Real talk: Eagles' Jalen Hurts vs. Packers' Aaron Rodgers

Jalen Hurts had always been more one-dimensional. His running ability gave him a safe floor in fantasy football, but his erratic passing skills didn’t always lead to wins for Philadelphia.  

Rodgers has been the NFL MVP ever since Hurts took the starting job from Carson Wentz. In 2020, the Packers’ QB threw for 48 touchdowns and 268 yards per game on the way to 13 wins and a third MVP trophy.

According to fantasydata.com, Rodgers had the second-most fantasy points that year with 23.9 fantasy points per game. Hurts had less success. He started only four games in 2020, with 7.2 fantasy points per game. Obviously, advantage Rodgers.

In 2021, Rodgers won his fourth MVP with 4,115 yards passing and 37 touchdowns. The Packers won 13 games for the second straight year. Hurts started 15 games in 2021, and even though his team made the playoffs, his numbers weren’t as good.

Hurts had 3,144 yards passing, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2021. He struggled to find consistent targets as the team won nine games. Things were slightly better for Hurts in fantasy football.

That year, Hurts had the 10th-most fantasy points, regardless of position. Rodgers still finished four spots ahead, but they both scored 20.8 fantasy points per game. Hurts became fantasy-relevant, even if the wins weren’t there.

In 2022, Green Bay let Davante Adams leave for Las Vegas while Philadelphia brought in A.J. Brown. These days Rodgers struggles to find receivers while Hurts’ passing numbers continue to improve. Hurts has 15 passing touchdowns so far, one less than his total in 2021. His eight rushing scores haven’t hurt either, especially in fantasy football.

With 23 combined touchdowns so far, Hurts ranks third for fantasy points this year. His team has nine wins and control of the NFC East. Rodgers is moving in the opposite direction. The Packers are 4-7 with no real chance to catch Minnesota in the standings. 

The fantasy standings aren’t good for Rodgers either. His 4.9 points per game put him 16th in fantasy football, nine spots behind Daniel Jones. That’s hard to believe for a reigning MVP.

Hurts has been the Eagle’s starter since replacing Wentz against the Packers in 2020. Some say a torch was passed that day. Maybe another one gets passed on Sunday night.