Vikings Fantasy Preview: Week 2 vs Packers
Adam Patrick
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If someone had any player on the Minnesota Vikings offense starting on their fantasy team during last week’s games, they likely were not too happy with the results. However, the Vikings’ defense and Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh (at least in the second half) definitely made their fantasy owners happy with their performances against the Tennessee Titans last Sunday.
Despite the Titans 3-13 record a year ago, their defense is still one of the toughest in the league. So, the fact that the Vikings offense struggled against them (especially running the ball) was not too much of a surprise.
This week, Minnesota gets to face off against a slightly easier defense of the Green Bay Packers and it could lead to some better fantasy performances from some of the Vikings’ most talented players on offense.
Quarterback:
Sam Bradford/Shaun Hill
For the second straight week, stay far, far way from starting either one Minnesota’s quarterbacks this week. Unless Fran Tarkenton and Jeff George are your only options, there is no reason to start one of the two current quarterbacks on the Vikings’ roster.
Bradford Week 2 Projection: 11.7 points (19/32, 215 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
Hill Week 2 Projection: 0.4 points (1/1, 7 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs)
(Wonder who everyone thinks is going to start at quarterback for Minnesota this week?)
Running Back:
Adrian Peterson
Hey Adrian, think maybe it is time that you play in a preseason game or two before the start of each season? Your opening game bed wetting is really starting to get pretty old.
One would hope that Peterson can get more than the 31 yards he rushed for last week against Tennessee, but he will likely be the main focus of the opposing defense once again this weekend against the Packers.
In his last four regular season games against Green Bay, Peterson has averaged 19 carries for 80 yards and one touchdown. If he can get somewhere close to those numbers, his fantasy owners and the Vikings should be pretty satisfied.
Week 2 Projection: 13.4 points (21 touches, 97 total yards, 1 TD)
Wide Receiver:
Stefon Diggs
Easily the most impressive player on Minnesota’s offense during their Week 1 win over the Titans, Diggs will be looking to put on a show in front of the Vikings’ home fans this Sunday night.
With the Packers likely to be without their top cornerback this weekend in Sam Shields, Diggs has a good opportunity to put up some top notch numbers on his stat sheet. It looks like all Minnesota’s wide receiver has to worry about is who will be throwing him the ball.
Definitely a good WR2 or flex option for fantasy owners this week.
Week 2 Projection: 8.3 points (5 catches, 60 yards, 0 TDs)
Tight End:
Kyle Rudolph
After Diggs, Rudolph probably had the next best performance for the Vikings last week. But he has a tough task ahead of him for Sunday, as he typically does not play very well against Green Bay.
Although, during his last four regular season matchups with the Packers defense he has averaged three catches for 52 yards. Those numbers combined with a touchdown reception would make for a pretty good day in the eyes of most fantasy owners.
Week 2 Projection: 4.7 points (3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TDs)