile, Rodgers is in his 15th year with Green Bay and is coming off a very efficient season throwing for 4,002 yards with 26 touchdowns and only four interceptions. But does he have enough left in the tank to grant his a team a second Super Bowl appearance? Tune in this Sunday to find out.

GET DEALS ON TICKETS FOR NFC CHAMPIONSHIP HERE! 

These are the betting odds/statistics, according to CBS Sports:

• Packers vs 49ers spread: San Francisco -7.5
• Packers vs 49ers over-under: 45 points
• Packers vs 49ers money line: San Francisco -350, Green Bay +275
• GB: Packers have covered five of six games as a playoff underdog.
• SF: 49ers are 5-2 against the spread in the last seven meetings in this series.

Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan was originally suspended two games for his rough hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams on Thursday night, but his ban has now been reduced to one game on appeal.

Danny Trevathan Suspension news

Adams was transported to the hospital after Trevathan landed a vicious helmet-to-helmet tackle on Adams late in the third quarter. Packers coach Mike McCarthy later said his wideout appeared to be doing fine. The Packers visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Trevathan was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty but was not ejected from Chicago’s 35-14 loss.

“I regret the level I hit him at,” Trevathan said after the game. “But you got to understand I had momentum, and I was just trying to make a play.”

According to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune, Trevathan missed Tuesday’s practice because he was going through the appeals process. Appeals officer and former NFL linebacker Derrick Brooks reduced the suspension, which will cost Trevathan $117,647 of his 2017 salary while he misses Monday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Trevathan played only nine games for the Bears last year and has 29 tackles through the first four games this season.

The Bears confirmed earlier this week that rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky — the second overall pick in 2017 out of North Carolina — will make his first start in Monday’s home game against Minnesota. Chicago will play the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6.

GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Randall Cobb #18 of the Green Bay Packers is tackled by Danny Trevathan #59 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)