I've been hard on Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson this off-season, saying that didn't think he was going to have any fantasy value this season. I still don't think he'll have any fantasy value. But he has to throw the ball occasionally, and so I'm wondering who will be seeing passes in the conservative, Jackson-helmed offense.
I think that both Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson will be catching the ball a lot of the backfield, so if you're in a league that gives points for RB receptions, keep that in mind. I think the hype over Adrian Peterson is overshadowing the fact that Mewelde Moore was the second-leading receiver on the team last year, with 46 catches for 468 yards. Taylor had another 42 catches on top of that. No matter who runs the ball more in Minnesota, both Taylor and Peterson are going to catch the ball.
Another Viking getting a lot of buzz is newly signed TE Visanthe Shiancoe. Fresh off four years backing up Jeremy Shockey in New York, Shiancoe is said to be excited and motivated to finally start in the NFL. The 5 year, $18.2 million dollar contract is no doubt motivating as well (ahem).
Considering the Vikings conservative offense, Jackson's inexperience and the dominating running game they're going to unleash every week, I think Shiancoe is worth a look as a sleeper TE. Jackson is going to need to dump the ball off quite a bit, and Minnesota has a great offensive line so Shiancoe won't be called on to block all the time. He is going to be focused on providing a much-needed outlet for Jackson. In a large league he would make a decent #2 TE right away with the possibility that he could be a the Top 12 TE by the end of the season.