Jerome Simpson: Updated Fantasy Football Analysis & Outlook for Vikings WR

A week after Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder put up one of the best performances of his career, he has a new target to throw to Sunday.

Wideout Jerome Simpson, with his suspension lifted, joins the team in time for Sunday's matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Simpson has improved in each of his four NFL seasons, ending last year with 50 catches for 725 yards for the Cincinnati Bengals and scoring perhaps the season's most memorable touchdown—the epic head-over-heels flip over a Cardinals' defender in Week 16.

At 6'2", Simpson has great leaping ability and knows how to pull the ball down in a crowd.

Fantasy owners looking for a receiver with quickness and big play ability may flip for him, as he could project to start and is a good bet on this week's waiver wire.

Against the Lions, who rank in the middle of the pack defensively, he should have some opportunities Sunday to rack up some points for Fantasy owners.

Outlook

Simpson looked good in the preseason, and will likely get several open looks as defenses focus on Percy Harvin and tight end Kyle Rudolph, who looked solid against San Francisco this weekend.

The Lions' secondary is not great shakes; it's not the Niners, but then it's not the Buccaneers either.

Simpson could be a solid, forward-thinking choice for Fantasy owners. He'll likely show some rust, especially given that route running is not a strength of his.

He is, however, an able slot receiver with big play chops.