Jordy Nelson (WR-GB)

Injury He underwent hip surgery during the offseason.

2014 Season – Nelson caught a career-high 98 passes for 1,519 yards as Aaron Rodgers primary target.  His 13 touchdown catches fell just two shy of his personal best when he caught 15 touchdowns in 2011.  Nelson really emerged as an elite fantasy wide receiver compiling seven games with at least 100 yards receiving and benefited from Aaron Rodgers’ incredible season.  Towards the end of the year and during the playoffs, there did seem to be something off with Nelson as he dropped passes in key situations.   

Reason For Optimism  

  • Nelson avoided the PUP list and will be ready to begin training camp at 100%.
  • His offensive trends have continued upward the past couple years and he should maintain that pace in Green Bay’s explosive offense.
  • His hip injury could cause fantasy owners to somewhat overlook him early in drafts which could make him a tremendous value pick by the third round.
  • Aaron Rodgers is his quarterback which automatically makes Nelson a legitimate threat to score on any passing play.

Reason For Concern

  • Nelson is now 30-years old and coming off of hip surgery.
  • Both age and recovery from surgery could cost him a step which impacts his ability to run sharp routes or beat opposing defensive backs on long post patterns.
  • It is conceivable that the Packers try to rely on Eddie Lacy and the running game a bit more which could cut down on Rodgers’ passing attempts.

2015 OUTLOOK Nelson has been a fantasy favorite for several years now after emerging as one of Aaron Rodgers’ primary targets.  Green Bay’s offense is explosive and they should have a more balanced attack with Eddy Lacy now entering his third season.  Nelson’s reception totals have increased significantly the past couple seasons so it would not be surprising to see him surpass 100 catches this year.  He is an extremely valuable wide receiver in both standard and PPR formats because of his touchdown scoring capabilities.  There are other bigger names available in the first few rounds, but you will be just fine taking him with your second or third pick.  Barring any setbacks or unforeseen re-aggravation of his hip injury, Nelson will be right near the top of the list for total points by a wide receiving come the end of the season.

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and co-host of the Fantasy Alarm Podcast.  You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),