The Minnesota Vikings need a big win against the Falcons in Week 13, but your fantasy football team might need a little help getting a win as well.
Week 13 of the NFL season is an important one for many fantasy football players. While the Minnesota Vikings are taking on the Atlanta Falcons, fantasy teams are looking to make the playoffs for a chance at glory.
The matchup against the Falcons should be an interesting one, and the Vikings have some intriguing options for fantasy owners who may be wondering whether to sit or play Minnesota’s big names.
Here are the key players from the Minnesota Vikings you may be considering playing in Week 13. (NOTE: all stat projections from ESPN)
Start them!
- Adam Thielen, WR (ESPN prediction: 16.2)
- Latavius Murray, RB (ESPN prediction: 12.1)
- Kyle Rudolph, TE (ESPN prediction: 10.5)
Let’s be honest here, Thielen is a MUST START every week. He gets a ton of targets and is in the top 3 in receiving yards. Meanwhile, Latavius Murry is playing against a Falcons rush defense that gives up the fifth most rushing yards per attempt at 4.4 and has scored 5 touchdowns in the last 5 games.
Rudolph is also a player who usually always gets the start on your team if you drafted him, but you should feel good about this matchup since he’s coming off a two-touchdown game where he caught all of the targets thrown his way.
Consider starting them
- Stefon Diggs, WR (ESPN prediction: 11.8)
- Kai Forbath, K (ESPN prediction: 9.5)
- Jerick McKinnon, RB (ESPN prediction: 13.0)
There are the players who can be boom or bust against the Falcons. McKinnon is an interesting play if you’re in a PPR league and Diggs is an excellent player, but he seems to have up and down games.
Kai Forbath used to be a great play as well, but recent misses should have owners looking at other options since he’s scored 5 or fewer points in the last two weeks.
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Bench them!
- Case Keenum, QB (ESPN prediction: 15.7)
- Vikings, D/ST (ESPN prediction: 5.9)
Keenum has been great for the Vikings lately, even earning some awards for his play in recent games. However, this game will likely be won on the ground behind running from Murray, so if you may want to explore your options this week.
Meanwhile, the Vikings defense and special teams is not a high scoring unit. While they do get takeaways, defensive or special teams scores are rare and the Falcons will be putting some points on the board.
Next: Vikings Week 13 power rankings review
Which members of the Minnesota Vikings would you feel comfortable playing in a key fantasy football week heading into the playoffs? And do you disagree with who you should play or sit this week? Let’s hear your predictions in the comments section below.