Fantasy Football Focus: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are on the verge of becoming a playoff contender. They are a strong defensive team, have arguably the best running attack in the league, and play in a weak NFC North division.

So what is holding them back?

Their passing game.

That could change this year if quarterback Tarvaris Jackson can improve on his less-than-60-percent completion percentage and 1,911 passing yards. It won't be easy, but the Vikings will need him to step up if they are going to make an impact in the postseason.

Even if he can't take his play to the next level, the Vikings have plenty of other talented players that you will want to look at before your fantasy draft.

QB

Tarvaris Jackson

There is no denying that Jackson is a tremendous athlete, and as a result, will definitely pick up a decent amount of yards using his legs. Too bad the Vikings need him to be gaining yards with his arm and giving teams a reason to not put nine or 10 players in the box on almost every play.

Some of that responsibility will fall to the receivers, but Jackson will still need to improve.

If Jackson wants to get better, he needs to improve on his throwing mechanics and on-field decision making. The decision making should come with experience, but improving his mechanics will come from hours upon hours of work. That said, he could surprise some fantasy owners this year for one simple fact: Opposing defenses will be focusing heavily on stopping the run.

He is a fantasy backup at this point, and if he is going to change that, it probably won't be for another few years.

RB

Adrian Peterson/Chester Taylor

Peterson is one of the most talented running backs in the league and will only get better; so why shouldn't he be the No.1 overall pick?

The first concern is his durability. I'm sure you have heard it before, and it isn't my biggest concern, so I won't really go into it. My biggest concern is his inconsistent fantasy production last year. It could be blamed on the fact that it was his rookie year, but the majority of the blame should go to Chester Taylor.

I'm not saying that Taylor has done anything wrong. In fact, he played effectively enough to continue to split time with Peterson while Peterson earned his spot among the top backs in the league.

Taylor could be a starter on quite a few teams in the league, but both Peterson and Taylor's fantasy value will be hindered as long as they are together.

Peterson is the No. 1 guy and should be taken no later than No. 3 overall (I would take him at No. 2). Taylor, on the other hand, is a No. 3 or No. 4 fantasy running back.

WR/TE

Bernard Berrian/Sidney Rice/