Not too early for Green Bay Packers fantasy football analysis!

Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Given the time of year, you may think we should not be going over this. However, it is always time to be planning ahead for the next year in fantasy football!

So what Packers players are you going to need to have this year?

QUARTERBACK – Aaron Rodgers, Matt Flynn, Scott Tolzien

Rodgers is the obvious player here. He constantly finishes as one of the top fantasy football quarterbacks each year, and would have last year if not for his collarbone injury. Even so, he is bound to put that chip on his “shoulder”(seems like a really silly pun) and be out to prove to everyone just how good he can be coming off of an injury. Rodgers may have lost a few weapons, but that does not make him any less dangerous.

As Packers fans, let’s hope you have no reason at all to own Flynn or Tolzien. If Rodgers is operating, these guys will not smell the Lambeau Field grass.

RUNNING BACK – Eddie Lacy, James Starks, Dujuan Harris, Johnathan Franklin

Lacy is the bell-cow of the bunch. He will see the most carries and most likely score the most touchdowns. Lacy has a chance to be even better than he was last year due to Rodgers hopefully making it through an entire season. The kid had almost 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns without Rodgers for half the year? What might he do with the threat of the best quarterback in the NFL behind center? We are about to find out.

Of the backups, Starks is probably the most explosive to own, but mainly as a handcuff for Lacy. If Lacy were to go down, Starks would most likely be in line for more carries. Harris is the unknown of this bunch given his injury last year, but may even be a steal given his lightning to Lacy’s thunder. Franklin is most likely a non-factor.

WIDE RECEIVER – Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jarrett Boykin

Jordy Nelson is elite folks, and he is not half bad as a fantasy football wide out. Nelson may be a bit more valuable in PPR leagues due to the amount of catches he makes and commands, but either way you are getting a great player. Own him! Randall Cobb has some time to make up for last season, but he, like Rodgers, will be ready to game once September hits. Expect a huge season that catapults him into the elite receiver spectrum next year, especially given it is a contract year. Boykin has potential to fill the James Jones void very well. However, he is probably more of value in a PPR league.

TIGHT END – Andrew Quarless, Brandon Bostick

Sad to say, but neither of these players should be worth a roster spot this year. I hope they prove me wrong, but as of this moment you should not plan a draft spot for either. If you are in a deep, 12- team league, maybe grab Bostick if you cannot get another good backup tight end. He of the two has the most potential as a receiving tight end. Andrew Quarless has proven that he is inconsistent in the stat category. In any case do not waste a pick. Wait, and if one proves you wrong, grab him off waivers.

KICKER – Mason Crosby

Last year we would probably be advising against him, especially since there did not seem to be any chance he even made the roster for a bit. He was simply horrible the previous year. Crosby, however, managed to beat the odds and rebounded with his best season as a pro. Absolutely draft him when the time to pick your kicker is nigh.

DEFENSE –

This is probably one of the biggest question marks when it comes to fantasy football. My league plays two defenses, so I would not mind to play Green Bay in the 2 slot. At this point we simply do not know if they will improve (as bad as they were if almost seems like they can only go up), even though they kept the young and improving players and added an element or two. Julius Peppers could bring out the best in this team for all we know. Or he could end up the player he was last year as the Packers tank to another bottom year in defense.

I would like to tell you the arrow is pointing up. After the draft we will know more, but for now, they should not be your first pick.

What are your opinions on Packers players to draft in fantasy football? Any diamonds in the rough we should be thinking of? Post your comments below!