Minnesota Vikings fantasy forecast: offensive potential

Which Minnesota Vikings players will shine this fantasy football season?

The 2015 Minnesota Vikings offense went through some growing pains last season. The Vikings running game was solid, even with opposing defenses keying in on Adrian Peterson he was still able to earn his third rushing title. The question mark for the upcoming season remains, can Teddy Bridgewater take the next step? If Minnesota’s passing game doesn’t get rolling it may be a long fantasy season for anyone who chooses to roll the dice on the purple offense, the exception being Peterson.

Quarterbacks

Head coach Mike Zimmer was singing the praises on Bridgewater’s deep throws, however during the five OTA sessions that were open to the media the consensus remains the same, he’s still struggling chucking the rock deep. In the world of fantasy football its hard to win with a quarterback who struggles to make the big play downfield

Projections-

3,700 passing yards

17 passing TD’s

10 interceptions

20 total TD’s

With the Vikings adding much needed depth on the offensive line the hope is to drastically reduce the 44 times Bridgewater was sacked last season.

Running Backs

Although Adrian Peterson believes he can play until age forty, the reality is Peterson may have one or two All-Pro seasons left in him. Adrian is working hard this summer on becoming a viable third down option, but the expectation is Jerick Mckinnon will take on a larger role to help AD stay fresh all season.

Projections-

1,200 rushing yards

1,350 total yards

12 total TD’s

If the revamped Minnesota Vikings offensive line stays healthy and gels early Peterson will once again be in the hunt for his fourth rushing title. McKinnon will flash this season as well but unfortunately he’s stuck behind a workhorse, diminishing his fantasy value.

Wide Receivers

Until we see progress in the passing game it may be wise to avoid the Vikings wideouts this fantasy season with one exception, Stefon Diggs. Diggs was a draft day steal and became Teddy’s most targeted receiver, recording 52 receptions, 720 receiving yards, and four receiving TD’s. Those numbers will rise this fall.

Projections-

65 receptions

950 receiving yards

6 total TD’s

Diggs didn’t start rolling until week four last season so one can expect a much better year statistically for the second year standout.

Tight End

Kyle Rudolph looks to improve on last years totals, 49 receptions, 495 receiving yards, and 5 TD’s. When healthy Rudolph is a solid number two fantasy tight end option and should see an increase in TD receptions.

Projections-

55 receptions

500 receiving yards

8 total TD’s

Since entering the league in 2011 Rudolph has managed to only play all sixteen regular season games twice (2012, 2015) It will be interesting to see if newly drafted David Morgan will take some catches away from the Notre Dame alum.

Next: Vikings fans feeling offseason blues

Kicker

Blair Walsh has a booming leg and is considered a top ten kicker in most fantasy rankings. Vikings fans are hoping his confidence isn’t too shaken after costing the team a playoff win versus the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs.

Wild Cards

Laquon Treadwell will battle against Charles Johnson in camp for the starting role. Treadwell’s size could make him a solid target for Bridgewater, drastically increasing his fantasy value.