Richard Rodgers (GB, TE) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Pickup in 12+ team PPR leagues

OWNED IN: 42% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: When the Green Bay Packers lost Andrew Quarless to an MCL sprain in week 3 there was a hole to fill in the offense.  The player who has stepped up has been Richard Rodgers.  In the following two weeks since losing Quarless to injury Rodgers has totaled 90 yards, one touchdown, and 11 catches on 14 targets.  This is the same amount of looks as low end TE1 and solid TE2 players (i.e. Larry Donnell had 14, Travis Kelce had 16).

This week Rodgers will be facing a San Diego defense that has given up the 13th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.  This season the Chargers have allowed three touch downs to opposing tight ends Gary Barnidge (low end TE1), Eric Ebron (TE2) and Tyler Eifert (TE1).  It is likely that the Packers will see this vulnerability in the Chargers and target Rodgers in red zone packages. Long term Rodgers will be the starting tight end for the Packers till at least week 12 since Quarless was put on IR/Recall list.  With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, Richard Rodgers has potential to be a solid TE2 going forward.  I like him as a solid Flex play in PPR leagues or bye-week fill in this week.