Friday, June 14, 2013

Fantasy Analysis: Minnesota Vikings

It's time for another fantasy analysis! Yesterday, Brandon spoke of the Patriots and their star- studded lineup. Now, we take our pens to frigid Minnesota, where we take a look at Adrian Peterson at co. Hope you enjoy the read, and be sure to leave your comments down at the bottom!
Christian Ponder
Ponder, a former first- round pick, has failed to live up to his talent, despite his team making the playoffs last season. To boot, he lost his best receiver, Percy Harvin, this offseason, and management replaced him with the aging Greg Jennings, a definite downgrade. Ponder failed to throw for more than 200 yards in 7 of his final 10 games, and has averaged a paltry 6.1 YPA over his career. He’ll be given one more chance to prove himself this season, but don’t count on a career revival; this is one quarterback best left floating on the wire.
Adrian Peterson
Despite coming off of a major knee surgery, Peterson turned in a record- setting season, finishing second on the single- season rushing list. Now he’s set his eyes on 2500 rushing yards; anyone who doubts he can get there is foolish. With the lack of talent surrounding him, it will once again be up to
Peterson to carry his team, and with another year to recover, he could be even more ferocious than last year. He’s even fixed his fumbling problem, with only 6 over the past 3 years. He’s easily the top fantasy player. If Peterson were to go down again, Toby Gerhart is the backup, a solid pass protector and catcher.
Greg Jennings, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jarius Wright, Jerome Simpson
With health concerns and declining production, the Packers decided the time was ripe to move on from their long- time receiver. Moving across town, he steps into the shoes of the departed Percy Harvin, and will have no competition for targets. But that doesn’t make him worth your time. Quarterback Christian Ponder has yet to show he can threaten the second level of the defense, Jennings is slipping, and has just turned the dreaded 30. The Vikings haven’t had a 1000 yard receiver since 2009. He may be an adequate WR3 with limited upside. Jerome Simpson is technically the second receiver, but he’s limited in skill set as a deep threat only. With Ponder’s lack of arm strength, he’s not worth your time. Rookie Cordarrelle Patterson and second- year slot receiver Jarius Wright could have value at some point as high- upside project receivers, but it probably won’t be this year. Take a flier in deep leagues, if you must.
Kyle Rudolph
Despite being unable to gain consistent production, being held without a catch 3 times and held under 40 yards 11 times, Rudolph still finished the season as the 9th best TE due to 9 touchdown receptions. In his second season as the starting TE, Rudolph could, and should, be even better. Look for him to retain his end zone prowess while becoming more consistent in his pass- catching production, as Ponder attempts to show his worth as a starting NFL quarterback. He’s a second tier TE, but he is a good one.
 Blair Walsh
After going 10- for- 10 on 50+field goal attempts, Walsh established himself as one of the best fantasy kickers out there. He finished fourth in fantasy points last year, and while ten 50+ field goals may be a tad optimistic, even a little regression will put him in the top- 12. Draft with confidence.

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