We may still be in the heat of summer, but it’s never too early to begin formulating fantasy football draft boards! The Minnesota Vikings are packed with talent and should provide plenty of solid fantasy starts come next season.
Listed below are Minnesota Vikings’ fantasy football targets, as well as where they should land on your roster.
Kirk Cousins as a Washington Redskin. Photo by the Associated Press
The biggest signing of the NFL offseason, Kirk Cousins will be looking to continue his success with Minnesota. Cousins put up decent numbers in D.C, averaging 4,300 yards and 25 touchdowns in the last few seasons. Although these aren’t jaw-dropping numbers, they should improve due to a stronger supporting cast.
The receiving corps of Diggs, Thielen, Wright, Rudolph and Dalvin Cook is one to be reckoned with, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Cousins reached 30-35 touchdowns this season. He isn’t quite up to QB1 status but should be a serviceable backup if an elite quarterback goes down.
Position: QB2/Backup
One of the forgotten stories of the 2017 season was the emergence of rookie Dalvin Cook. In his first four games, Cook gained over 400 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. His performance was cut short, however. An ACL tear landed him on injured reserve, ending his promising season.
He is a threat in both the rushing and passing game, giving him extra value in PPR leagues. If he can return to his rookie form, Cook will be a steal in fantasy drafts.
Position: RB2
Wide Receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs celebrate after a score. Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen were arguably the best receiving duo in the NFL last season. The two accounted for over 2,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2017. Their chemistry is both a blessing and a sin, however. Both are guaranteed to have consistent production, but the two will take targets away from each other.
Throw this in with a solid tight end (Kyle Rudolph) and multi-purpose back Dalvin Cook and it’s clear to see why the two may struggle in fantasy next season. The two should be rated about the same, with Thielen getting a slight edge due to Diggs’ durability issues.
Thielen’s Position: WR2. Diggs’ Position: WR2
Outside of Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, there isn’t much consensus over this year’s tight end rankings. Throughout his career, Rudolph has proven that he is a “good, not great” option in fantasy football. With Kirk Cousins now at the helm, expect an uptick from last year’s production.
Kyle Rudolph should be a solid starting option in the later rounds of most fantasy drafts. He will be a great backup plan if the top-tier tight ends are no longer available.
Position: TE1/2
Harrison Smith (22) lines up to blitz against the Dallas Cowboys. Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Despite having one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, the Vikings were surprisingly average in fantasy football last season. Their scoring defense was superb, but a lack of sacks and special teams touchdowns ultimately hurt them. This should change with the addition of Sheldon Richardson and Mike Hughes.
Richardson will take pressure off edge rushers Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, allowing them to be even more explosive. Hughes, the Vikings’ first-round draft pick, should have an immediate impact as an electric punt/kickoff returner. Minnesota’s defense, while not the sexiest, should provide a consistent flow of points week in and week out in 2018.
Position: Starting D/ST.
Featured image by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
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