Tonight’s Saints – Packers game has a few interesting stories from a fantasy perspective. There probably should not be much unexpected at the quarterback position. Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers will likely turn in their usual solid performances. At wide receiver, it will be worth watching Green Bay to see if anyone starts to emerge behind Greg Jennings. However, the real players to watch will be at running back for both teams and at tight end for Green Bay.
Mark Ingram, New Orleans, RB — Ingram is the closest this fantasy football season has to a hyped rookie running back. Ingram has a good chance to emerge as the primary ball carrier in New Orleans’ prolific offense. However, he will see competition from the likes of Pierre Thomas. I would look beyond Ingram’s fantasy production tonight to try to see how often he is in the game and how frequently the coaches are trusting him in key situations. As a rookie in his first game, he may not have a huge statistical night, but it may be possible to tell how much rope the New Orleans coaching staff is willing to give him.
Ryan Grant/James Starks, Green Bay, RB — In theory, these two Green Bay backs are supposed to evenly split carries. However, I’m sure that could change quickly if Grant shows signs that he is fully recovered from injury or if Starks starts to breakout. Ryan Grant is available in some leagues and Starks is still a free agent in many leagues.
Jermichael Finley, Green Bay, TE — It will be interesting to see if Jermichael Finley returns with his full athletic dominance and if he is able to withstand the pounding of a real game. Watch to see if Finley is getting separation when covered by linebackers and if he is able to punish players in the secondary when matched up one-on-one. If he does not look fully recovered, it might be worth exploring trade options while his value is still high, given the high draft pick that Finley likely commanded.
