Jerome Simpson: Judging Fantasy Impact of WR's Minnesota Vikings Debut

Wide receiver Jerome Simpson could develop to a viable fantasy option, and he will have an instant impact on fellow Minnesota Viking Percy Harvin's fantasy output.

After serving a three-game game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the fifth-year pro will trot out on the field this Sunday as the Vikings take on the Detroit Lions, and Minnesota can certainly use him. 

With the Cincinnati Bengals, Simpson set career highs last season with 50 catches and 725 yards. The guy is playing in a contract year, has been improving his skills and he is loaded with athletic talent, but I'm sure you remember that. 

He is ready to make a big impact, and he is ready to provide a better second option at wide receiver for quarterback Christian Ponder than Devin Aromashodu or Michael Jenkins. 

Fantasy Impact

Simpson is a wild card for Week 4. On the plus side, the Vikings are playing the Detroit Lions' terrible pass defense. On the negative side, he will likely have his snaps limited as it is his first game back. 

Unless you are supremely desperate, I'd hold off on Simpson for Week 4, but if you are looking for a third receiver, it is a good time to add him. He will have value as he settles into this offense. 

Some of that value will come at the expense of Percy Harvin. Simpson has similar big-play potential to Harvin. The Vikings have been getting the ball to Harvin any way they can. Simpson will warrant getting some of those looks. 

This doesn't mean Harvin is suddenly not a starting fantasy option. He will benefit from having another big-play threat on the field. He just will see a slight dip in his targets. 

Simpson's presence is also going to alter tight end Kyle Rudolph's fantasy output. The big tight end is getting a ton of looks in the red zone. The 6'2" Simpson is not a great red-zone threat, but the Vikings will be able to run a few red-zone plays for him with confidence. 

Still, Rudolph is a tight end on the rise. Don't let Simpson's addition alter your perception of him.