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2025 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview

Minnesota Vikings

2025 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview The Vikings had a tremendous 2024 season, far exceeding expectations. But after an early playoff exit, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah aggressively spent to reinforce a roster that won 14 games. Head coach Kevin O’Connell retained coordinators, Brian Flores and Wes Phillips, maintaining a quarterback-friendly offense and a blitz-heavy defense (48.7% blitz rate, 1st in NFL). Key departures like Sam Darnold and Danielle Hunter were offset by signing Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and re-signing Aaron Jones, while drafting five players to address trenches and skill positions. Momentum is strong, with J.J. McCarthy’s recovery (no limitations post-meniscus tear) and a top-5 offense (PFF grade: 88.2). In three seasons with Minnesota, Kevin O’Connell’s offense has ranked 6th, 5th, and 6th in passing. O’Connell coaxed a 4,319-yard, 35-score campaign out of Sam Darnold, who was expected to be the backup. With Darnold now in Seattle, O’Connell turns the reins of his high-octane offense over to 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed his first season due to a meniscus tear but projects to be an excellent fit in the offense. He has solid touch and accuracy and was adept at progressing through reads at Michigan. He’s in the perfect offense to make an immediate impact and will be a solid QB2 with QB1 upside. Aaron Jones, re-signed ($10M), leads with 1,351 all-purpose yards (PFF grade: 86.9). Jones stayed healthy and produced six RB1 performances. Despite turning 30, Jones’s metrics aren’t showing any noticeable declines. He’s firmly in the middle-round RB2 territory. Jordan Mason, acquired from San Francisco (789 yards, 5.2 YPC), adds a bruising backup (PFF grade: 78.3). The $19.3M invested (3rd in NFL) supports a run-heavy approach (4.7 YPC, 9th in NFL), with Jones’ 5.1 yards after contact and Mason’s power offering a good contrast to the passing attack. Justin Jefferson (1,622 yards, PFF grade: 92.1) and Jordan Addison (893 yards, 10 TDs) form an elite duo. Jefferson slipped from 20.4 PPR points per game to 18.4 in 2024. Yet, he still posted overall WR2 numbers. Hard to rank him anywhere else but there. Addison’s numbers also decline a hair, but he matched his rookie TD totals. Second-round pick Tai Felton adds speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and will push Jalen Nailor for WR3 duties. TE T.J. Hockenson missed half the season recovering from a knee injury. However, he still posted eye-opening metrics, leading all tight ends with a 35.6 percent target rate and ranking 3rd in yards per route run (2.61). Hockenson is a locked-in TE1 with top-3 potential. Fantasy Grade: A- QB McCarthy, J.J., MIN [QB1] Sleeper  What might have been. J.J. McCarthy’s preseason injury resulted in a career-defining season for Sam Darnold. The Vikings have finished 6th,5th, and 6th in passing in Kevin O’Connell’s three seasons on the sidelines, averaging 4,295 passing yards and 31.7 TD passes. O’Connell let Darnold walk, showing tremendous confidence in his 2024 first-rounder. McCarthy looked terrific before the injury and excelled in Michigan’s pro-style offense. He’s accurate, adept at progressing through reads, and ran a 4.57. McCarthy has an excellent supporting cast and plays in a fantasy-friendly scheme with a coach who is a QB whisperer. One of 2025’s top breakout candidates. ADVICE: Must-have sleeper with top 10 upside. RB Jones, Aaron, MIN [RB1] Bust  On the surface, Aaron Jones thrived in Minnesota, turning a career-high 255 carries into the best rushing season (1,138) on his resume. Jones stayed healthy and also hauled in 51-of-62 targets, ranking 8th. However, Jones will be 31 in December and there are signs he’s slowing down. His yards per carry, yards after contact per attempt, and Elusive Rating have all declined for three consecutive years. Additionally, Jordan Mason is a real threat to take carries away from Jones, especially in the red zone. Also, Minnesota is breaking in a promising but unproven signal-caller. ADVICE: Regression candidate after last season’s RB1 finish. RB Mason, Jordan, MIN [RB2] Sleeper  Jordan Mason, now with the Minnesota Vikings, is a 2025 fantasy sleeper with RB3 potential. In 2024, he rushed for 789 yards (5.2 YPC) and three touchdowns in 12 games, ranking 6th among RBs in YPC (min. 100 carries). His three games with 20+ carries yielded 100+ yards, showcasing workhorse potential. Despite limited touches, Mason ranked 9th in breakaway runs (12) and 4th in explosive play rate. He’s to the top gear that Jones lacks. At 25, Mason’s youth and 4.53 40-yard dash contrast with Aaron Jones’ age-31 wear. Mason is a threat to steal snaps, potentially splitting touches. ADVICE: His 1B role makes him a high-value handcuff with standalone flex appeal. WR Jefferson, Justin, MIN [WR1]  Despite quarterback instability, Jefferson continues to produce at an elite level. He has surpassed 1500 receiving yards in multiple seasons and remains a focal point of the Vikings’ offense. He tied Ja’Marr Chase for the most WR1 weekly finishes (12). Jefferson’s production did drop slightly after T.J. Hockenson returned from injury, but QB JJ McCarthy will likely lock into his all-world WR this season. His route-running and hands make him QB-proof, ensuring consistent fantasy production. Jefferson plays the X receiver and slot, so the Vikings can move him around on mismatches. ADVICE: High-floor WR1 regardless of quarterback play. Mid to late first-round draft target. WR Addison, Jordan, MIN [WR2]  Addison got a lot of production out of a 20.1-percent target share (64th), mainly because of his touchdown prowess. His 14.2 PPG (PPR) showed TD-driven value, but struggles against man coverage and seven games with single-digit fantasy points are concerns. A potential 1-3 game DUI suspension adds more risk. With Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson commanding targets and rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s unproven arm, Addison’s volume may stagnate. Still, his 77/1,098/12 pace post-injury in 2024 suggests he’ll remain a TD-dependent WR3 with weekly boom/bust potential. ADVICE: Strong WR3, but Addison relies on touchdowns, making his prognosis uncertain with a new signal caller. WR Felton, Tai, MIN [WR3] Super Sleeper ADVICE: Felton (6-1, 185) is a burner with slot/perimeter flexibility and ranked third among

Week 14 NFL Player Props

Week 14 NFL Player Props For the fifth consecutive week, we had a .500 record (5-5). We lost .75 Units and are now at +3.25 Units as we enter the home stretch of the regular season. Despite still being in

Week 14 NFL Player Props

For the fifth consecutive week, we had a .500 record (5-5). We lost .75 Units and are now at +3.25 Units as we enter the home stretch of the regular season. Despite still being in the green, it’s time for us to catch fire like the first few weeks of the campaign with Week 14 NFL Player Props.

Remember to always odds shop at your different sportsbooks to find the best value for these props. With that in mind, let’s get down to business and find the best Week 14 NFL Player Props!

Geno Smith UNDER 1.5 Passing Touchdowns (-115)

I’m taking the under on Geno Smith’s passing touchdowns this week. Why? Because the numbers don’t lie, and they’re stacking up against the Seahawks quarterback.

First, let’s talk about Geno. Sure, he’s racking up the passing yards—he’s among the NFL’s best in that department. But when it comes to turning those yards into touchdowns, it’s been a struggle. In 12 games this season, Geno has thrown just 13 passing touchdowns, with only five of those coming on the road. He’s managed multiple touchdown games just twice this year, and last season wasn’t much different—20 touchdowns in 15 games. So, this isn’t a fluke; it’s a pattern.

Now, let’s flip the script and talk about Arizona’s defense, because wow, they’ve been bringing the heat. Over the past six games, the Cardinals have allowed only four total passing touchdowns. Even more impressive? At home, they’ve pitched a defensive shutout in three straight games—no passing touchdowns, no rushing touchdowns, nothing. In fact, across six home games this year, they’ve given up just three passing touchdowns total.

Put it all together, and the data points to one conclusion: this under is a smart play. Sure, betting unders can be nerve-wracking, but with Geno’s trends and Arizona’s defensive dominance, I feel good about this one.

Sam Darnold…

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2024 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview

2024 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview The Vikings took a step back in Kevin O’Connell’s second season, dropping from 13-4 to 7-10. In his third season at the helm, OConnell must contend with breaking in a brand new franchise signal caller,

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Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report

Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report Amari Cooper (11/265/2) delivered a difference-maker in the fantasy postseason for the first time in his NFL career, ranking first in wide receiver scoring (51.50) in Week 16. The change to Mason Rudolph at

Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report

Amari Cooper (11/265/2) delivered a difference-maker in the fantasy postseason for the first time in his NFL career, ranking first in wide receiver scoring (51.50) in Week 16. The change to Mason Rudolph at quarterback gave George Pickens (4/195/2) the best outcome in his short NFL career. Puka Nacua (9/1801) was the third-ranked wideout for the week. Twelve wide receivers scored between 20.00 and 29.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five players by scoring average after 16 weeks:

  • Tyreek Hill (22.87)
  • CeeDee Lamb (21.90)
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (18.83)
  • A.J. Brown (18.76)
  • Keenan Allen (18.69)

Also, before we get into the Week 17 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report and RB Report.

Top-Tier Options

Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $8,800/FD – $9,200)

Over the past two weeks, with Nick Mullens starting at quarterback, Jefferson averaged 22.25 fantasy points in DraftKings scoring with one edge game (6/141/1). The Vikings looked his way 20 times while attempting 70 passes. He posted four stud games (9/150, 11/159, 7/149/1, and 6/85/2) to start the season (28.33 FPPG). In 2022, Jefferson posted a dominating game (9/184/2) at home vs. the Packers but an empty showing (1/15) on the road.

Green Bay drifted to 15th in wide receiver defense (218/2,522/13 on 322 targets). The only offense to solve their pass coverage vs. wideouts was the Chargers (32/415/2). Their defense did show regression in points allowed over the past two matchups (27 and 30 points), leading to 34 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets (CIN and DET). CB Jaire Alexander has been suspended for this game, putting the Vikings’ wideouts in a better position for success.

Jefferson does get a nick in his profile in Week 17, with Jaren Hall starting for the Vikings. He’s been on the field for 22 plays in his rookie season, leading to eight completions on 10 passing attempts for 101 yards. Over his last two seasons at BYU, Hall gained 6,409 yards with 57 touchdowns and 11 interceptions over 22 games. He will move the chains with his legs (148/655/6). 

Tyreek Hill, MIA (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,800)

After missing Week 16, the Dolphins had Hill on the field for 85% of the snaps against Dallas. He caught…

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Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report

Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report All five of the top receivers in Week 15 ranked outside of the top 20 coming into the week. Jordan Addison (29.10) posted the high score in fantasy points in PPR formats, followed by

Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report

All five of the top receivers in Week 15 ranked outside of the top 20 coming into the week. Jordan Addison (29.10) posted the high score in fantasy points in PPR formats, followed by Jaylen Waddle (28.20) and Terry McLaurin (26.10). No wideout scored more than 30.00 fantasy points for the second week all year. Twelve other wide receivers scored between 20.00 and 26.00 fantasy points. Here are the top five players by scoring average after 15 weeks:

  • Tyreek Hill (23.15)
  • CeeDee Lamb (21.66)
  • Keenan Allen (20.03)
  • A.J. Brown (19.10)
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown (18.13)

 

Also, before we get into the Week 16 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report and RB Report.

Elite Option

CeeDee Lamb, DAL (DK – (9,200/FD – $9,400)

Lamb has a touchdown in six consecutive games (seven total) while offering elite stats over his last eight starts (69/897/9 – 27.96 FPPG in DraftKings scoring). On the downside, he has been a weaker option in 2023 on the road (43/597/2 on 58 targets over seven games – 13.02 FPPG) than at home (28.51 FPPG). His best two games away from Dallas came in Week 6 (7/117) and Week 9 (11/191). 

Miami played better defensively over their last five games (13, 13, 15, 28, and 0 points allowed), except for a late fourth quarterback collapse vs. the Titans (two touchdowns over the final three minutes). The Dolphins are about league average vs. wideouts (185/282/13 on 282 targets), with struggles in three games (DEN – 18/257/1, BUF – 13/209/4, LV – 18/209/1). CB Xavien Howard (40/425/2 on 63 targets per PRR) may miss this week’s game with a hip issue. Lamb will most likely see CB Kader Kohou (62/630/6 on 73 targets) in coverage for a good portion of his routes due to him working out of the slot.

The hot hand theory favors Lamb again in this game, but Dak Prescott hasn’t been the same player on the road. Better weather in Miami is a plus, and the Cowboys will need to throw the ball better this week if they expect to compete for a win. Unfortunately, Lamb will be a challenging fit for a DFS lineup in Week 16.

Second Tier Options

Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $8,100/FD – $9,200)

Jefferson started with four productive games (9/150, 11/159, 7/149/1, and 6/85/2). He averaged 11.75 targets, leading to…

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Week 14 DFS: Wide Receiver Report

Week 14 DFS: Wide Receiver Report D.K. Metcalf (6/134/3) had a correction game in Week 13, putting him on the wide receiver podium for the first time all year. Deebo Samuel (35.80) and Nico Collins (34.10) finished second and third

Week 14 DFS: Wide Receiver Report

D.K. Metcalf (6/134/3) had a correction game in Week 13, putting him on the wide receiver podium for the first time all year. Deebo Samuel (35.80) and Nico Collins (34.10) finished second and third for the week. Tyreek Hill (32.70), CeeDee Lamb (32.60), and Ja’Marr Chase (31.90) all posted impact games. Five other wideouts scored between 23.50 and 29.50 fantasy points. Here are the top five wide receivers by scoring average after 13 weeks:

  • Tyreek Hill (26.17)
  • Keenan Allen (22.30)
  • CeeDee Lamb (22.13)
  • A.J. Brown (19.95)
  • Ja’Marr Chase (19.54)

Also, before we get into the Week 14 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report, RB Report, and TE Report.

Top Tier Options

Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $8,500/FD – $9,000)

After an eight-week vacation with a hamstring issue, Jefferson returns to the starting lineup in Week 14. His season started with four productive games (9/150, 11/159, 7/149/1, and 6/85/2). He averaged 11.75 targets, leading to 28.33 fantasy points per game in DraftKings scoring. Over this stretch, the Vikings attempted 157 passes. 

Las Vegas ranks 14th in wide receiver defense (141/1,724/10 on 215 targets), with one disaster game (MIA – 19/263/1). Their pass defense showed regression over the last three games (NYJ – 263/0, MIA – 325/2, and KC – 298/2). Three wideouts (Amon-Ra St. Brown – 6/108, Tyreek Hill – 10/146/1, and Rashee Rice – 8/107/1) gained more than 100 yards receiving. Their best cornerback (Nate Hobbs) works primarily out of the slot, suggesting a favorable matchup for Jefferson.

The key to the Vikings’ top wideout is his chemistry with Joshua Dobbs and Minnesota upping their passing attempts. Jefferson has beast upside, and a running quarterback could help his ability to break free for a long scoring play.

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Fantasy Football Injury Report

Justin Jefferson

Fantasy Football Injury Report: Week 6 Week 5 will go down as one of the most devastating weeks in recent memory. In the Fulltime Fantasy Discord, Snake deemed it Tragic Tuesday. Our Fantasy Football Injury Report: Week 6 catches you up on the latest news. Also, we offer advice on how to approach these injuries before your waiver wire bids are due. Also, a great starting point for staying updated on the latest injuries is to bookmark our NFL Injury Report. Finally, FullTime Fantasy Members will get the latest NFL injury news and advice live each Sunday and Thursday in the FullTime Fantasy Discord. Click below to join us today! Now, let’s break down all the latest fantasy-relevant injury news in this week’s  Fantasy Football Injury Report: Week 6. We will continually update this list. Week 6 Byes: Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers   Justin Jefferson (WR) Minnesota Vikings – The most devastating blow to come out of a terrible injury slate was the news that consensus 1.01 Justin Jefferson would be placed on IR with a hamstring injury. This is a devastating blow for the 1-4 Vikings as well as millions of fantasy rosters. Jefferson will miss a minimum of four games. The earliest JJ could return would be Week 10 versus New Orleans. However, Minnesota’s season appears to be a lost one. The Vikings don’t have a bye until Week 13. If Jefferson doesn’t progress through rehab, there may not be a ton of motivation to rush him back. K.J. Osborn should inherit Jefferson’s ‘X’ role, making him a top waiver wire priority. The #Vikings plan to place WR Justin Jefferson on injured reserve because of the hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday’s loss to Kansas City, per sources. The exact timeline is TBD based on how he responds to treatment. But Jefferson is out at least four games. pic.twitter.com/hBAYZHZqlV — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2023 De’Von Achane (RB) Miami Dolphins – Second in the NFL in rushing and third in fantasy scoring, rookie De’Von Achane will miss multiple weeks with a knee injury. At the time, the injury didn’t appear serious. However, the club has indicated Achane is a candidate for IR, which would keep him out a minimum of four games. Jeffery Wilson, who was just activated, is the best replacement target for Achane managers. UPDATE: Achane is on IR. Justin Jefferson to IR and De’Von Achane might be right behind him Worst Tuesday morning EVER — Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 10, 2023 Anthony Richardson (QB) Indianapolis Colts – A Grade 3 sprained AC joint will keep Richardson sidelined for a month. The rookie signal-caller banged his shoulder on the turf as he was tackled from behind. Richardson immediately motioned to his right (throwing) shoulder. Richardson previously missed half of Week 2 and all of Week 3 with a concussion. Gardner Minshew will start in his place for at least the next three games. James Conner (RB) Arizona Cardinals – Another season, another lengthy absence for stand-out RB James Conner. Conner injured his knee on a long run and will miss multiple weeks. Expect the Cardinals to employ a committee backfield. Emari Demercado is the best bet to target on the waiver wire. As for Conner, volume dictates that he is a strong hold or ‘buy low’ candidate. Update: Arizona placed Conner on IR. Subsequently, you can boost your Demercado bids. The #Cardinals are placing RB James Conner (knee) on injured reserve, per source. He’s out at least four games. pic.twitter.com/bsYY73JUkq — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2023 Travis Kelce (TE) Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs are due to play Thursday, which gives Travis Kelce little time to heal his ankle. Kelce originally went down with no contact. However, he returned to the game and caught a touchdown. That quelled Achilles’ concerns. However, there have been no updates on the status of the ankle injury. However, Kelce practiced on Tuesday. That’s a good sign. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) Detroit Lions – Gibbs was a surprise add to the injury list. He hurt his hamstring late last week and missed Detroit’s victory. And, Gibbs could miss 1-2 more weeks. Tee Higgins (WR) Cincinnati Bengals – A rib injury kept Higgins out last week. We will know more about his Week 6 availability as the week progresses. Javonte Williams (RB) Denver Broncos – Williams sat out Week 5 and was a limited participant in Monday’s practice. He was a game-time call last week. However, he was close to playing. Williams is set to return in Week 6. We’ll have more in Discord as the week progresses. Khalil Herbert (RB) Chicago Bears – First, the Bears lost Roschon Johnson to a concussion. Second, Khalil Herbert was felled by a high-ankle sprain. Herbert is expected to miss 2-4 weeks. However, Johnson must clear the league’s concussion protocol before he can practice. Finally, D’Onta Foreman should be added on waivers. Foreman hasn’t played since Week 1. However, he may be the only healthy back Chicago can play against Minnesota. Tank Dell (WR) Houston Texans – A concussion forced Dell to miss the second half of Houston’s last-second loss in Atlanta. Subsequently, Dell will have to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol before he can return to action. John Metchie would see an increased role if Dell misses Sunday’s home tilt with New Orleans. Deshaun Watson (QB) Cleveland Browns – The Browns list Watson as day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Watson was a surprise scratch last week. If Watson misses Week 6, P.J. Walker will start on Sunday. However, it might be wise to simply avoid whoever is under center against the 49ers. Dalton Kincaid (TE) Buffalo Bills – Kincaid is in the NFL’s concussion protocol. The Bills had an awful trip abroad, losing to the Jaguars and getting decimated by costly injuries. Furthermore, the Bills don’t play until Sunday Night Football, which complicates Kincaid’s fantasy availability. Aaron Jones (RB) Green Bay Packers – Jones sat out Monday’s loss with a bothersome hamstring. This came

2023 Minnesota Vikings Outlook

kirk cousins justin jefferson

2023 Minnesota Vikings Outlook The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player preview

2023 Minnesota Vikings Outlook

 

The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner and that means fantasy football drafts are underway. Before you assemble your championship dynasty, redraft, or high-stakes squad, FullTime Fantasy members will have an in-depth, player-by-player preview of all 32 teams from football legend Shawn Childs.

Also, check out Jody Smith’s NFL offensive line rankings and exclusive 2023 Strength of Schedule analysis.

Up next in our extensive NFL and fantasy football preview series is Shawn’s deep dive into the 2023 Minnesota Vikings Outlook.

— Quarterback —

Kirk Cousins

Since arriving in Minnesota, Cousins posted a 46-33-1 record, with strength in his completion rate (67.8). He averaged 32 touchdowns over five seasons with the Vikings while sitting out two games.

In 2020 and 2021, Cousins ranked 11th and 10th in fantasy scoring (366.95 and 352.35) in four-point passing touchdowns leagues. His floor was 4,200 passing yards in three seasons from 2018 to 2021 while offering minimal value in the run game (44/123/1, 31/63/1, 32/156/1, and 29/115/1) over this span. In 2021, he passed for more than 300 yards in six matchups, but Cousins finished with only one impact game (32.25 fantasy points). On his down days, he scored fewer than 20.00 fantasy points in six outings, four of which gained less than 225 yards passing.

Last season, Cousins set career-highs in completions (424) and passing attempts (643), with his second-best showing in passing yards (4,547). A shorter passing window (46 sacks) led to weakness in his yards per pass attempt (7.1). After a sluggish first eight games (1,999 passing yards and 13 touchdowns), he produced three impact games (298/3, 425/2, 460/4, and 301/3) over the next seven weeks. Cousins finished 6th in quarterback scoring (354.95), falling in line with his previous two seasons.

Fantasy Outlook: Cousins will have a top-five opportunity in the league to throw again in 2023 while playing with an electric WR1 (Justin Jefferson). T.J. Hockenson (60/519/3 over 10 games) proved to be an excellent addition at the trade deadline last year. The combination of K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison gives Minnesota the passing depth to test defenses all over the field. Cousins doesn’t add much on the ground (31/97/2), leading to him ranking 12th at quarterback in June. Next step: 5,000 combined yards with a career-high in touchdowns.

— Running Backs —

The Vikings running back production in rushing yards (1,556) and receiving yards (493) declined in back-to-back seasons. In addition, their yards per rush (4.2) is trending in the wrong direction. They set three-year lows in rushing attempts (369), catches (66), and targets (88). Their backs gained 2,049 yards with 19 touchdowns and 66 catches (22.64 FPPG in PPR formats). The only positive out of last year was Minnesota’s willingness to run the ball in close for touchdowns.

Alexander Mattison

Minnesota gave Mattison the best opportunity of his three-year career in 2021, leading to 719 combined yards with four touchdowns and 32 catches. In his three games with starting snaps and over 20 touches (32, 32, and 25), he delivered Dalvin Cook-type production in fantasy points (23.10, 27.30, and 21.40) in PPR formats. However, over his other 13 matchups, Mattison scored only 55.60 combined fantasy points. In addition, his yards per rush (3.7) and yards per catch (7.1) came in at career lows.

Last season, he saw his role slide to the lowest point in his four years (374 combined yards with six touchdowns and 15 catches on 89 touches). Mattison finished with the second-most running back snaps (304 – 24.8%). His decline in chances was due to Dalvin Cook staying healthier in 2022. On the downside, Mattison gained only 3.8 yards per rush and 6.1 yards per rush. His only playable fantasy game came in Week 18 (10/54/2 with one catch for six yards).

Fantasy Outlook: In the early draft season, Mattison ranks 31st at running back as they wait for the Vikings to give some inside on their running back plans in 2023. He’s shown flashes over his career, suggesting 200 touches are within reach. On the downside, Mattison doesn’t have the resume or ceiling to keep the starting job if he stumbles out of the gate. My starting point is 1,000 combined yards with six to eight scores and 30 catches. His outlook will fluctuate over the summer.

Ty Chandler

 

The Vikings took a flier on Chandler in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He saw action over five years in college, leading to 3,810 combined yards with 30 touchdowns and 72 catches. His stock rose in 2021 after switching to North Carolina (182/1,092/13 with 14 catches for 207 yards and one score). 

Chandler brings elite speed (4.38 40-yard dash) to Minnesota. His hands grade higher than

 

 

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT OUT OF THE VIKINGS IN 2023?

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