Vikings Territory Fantasy Football Contest Week 3
Austin Belisle
|
I play too much fantasy football, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m an expert when it comes to drafting, setting lineups, and scouring the waiver wire for fantasy sleepers. In all honesty, I love joining my friends’ leagues, even if I’ve yet to come away with the elusive championship prize in nearly ten years of play.
Case in point — my family owns a coffee shop, and I started an eight-man league with our baristas last year, thinking I’d waltz to a title against the less-experienced coffee makers. By the end of the season, I finished in fifth place, missed the playoffs, and watched my twin sister dominate to finish as the league champion. Fantasy football is a cruel, but rewarding endeavor given the unpredictable nature of the “sport,” and that’s what makes the Vikings Territory contest so exciting!
As Brett has told you before, we’re hosting a weekly contest through Draft Kings to bring Vikings fans together through easy-to-join DFS contests. For just $5, you can take part in the league and compete against a few of the VT writers, including myself, Brett, Adam, Brian, and Matt Engstrom! Setting your lineup takes no more than 10 minutes, and the top-3 teams walk away with cash prizes.
JOIN THE WEEK 3 VIKINGS TERRITORY FANTASY CONTEST!
Last week, in a field of 25 owners, Adam finished the highest among the Vikings Territory staff. His fifth-place lineup was just outside of the top-3, and this week, he’ll look to draft a team as successful as our Week 2 winner, VikingDaBear. His roster blew the competition away thanks to stud performances from Steelers WR Antonio Brown and fantasy football darling, Brown WR Travis Benjamin.
A look at his winning lineup: Matt Ryan, Justin Forsett, DeMarco Murray, Antonio Brown, Marques Colston, James Jones, Jason Witten, Travis Benjamin, and the Cardinals DST.
The top-3 standings and where the rest of the VT Staff ranked in Week 2:
1st Place ($56.25) | VikingDaBear | 170.32 fpts
2nd Place ($33.75) | CONDIA | 155.68 fpts
3rd Place ($22.50) | LenoCruzn19 | 155.50 fpts
5th Place | adammdub (Adam Warwas) | 147.58 fpts
10th Place | bhall09 (Brian Hall) | 142 fpts
13th Place | austincbelisle (Austin Belisle) | 132.30 fpts
15th Place | vtBrett (Brett Anderson) | 129.52 fpts
Like I said before, I’m not the greatest fantasy football mind in the world, but I enjoy the thrill of following players on Sundays. Plus, I’m a competitive guy and winning would give me the right to brag. For $5, the chance to sit atop the throne is worth the entry fee. Overall, though, the VT team performed well, with two owners finishing in the top-10. This week, things should be a little tougher, as Brett has narrowed the field to 20 owners. There are plenty of spots left, so be sure to join and set your lineup before Sunday!
JOIN THE WEEK 3 VIKINGS TERRITORY FANTASY CONTEST!
Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Outlook
Surprise, surprise — Adrian Peterson is once again the gold standard when it comes to NFL running backs. He rushed for 134 yards on 29 carries last week, silencing the critics and giving fantasy owners hope moving forward in 2015. Teddy Bridgewater, on the other hand, scored points through the air and with his legs in Week 2, possibly making him a sneaky addition to your DFS lineup this Sunday. Who else should you target this week, and what Vikings players could provide excellent value against the San Diego Chargers?
Adrian Peterson, RB — $7,500
Peterson is THE number one running back on Draft Kings this week, and for good reason. The Vikings play the Chargers, who rank 27th defensively in opponent yards/rush (4.7 yards), 21st in total rushing yards (244 yards, or 122 yards per game), and allowed 175 yards rushing to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Coming off his strong performance against the Lions (and motivated to break his single-game rushing record of 296 yards), Peterson is a no-brainer addition to your lineup.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB — $6,200
You’ll have to scroll down to find Bridgewater in this week’s Draft Kings rankings — he’s the 18th quarterback on the list. Through two weeks, he’s averaging 14 fantasy points per game and looks to continue his solid play from Week 2 against the Chargers on Sunday. Given San Diego’s weakness against the run — and the success the Vikings found pounding the ball with Adrian Peterson — don’t be surprised if Bridgewater plays second fiddle to the running game this week. For the price, Bridgewater is a solid investment.
Kyle Rudolph, TE — $3,300
At this price, Kyle Rudolph is a steal in the Vikings Territory contest. Last week, he caught five passes (on seven targets) for a touchdown and was Bridgewater’s favorite option in the passing game. The Chargers, meanwhile, allowed tight ends to score touchdowns and lead their respective teams in yards through Week 1 and Week 2. That statistic alone means the Chargers have given up the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, making Rudolph an attractive mid-level selection in your lineup for Sunday.
Vikings, DST — $2,800
Mike Zimmer’s defense is finally rounding into form, combining a number of A-Gap blitzes and strong secondary play to form one of the league’s most aggressive units. Against the Lions, they forced three turnovers (two fumbles and an interception) and sacked Matthew Stafford once. The Chargers enter Sunday with multiple offensive linemen on the injury report and have given up the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses this season. Expect to see multiple sacks and a forced turnover or two if the Vikings play with the same intensity as they showed in Week 2.
Be sure to join the contest for your chance to take home one of three cash prizes this week! If you’re hesitant, don’t worry — at least you know you can beat me.