Fantasy Football 2019: Draft advice for Packers at each position

Defense and special teams

Most years, it’s easy to dismiss the Packers defense in fantasy football. But that could change in 2019.

A good strategy in the draft is to target a defense that has a favorable matchup in Week 1, and potentially Week 2. As last year showed, simply going for the No. 1-ranked defense (Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST in 2018), is a risky move and often doesn’t work out. Similarly, spending a mid-round pick on the Chicago Bears D/ST feels like a huge risk this year.

There’s a good chance the Packers will go undrafted, but keep them on your radar. A Week 1 matchup against the Bears isn’t necessarily favorable as it’s on the road, but you could do far worse. In what could be a low-scoring game, Green Bay’s defense could make a statement with sacks and a turnover.

As we don’t even know who the Packers’ kicker will be in Week 1, I’d avoid both Mason Crosby and Sam Ficken. And while Crosby might be the clear favorite to win the training camp battle, Green Bay’s matchup with Chicago in the season opener is enough reason to avoid all Packers kickers.

The defense could become a good streaming option this year, but for now, avoid Crosby and Ficken.