OLB Za'Darius Smith (back)was limited at Wednesday's practice, and his availability for Sunday's season opener against the Saints is in question.

Analysis: Smith spent the first half of camp on the non-football injury list and back not be available for Week 1. It would be a significant loss for the Packers, as he's recorded 26 sacks over the past two seasons. QB Jameis Winston will make his first start as New Orleans' new signal-caller in the post-Drew Brees era, and the turnover-prone Winston should provide plenty of opportunities for Green Bay, especially if Smith is able to play. The absence of WR Michael Thomas (ankle) also leaves RB Alvin…read more

OLB Za'Darius Smith (back) was activated from the non-football injury list Aug. 16 and should be ready for Week 1.

Analysis: Smith and Kevin King opened training camp on the NFI list for Green Bay, but both expected starters have since been cleared to practice. The Packers lost the exhibition opener to the Texans 26-7 but appear to be in good shape health wise as the preseason ramps up. The Green Bay defense returns largely the same unit from last season, but the addition of first-rounder CB Eric Stokes and a return to form from OLB Preston Smith could provide a boost in 2021.

OLB Za'Darius Smith (undisclosed) and CB Kevin King (undisclosed) headline the players placed on the non-football injury list to open training camp for the Packers.

Analysis: Neither player appears to be dealing with a serious issue, and both are expected back on the field relatively quickly. Green Bay's defense enters camp in relatively strong health with no notable injuries to key contributors. With QB Aaron Rodgers now officially back in the fold, the defense should be set up for success again in 2021 by a strong offense that limits giveaways.

The Packers drafted CB Eric Stokes with the 29th overall pick during the 2021 NFL Draft.

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The Packers allowed 260 yards and 14 points during the Week 16 win over the Titans and play the Bears on Sunday.

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The Packers gave up 364 yards and 16 points during the Week 15 win over the Panthers and play the Titans on Sunday.

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The Packers allowed 293 yards and 24 points during the Week 14 win over the Lions and play the Panthers on Saturday.

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The Packers allowed 278 yards and 16 points during the Week 13 win over the Eagles and play the Lions on Sunday.

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The Packers allowed 351 yards and 25 points during the Week 12 win over the Bears and play the Eagles on Sunday.

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The Packers gave up 420 yards and 34 points during the Week 11 loss to the Colts and play the Bears on Sunday.

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The Packers allowed 260 yards and 20 points during the Week 10 win over the Jaguars and play the Colts on Sunday.

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The Packers gave up 337 yards and 17 points during the Week 9 win over the 49ers and play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: It was Green Bay's best defensive outing of the year as San Fran didn't reach the endzone until five minutes were left in the contest, but two garbage-time scores brought the points allowed to 17, nullifying much of the fantasy value. The Packers had two takeaways and only one sack. The matchup with Jacksonville has potential with rookie QB Jake Luton making his second career start, though he looked solid in his debut last week despite an interception and a fumble. This isn't a bad matchup for…read more

The Packers allowed 324 yards and 24 points during Sunday's loss to the Vikings and play the 49ers on Thursday.

Analysis: QB Kirk Cousins attempted only 14 passes as RB Dalvin Cook put up 226 yards and four touchdowns on 32 touches as the Green Bay defense had no answer. The Packers had one sack to show for their efforts and saw their pressure rate drop to 16.7 percent (30th in the league), and they're now tied-last with only four takeaways. San Francisco's injury woes continue to mount with QB Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) and TE George Kittle (foot) sidelined indefinitely and Tevin Coleman (knee) aggravating his…read more

The Packers gave up 365 yards and 20 points during the Week 7 win over the Texans and play the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: The numbers don't make it obvious, but it was a strong defensive showing from Green Bay, as Houston put up 13 points during the fourth quarter to make the final score look respectable. Still, there wasn't a lot of meat on the fantasy side for the Packers with three sacks and one takeaway. Green Bay ranks 30th in the league in pressure rate (17.4 percent) and tied-29th in takeaways (four). QB Kirk Cousins isn't a scary matchup and is prone to inconsistent play behind a poor offensive line, but…read more

The Packers surrendered 31 offensive points and 324 yards during the Week 6 loss to the Buccaneers and play the Texans on Sunday.

Analysis: Green Bay had a strong first quarter on both sides of the ball, but things completely fell apart as Tampa Bay put up 28 points during the second quarter. The Packers rank 30th in the league in pressure rate (17.6 percent) despite 12 sacks and are also tied-30th in takeaways (three). The Green Bay D/ST has shown minimal playmaking ability so far in 2020, and until that changes it won't be a trustworthy fantasy option, especially in Week 7 with Houston coming off a 36-point performance.

The Packers come out of their bye ranked 18th in scoring defense (25.3 PPG) and 12th in total defense (353.3 YPG) and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Green Bay had its best defensive outing of the season before the bye, allowing only 16 points to Atlanta, and four sacks and zero takeaways led to modest fantasy production. The Packers have struggled with takeaways (three) and the pass rush (17.6% pressure rate), which has limited their fantasy production despite consistently playing with a lead through four games. QB Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay offense have had their share of struggles with seven giveaways, but this could be a tough matchup…read more

The Packers allowed 30 points and 397 yards during the Week 3 win over the Saints and play the Falcons on Monday.

Analysis: Green Bay had one takeaway and two sacks but were unable to contain RB Alvin Kamara, as he rushed six times for 58 yards and caught 13 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. DT Kenny Clark (groin) missed the game, but he practiced as a limited participant Thursday and would be a huge boost if able to play this week. Atlanta is dealing with injuries of its own, as WRs Julio Jones (hamstring), Calvin Ridley (ankle) and Russell Gage (head) are all banged up. At full strength this is a matchup to…read more

DT Kenny Clark (groin) may not be available for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Analysis: Clark began the week not practice and seems headed for a questionable tag, at best. The Packers had a strong showing against the Lions last week, recording four sacks and turning the lone takeaway into a touchdown (a pick-six from CB Chandon Sullivan). QB Drew Brees and New Orleans typically have fantastic ball security and strong pass protection, which makes them an easy matchup to avoid for fantasy defenses. However, if WR Michael Thomas (ankle) misses his second straight game, the Green Bay…read more

The Packers gave up 34 points and 382 yards during Sunday's 43-34 win over the Vikings and play the Lions in Week 2.

Analysis: Green Bay dominated the ball early and held a 29-10 lead through three quarters, but Minnesota rallied for 24 points in the fourth to dampen any defensive fantasy production. The Packers had two sacks, one takeaway and a safety, but the late production from QB Kirk Cousins is somewhat concerning. Detroit had one sack allowed and one giveaway in the season opener, and this matchup for the Green Bay D/ST isn't much to get excited about, though you could certainly do worse.

The Packers will face the Vikings on the road in Sunday's season opener.

Analysis: With the exception of replacing Blake Martinez with Christian Kirksey at inside linebacker, the Packers return the same starting 11 from the 2019 defense. The Vikings lost a high-end talent with the departure of WR Stefon Diggs, which should lead to increased attention for Adam Thielen, who is now clearly the team's No. 1 wideout. Minnesota was middle of the pack in giveaways (20) but tied-fifth with only 28 sacks allowed last season. but Green Bay had plenty of success in their two matchups…read more

The Packers ranked 18th in total defense (352.6 YPG), ninth in scoring (19.6 PPG), tied-seventh in takeaways (25) and tied-15th in sacks (41) in 2019.

Analysis: Green Bay returns the same starting 11 from the defense last season with the exception of Blake Martinez at linebacker, who was replace via free agency by Christian Kirksey. The major weakness came against the run (4.7 YPC), and that seems likely to be the case again given the lack of personnel changes. The success of pass rushers Za'Darius Smith and Preston Smith (25.5 combined sacks) figures to dictate whether the group can replicate last season's performance.

The Packers allowed 139 yards and 10 points to the Vikings in Week 16 and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: Minnesota managed only 2.6 yards per play and seven first downs Monday, as Green Bay had five sacks and one takeaway while dominating the ball. The regular-season finale against reeling Detroit provides a great chance to build on that performance. The Packers are seventh in takeaways (34) and 13th in sacks (40), and the matchup with the Lions will be a prime opportunity to add to those totals.

The Packers allowed 415 yards and 13 points to the Bears in Week 15 and play the Vikings on Monday.

Analysis: Chicago's desperation laterals on the final play of the game came up just short, but the end result of a lost fumble ended up adding to Green Bay's defensive output. Overall the Packers had three sacks and three takeaways. Week 16 against the Vikings presents significantly more difficult matchup, as they coming off a 39-point performance against the Chargers. Minnesota has protected QB Kirk Cousins well (23 sacks and 59 QB hits allowed) this season, while the Packers have generally struggled to…read more

Green Bay held Washington to 262 yards during the Week 14, 20-15 and play Chicago on Sunday.

Analysis: The Packers had four sacks and one takeaway as QB Dwayne Haskins was held to 4.5 yards per pass. A matchup with the Bears presents another solid opportunity in Week 15, though they do a solid job of taking care of the ball (15 giveaways). Green Bay allowed only three points in the first iteration of this matchup Week 1, but it's difficult to envision another stifling performance. The Packers are a plus-matchup for this week, but they haven't been consistent enough this season for them to be…read more

The Packers gave up 335 yards in the 31-13, Week 13 win over the Giants and will play the Redskins on Sunday

Analysis: Green Bay didn't record any sacks but had three takeaways to provide solid value against New York. Week 14 presents another appetizing matchup with the Redskins, though they are coming off a solid win against the Panthers. Still, Washington is a bottom of the barrel offense in yardage (262.4 YPG), scoring (14.4 PPG) and sacks allowed (40). Slowing RBs Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice will be the keys shutting down the offense, which averages only 163.0 YPG through the air. The Packers should…read more

The Packers were torched for 39 points by the 49ers in Week 12 and will play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: Nothing went right for the Green Bay in this game, as the offense averaged a meager 2.8 yards per play while the defense surrendered 7.5 yards per play. The Packers had a strong defensive start to the season but have been struggling of late, and a matchup with the Giants provides the perfect opportunity to get back on track. New York ranks 25th in total offense, 24th in scoring, tied-23rd in sacks allowed (35) and 31st in giveaways (25). The Green Bay D/ST has been an unreliable option of late…read more

The Packers come out of their bye week giving up 384.7 YPG and 20.5 PPG and will play the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.

Analysis: Green Bay had two takeaways, three sacks and held Carolina to 16 points in Week 10, but as usual played bend-but-don't-break defense and allowed 400 yards. The Packers are tied-sixth in takeaways (16), but they've struggled to slow opposing offenses after a strong start to the season. Meanwhile, the 49ers are averaging 34.8 PPG in the last four games and rank fifth in total offense (386.6 YPG) this season. The Green Bay D/ST isn't an overly attractive fantasy option for Week 12.