A Fantasy read on the Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers is taking his new job seriously. Aside from extra workouts during the offseason, Rodgers got a new haircut to prove he's all grown up.

Rodgers is stepping out of Brett Favre's shadow this year. When Favre retired following last season, the spotlight on Rodgers became intense -- from Packers' fans and Fantasy owners.

So Rodgers got rid of the shaggy haircut for a cleaner appearance and now looks "like he's about 13 years old," Green Bay linebacker A.J. Hawk said. Good thing Rodgers doesn't play that way.

Rodgers has a chance to be successful this year in his first season as a starter, mostly because of the supporting cast around him. He has the chance to be a Fantasy starter if things go his way.

The Packers have established a solid corps of wide receivers in Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, James Jones and tight end Donald Lee. They also have an excellent running game led by Ryan Grant and a stout offensive line.

Since Favre never missed much time -- he had the quarterback-record streak of consecutive games played at 275, including the playoffs -- Rodgers is unproven in three seasons. His most extensive action came last year in Week 13 against Dallas when Favre hurt his elbow.

Rodgers was 18-of-26 passing for 201 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions against the Cowboys. He displayed a strong arm and poise in the pocket.

Expectations are high for Aaron Rodgers, but Fantasy owners need to be realistic. (Getty Images)

But now he will have to show his skills for a full 16 games and prove to Fantasy owners he can be successful. As of now, you should go into the season with Rodgers as a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback with the chance to see his value rise -- quickly.

He might start off the season slowly playing with the nerves of a first-time starter -- kind of like a 13-year-old boy. But once he finds a comfort zone, Rodgers could end up being a Fantasy star.

Positives: The best thing for Rodgers is his receiving corps, which should help him make the transition to being a starter. When he got extensive action last year against Dallas, he showed his ability to move out of the pocket. There is no veteran presence to put pressure on him, with rookies Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn the only backups.

Negatives: He's injury prone. He hurt his hamstring last year and broke his foot in 2006, and that was with minimal playing time. He's never started a game before, so he could wilt under the pressure. With Favre retired, the Packers could become a run-heavy team.

Outlook: Rodgers should be one of first backup quarterbacks taken in all Fantasy leagues. The hope is he will thrive early in the season and then he can either start for Fantasy owners or be used as trade bait. If you draft Rodgers as a starting Fantasy QB then you will be disappointed if he fails to live up to playing in Favre's shadow.

Position battle: No. 2 running back

Brandon Jackson Pro: Jackson finished the season strong after losing his starting job due to a shin injury in Week 3. He worked well down the stretch sharing carries with Grant and had 113 yards rushing in the season finale against Detroit. Jackson is a solid receiver and has the ability to start if Grant falters. Con: When Jackson was the starter, he was terrible. He averaged only 2.6 yards per carry with one touchdown. Jackson is a smaller back and will lose touchdowns to DeShawn Wynn. And Vernand Morency might be a better receiver than Jackson.

DeShawn Wynn Pro: Wynn filled in for the injured Jackson last year and played well, rushing for four touchdowns in seven games and averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He is a power back and has the ability to work well in short-yardage situations. Con: He doesn't have great speed. He was put on injured reserve following a shoulder injury in Week 8, which opened the door for Grant. He is limited as a receiver with only nine catches last year.

Vernand Morency Pro: Morency is a solid receiver out of the backfield, which should be helpful for Rodgers. Morency caught 30 passes for 199 yards last year in a limited role. He has great speed and should do well in a situational role. Con: His size will limit his touchdowns, so don't expect him on the field in short-yardage situations. Morency had the chance to start last season but was limited with a knee injury. He is low on the depth chart in terms of carries. Prediction: Jackson is the No. 2 option, Wynn plays in short-yardage situations and Morency sees time in passing downs. Jackson has the most value because he would start if something happens to Grant, who is entering the season with his contract in doubt. Consider taking Jackson with a late-round flier and leave Wynn and Morency on the waiver wire.

Position battle: No. 3 wide receiver

James Jones Pro: Jones was fine in his rookie season with 47 catches for 676 yards and two touchdowns. He finished tied with Driver in touchdowns. He has good speed and size (6-foot-1). Con: Jones was terrible down the stretch, with four catches for 43 yards the final four games. He also didn't score a touchdown after Week 8.

Ruvell Martin Pro: The Packers like Martin's ability to work outside because of his size (6-foot-4). He had four touchdowns in the final eight games despite only 10 catches over that span. Con: He only had two games in 2008 with more than one catch. Martin started the final three games, taking Jones' spot, but it was more because of his blocking ability than catching.

Jordy Nelson Pro: The Packers drafted Nelson in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft for a reason, and that's to get him on the field. He has good size (6-foot-3) and speed. Nelson is an eventual replacement for Driver once he leaves Green Bay. Con: He's still a rookie, and rookie receivers sometimes take time to develop. He will likely spend more time on special teams than catching passes in his rookie season. Prediction: Jones will remain the No. 3 option, but all three guys will see the field. Still, Jones has the most Fantasy value at this time and is the one worth drafting in standard leagues. Martin could be a good source of touchdowns in deeper leagues, and Nelson has value in rookie-only drafts in the middle rounds. Next year, look for Nelson to make an impact.