The Green Bay Packers finished the 2021 season with a record of 13-4, winning the NFC North for the 3rd consecutive year. Their offense was in the Top 10 in the league, and the defense was not far behind (13th in points allowed).

In 2021, The Packers had a handful of decent fantasy-relevant IDPs, led by middle linebacker De’Vondre Campbell, who finished LB6 in IDP123 scoring. In 2022, the Packers are looking to change things up with their first-round draft pick, Quay Walker. There are several other players I believe you should roster on your dynasty teams.

Let’s take a look!

DEFENSIVE LINE/EDGE

Rashan Gary, OLB/EDGE/DL

Depending on the platform, you will likely find Gary with a DL designation. If you’re one of the lucky ones, then Gary will be an excellent addition to your pass rushers. Gary is entering the final year of his rookie contract and coming off his best season to date (9.5 sacks, 46 combined tackles,182pts). He mainly saw this increase in scoring because veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith missed the entire season due to injury. Smith has since signed with the Vikings, a division rival.

Now is the time to go in big on Gary. Target him in drafts after all the big names are gone, and he’ll still be a decent low-end DL1. Look to acquire Gary now, hoping his manager isn’t aware of his potential.

Preston Smith, OLB/EDGE/DL

Smith will frustrate fantasy managers. He is the definition of boom or bust. He’ll get you 20 points one week and then completely disappear for several weeks, only to come back and drop 30. Smith is a decent streaming option in deeper leagues or DL3 if you need to start three defensive linemen.

Best of the Rest

The Packers lack depth at DE/EDGE, so there aren’t many other players worth rostering. However, Kenny Clark is easily a top option if your league requires a defensive tackle because of his higher tackle floor.

LINEBACKERS

De’Vondre Campbell, ILB

As I mentioned, Campbell had his best season to date, finishing LB6 in IDP123 scoring. He racked up 146 combined tackles and a handful of impact plays (two each of sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles). He was one of the few linebackers to finish with over 100 solo tackles, which rewards those in leagues with higher solo tackle scoring.

Some managers might be concerned about Campbell losing time with Quay Walker joining the team, but many sources indicate that Green Bay plans on playing two middle linebackers more often. Campbell will be remaining the three-down linebacker. If you roster Campbell and are looking to get the most value for him, moving him at his highest might make sense. Hold on to him if you’re contending for a title, and watch the points roll in.

Quay Walker, MLB

Truly a shock to many IDP analysts, Walker was taken 22nd overall in the 2022 draft. Many people had fellow Georgia teammate Nakobe Dean being the first linebacker drafted, but it was Walker. I was initially skeptical, but I have since been shown that Walker can be a valuable fantasy contributor early on. I’m not ready to put him into the LB1 conversation or even LB2. Rookie linebackers rarely do well in their first year. He could serve as a decent flex option in deeper IDP leagues this season, and his value will only increase in future seasons.

Best of the Rest

Krys Barnes and Isaiah McDuffie are the next men up in Green Bay. They should not be rostered, even in deeper leagues. They can be picked up on waivers should the need arise.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Adrain Amos, SS

Amos is one of those pillars of consistency in IDP fantasy football. He’s hovered at that DB2 level for most of his career. He did manage his highest tackle count last season but lacked in the impact play categories.

Amos makes for a solid DB2 or streaming option at DB, but not much more.

Darnell Savage, FS

Savage is a middling defensive back, like his fellow safety. He’s less consistent because he depends more on impact plays due to his lower tackling numbers.

Best of the Rest

The waters are muddy behind Amos and Savage. There are no clear options to keep an eye on as of yet.

SUMMARY

The Packers will probably have to lean on their defense a little more this season as the offense learns to gel with a new coordinator. The linebackers and defensive linemen I mentioned are the players you want to have on your team. The defensive backs you can either take or leave but could be solid depth pieces.

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