Packers Have Thin Receiving Corps With Allen Lazard Injury, Davante Adams Uncertainty

Aaron Rodgers has returned to MVP contender form this season as the Packers have started 3-0, but there are some challenges for him due to injuries to his weapons right now.

Two weeks ago, Davante Adams suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him in the second half of the Lions game and last week against the Saints. Allen Lazard stepped up to catch six balls for 146 yards and a touchdown versus New Orleans, but now he's out indefinitely after undergoing core surgery. Adams practiced on a limited basis on Thursday, and his status is unclear for Monday night against the Falcons.

As a Packers fan, I'm hoping Adams plays, but I also don't want to see him come back too soon if he's not totally ready. The bye is on the horizon, so it would be a disaster if he comes back and re-aggravates the injury.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the next man up to get more targets at wide receiver. Also look for tight ends Robert Tonyan and Jace Sternberger to be more involved with the passing game. If you're in deep fantasy leagues, Valdes-Scantling may be scooped up, but Tonyan and Sternberger could be good stashes while you wait to see about heightened involvement with Lazard out.

A player I like in touchdown betting props is Tyler Ervin. He's one of those all-purpose players who gets touches in the return game with some runs and catches mixed in. Last week, I got him at 100-1 odds for first touchdown and last touchdown, and 22-1 for anytime touchdown. The odds aren't out for him for Monday night yet on FanDuel, but I think he gets multiple touchdowns this season. Anything greater than 16-1 odds for anytime touchdown is good value.

Other Packers receivers are Darrius Shepherd and Malik Taylor. Shepherd caught one ball last year, and Taylor does not have a career catch.

The silver lining for the Packers is their backfield. Aaron Jones is low-key one of the best running backs in the NFL. Jamaal Williams is averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season and has also caught five balls out of the backfield.