GAME SUMMARIES & FANTASY COMMENTARY:
Thursday Night Game:
Green Bay Packers 23 (1-1) | Chicago Bears 10 (1-1)
Fantasy Focus -- Packers: The disappointing showing from Aaron Rodgers (219-1-1) is not a surprise. Despite what some think, it's Greg Jennings (DNP -- groin) who makes the Packers passing attack go. Jordy Nelson (6-84-0) topped Green Bay in receiving, but he's much better as a No. 2 receiver with Jennings on the field commanding attention from top cover corners. Dropped passes and sloppy play continue to plague Jermichael Finley (4-26-0), while James Jones (2-(-1)-0) continues to show that he is inconsistent from week to week, even as a fill-in starter. The play of Cedric Benson (20-81-0 rushing and 4-35-0 receiving) was a pleasant surprise following his dud Week 1 showing. Randall Cobb (1-28-0 rushing and 1-20-0 receiving), as I warned you last week, likely will not be a consistent fantasy contributor.
What you should know: As you probably suspected, Rodgers and the Green Bay passing game will return to amassing astro-numbers when Jennings returns, so patience is in order. While Benson is worth a roster slot, he probably is not a savior for your team. The Packers remain a heavy pass-first offense, and Benson usually plays very well against his former team. Benson's numbers versus the Bears could be his best game of 2012.
Fantasy Focus -- Bears: The Bears offense looked like world beaters in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, but the Monsters of the Midway played like eggbeaters against the Packers. Chicago had success running the football against the Pack (like the 49ers did in Week 1) with Matt Forte (14-54-0 rushing and 4-49-0 receiving) and Michael Bush (14-54-0 rushing and 0-0-0 receiving), but Chicago seemed determined to have Jay Cutler (126-1-4) do a Drew Brees impersonation, and Cutler was sacked seven times. Brandon Marshall (2-24-0) was blanketed all game long and dropped a touchdown grab in the end zone. With Marshall facing regular double teams, none of Chicago's other receivers, including Earl Bennett (2-21-0), Alshon Jeffrey (1-7-0) and Devin Hester (0-0-0) stepped up.
What you should know: It's obviously time to downgrade the Bears passing attack. Marshall remains a must-start, but Cutler rates as just a fantasy backup. Forget about the other Chicago receivers for now. Bush has solid No. 2 fantasy running back value going forward as a fill-in starter. Forte is not expected to return until after the Bears' Week 6...