Jordan Love is expected to miss “some time” with an MCL injury, and the Green Bay Packers are set to start Malik Willis under center in Week 2. Willis was part of what is now an infamous 2022 QB class and struggled in Tennessee before being traded for a 2025 seventh-round pick.
While Love has not been officially ruled out for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, it is almost a certainty that he will be. Enter Malik Willis, and here is what to expect from him.
Malik Willis’ Week 2 Fantasy Outlook
The first thing to clear up is that if Love can’t play, Malik Willis will start. Packers HC Matt LaFleur told reporters (via ESPN):
“Yeah, if Jordan’s not cleared, then we’ll start Malik and Sean will be the backup.”
Willis looked a bit lost in Tennessee at times, and with the tension between him and former Titans QB Ryan Tannehill from the start, was arguably not nurtured correctly. The Titans took Will Levis in 2023, and Willis barely got a look-in for the franchise in two years.
When he did play, Willis looked a bit wobbly in the passing game but showed some potential running the ball. This is why he is a plausible starter in fantasy football, as many an error can be papered over with rushing yards.
Willis has started 3 games in his NFL career, going 1-2 in the process. He has featured in 12 games, has a 52.2 completion percentage from 67 passing attempts, and has totaled 350 passing yards, 0 TDs and 3 INTs.
Willis has rushed the ball 32 times for 144 yards and 1 TD, and has fumbled the ball 4 times with one being recovered by his team.
Willis is projected 13.60 points by fantasy.nfl.com. This is not promising reading and while the QB could be a lot better than that with a new team and different coaching, he is not a safe start in Week 2.
Malik Willis should be kept on the bench so you can see what he has to offer, and should only be started if your other options are worse. While he could go over this, a baseline prediction is:
170 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 35 rushing yards
Also read: Isaiah Likely or Mark Andrews? Week 2 fantasy outlooks explored for Ravens TEs
Matt LaFleur on Jordan Love’s injury
Matt LaFleur shared a little insight into Jordan Love’s situation on Monday (via Packers.com):
“I couldn’t give you a percentage, but if he gets cleared, we’ll give him every opportunity like we always will. I know he’s doing everything in his power.
“I know he’s spending a lot of time trying to get back as soon as possible. But certainly we’re not going to put him in a position where if he can’t protect himself that he’d go out there.”