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This page will be regularly updated with news and analysis regarding the Vikings’ skill position players throughout training camp and the preseason. ⬆︎ ⬇︎ Indicate which way a player’s fantasy value is trending and (R) denotes rookies.
Warren Sharp projects the Vikings to face the 12th hardest schedule of 2018. That being said, he does point out in his 2018 Football Preview that they’ve got a fairly soft home schedule which should produce high scoring fantasy weeks.
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins ⬆︎ -- Sharp makes a point to highlight the fact that Cousins has faced a murderers’ row of pass-defenses over the last two years and has still managed to produce in a major way. This is the most talented offense Cousins has ever played in and he will absolutely return value on his 7th round ADP. It’s unlikely I’d personally draft him there given the depth at the position but I couldn’t blame you for doing so.
Running Back
Dalvin Cook ⬆︎/⬇ -- Dalvin Cook should be fully recovered from last year’s ACL tear by the time Week 1 rolls around. I expect Cook to be a workhorse between the 20s and will undoubtedly find the endzone a number of times. However, I’m worried about his red-zone usage. The coaching staff really like Murray in that role and I do think Cook will lose touchdowns to him. I like Cook in PPR more than standard scoring, as Cook’s receiving game prowess will help neutralize the possible low touchdown ceiling.
Latavius Murray ⬆︎ -- Murray will likely have a red-zone role in this offense. He won’t be a every-week starter, however, given the right matchup he will be a usable flex option and should be considered at his current 10th round ADP.
Wide Receivers
Stefon Diggs ⬆︎ -- Diggs is one of the premier route runners in the NFL but has been slowed by injuries through his first 3 seasons. Even so, he’s put up 2,472 yards and 15 touchdowns thus far. Should he play 2018 full health, he’ll easily outplay his 3rd round ADP and solidify himself as a Top 10 WR.
Adam Thielen ⬆︎ -- Thielen broke out last year with 1,276 yards and 4 touchdowns, dominating teams out of the slot. Expect that production to rise with an improved situation at quarterback. Draft Thielen confidently in the 4th round as a back-end WR1.
Tight End
Kyle Rudolph ⬆︎ -- It’s likely offensive coordinator John DeFilippo will feature Kyle Rudolph throughout 2018, given his success in using Zach Ertz to destroy opposing game plans last year. I’ve got Rudolph as my TE4 this year and expect him to smash his 7th round ADP.