Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 1

The Minnesota Vikings' offensive outburst in Week 1 is a sign of good times ahead for those fantasy football owners smart enough to have snatched up wide receivers Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings.

It was only a matter of time before Patterson's name ended up splashed across the web after a highlight-reel play. The shifty wideout scythed through the St. Louis Rams defense on a 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of the Vikings 34-6 Week 1 victory.

Patterson finished the game with 102 rushing yards on just three carries. He also reeled in three catches for 26 yards, just for good measure. Jennings proved to be quarterback Matt Cassel's favorite option, reeling in six catches for 58 yards and one touchdown. His performance won't have fantasy football owners investing in fainting couches, but his sure hands and crisp route-running will ensure the ball keeps coming his way.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is a fine quarterback guru and should be able to keep Cassel producing at a level beyond what many observers expected from him coming into the season.

This is excellent news for Jennings, who at 30 years old can't blow by cornerbacks on any given down. He should make a fine possession receiver and primary target for Cassel, in the same way that the Philadelphia Eagles' Jeremy Maclin garnered plenty of targets while working opposite a big-play threat in DeSean Jackson.

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

Patterson's prospects won't hinge on Cassel's ability to maintain stellar production. This is a good thing, and ESPN's Kevin Seifert gives a hint as to why that is the case:

Patterson will get his touches in unique plays that are specifically designed to take advantage of his athletic ability. Turner is a master at exploiting mismatches, having coached the likes of Darren Sproles in San Diego.

Expect Patterson to make highlight-reel plays week in and week out in an offense that will depend on his speed to keep defenses honest. The fantasy-football future is bright for both Minnesota wideouts, even if the team as a whole isn't likely to reach particularly astounding levels of success this season.