Fantasy Football News: Randall Cobb a must start vs. Chicago

The Green Bay Packers offense was already one of the most fantasy friendly before the emergence of Randall Cobb. A group that  included 2 Top 10 WR’s in Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, along with Top 6 TE Jermichael Finley, it was the type of team fantasy owners drool over. That was all before Randall Cobb unleashed on Sunday, now this just became an even more incredible fantasy group.

I was a Cobb fan before the season, he showed last season he was already one of the best returner men in the game, and flashes signs of brilliance as a Wide Receiver. During training camp Cobb stepped up his game even more, impressing coaches enough to pass Donald Driver on the depth chart and find himself in 4 WR sets. He was gaining value before the regular season kicked off for his potential as a deep threat and what he could already do as a returner. In Green Bays Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers, the Packers used Cobb in multiple ways, including in the backfield. His value has since skyrocketed after his new role on the team, and it has elevated him into one of the most added players this week with his ownership spiking 25% in ESPN leagues. Last week against the 49ers not only did Cobb return a punt 75 yards for a score, he led the team in receptions with 9. The upsurge in targets can be related to where he lines up on 3rd downs, in the backfield next to Aaron Rodgers. The move allows Cobb more room to break off routes and get open, avoiding the bump coverage he might see as a WR. In his new role Cobb should gain a significant boost in all fantasy leagues, and should be 100% owned in 10 team or more PPR leagues, or leagues where players are rewarded for return yards.

While I am already high on Cobb for the remainder this season, I believe he is a must start among WR’s this week in standard 10 team leagues. I love him as a flex play, and even a No.2 WR this week. The news came down that Greg Jennings may miss Thursdays game because of a groin injury he suffered on the last drive against the 49ers. While Jennings is doubtful to start, there is still the chance he will try to push through it. I think the Packers play it safe with Jennings, even with the scary situation of a possible 0-2 start, the risk of losing him for an extended period of time wouldn’t be worth it. If Jennings misses the game, Cobb should see some of the 9 targets Greg Jennings saw last week come his way. If that happens, Cobb could have a 10 catch 100+ yard day, and with the chance for a return TD, that makes him a must start in my book. I’m not saying Cobb is the safest play out there, and I would never start him over the likes of Julio Jones, AJ Green or Calvin Johnson, I trust Cobb as a Top 15 WR this week.