Fantasy Football - Does a Player Like Greg Jennings Really Matter?

To piggyback a little bit on yesterday's discussion regarding Bryan Bulaga and how his injury can impact other players, let's talk a little more about that idea and how QB's can affect the numbers of their targets - wide receivers.

Greg Jennings is the most obvious example this year, I think.  He's played his entire career with either Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers as his QB.  Additionally, he's played on teams that were in the playoffs a number of years, so they were good, with good offenses.  His numbers, when he played, were a result of the offenses he played with and the fact that he played with one and possibly two future Hall of Fame quaterbacks.  Now, ask yourself this question - does Christian Ponder give you that same confidence?

I like Greg Jennings as a receiver.  I don't think he's a great receiver but definitely a good one.  However, with Ponder throwing the football, as opposed to Rodgers and Favre, there is going to be a definite drop-off.  In addition, with Adrian Peterson being the center of that offense, how much are they going to be throwing it anyway?  The Packers had a pass first type mentality.  Also, since their running game was not great, when they got close to the end zone, they were throwing it, meaning more TD opportunities for their receivers.  Do you think the Vikings will be throwing the ball a lot as they get closer to the goal line? 

Again, I am simply illustrating the fact that you need to pay close attention to other aspects of the game when making your fantasy football draft preparation.  From line play, to the connection between QB and receiver, to the style the team plays, to coaching tendencies - these are all factors to consider as you look at the draft board.

The NFC North has another interesting team with potential fantasy busts or breakouts, and this is the Chicago Bears.  With what should be, or was touted to be, an elite QB in Jay Cutler, you have the potential for breakout years for receivers like Brandon Marshall (he had a good year last year - don't know if you would consider another good year this year as a 'breakout'), a healthy Alshon Jeffery, newly acquired TE Martelius Bennett and Matt Forte (can catch the ball coming out of the backfield).  There has been an emphasis on improving the offensive line in the draft and their new coach, Marc Trestman, is thought to be the offensive antithesis of Lovie Smith. 

All that being said, this has the makings for some potentially potent offensive numbers for guys like Marshall, Jeffery and Forte.  Trestman will probably work in the TE more than in Lovie's regime, so you may see some decent numbers from Bennett, as well.  Some big 'IFs' though, right?  Is Cutler really that good?  Is the offensive line going to be improved?  Is Trestman an offensive guru or an imposter?  All valid questions to keep an eye on during the pre-season but again another example of keeping an eye on all aspects of the game to make more of an informed decision come draft day.