Fantasy Football Notes: Minnesota Vikings

2008 was a solid year for the Minnesota Vikings as they posted a 10-6 record—good enough to win the NFC North. Possessing one of the better offensive lines in the game, the Vikings were able to latch onto star running back Adrian Peterson’s back as he along with their defense led them to the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the team could not ride that combination any further, as the Vikings lost in the first round of postseason action to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite being a young team on the offensive side of the ball and not having a consistent quarterback, the Vikings offense showed promise in 2008 and will most likely continue to improve going into next season.

With one of the better run games in the league, not to mention a solid defense and having the luxury of being in a division that sports the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers, this team is built to be competitive for the long haul.

 

KEY ADDITION

Sage Rosenfels (QB)—Despite having only 12 career starts in eight seasons, the Vikings brought it upon themselves to acquire quarterback Sage Rosenfels from the Houston Texans this off-season.

In trading for the quarterback, the team has made it clear that there will be a competition this offseason for the starting quarterback job between Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson.

Look for Rosenfels to get a fair shot at the starting gig, but in the long run, it should still be Jackson’s job to lose (that is of course if a guy by the name of Brett Favre doesn’t crash the party).

 

KEY DEPARTURE

Matt Birk (C)—Drafted in 1998, Matt Birk had been a staple to the Vikings offensive line at the center position ever since 2000. In fact, barring a little bit of injury mishaps in 2004/05, he had started every single game for the team.

His departure will be felt as his consistency and leadership is not something one can find everyday. It will be interesting to see how Birk’s departure will affect the Vikings rushing attack.

 

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Percy Harvin (WR)—While questions float around whether or not Percy Harvin has the maturity and character skills that it will take to become a top-flight wide receiver in the NFL, this former Florida Gator definitely has the skill set and ability to turn the Vikings offense into a locomotive.

His speed is going to force opposing defenses to pay attention to the passing game freeing up Adrian Peterson some in the backfield. Look for him to have a solid impact during his rookie season; however, that still may not translate into solid fantasy numbers.

 

BRUNO BOYS SPOTLIGHT

Tarvaris Jackson (QB)—Assuming Favre stays retired, Jackson, entering his fourth year in the league, will be given a shot at winning the quarterback position for the Vikings out of training camp.

While the Vikings have been hoping that Jackson would take the job and run with it, he has shown very little in the past few years to warrant much excitement. He does possess some electrifying skills, so if he can ever hone in on them, he could turn into the quarterback that they have lacked since the departure of Daunte Culpepper; however, that seems a bit away at this point.

Nevertheless, there is one thing to slightly get excited about. In his last four games last season, Jackson passed for eight touchdowns while only throwing one interception.

For more fantasy football insight and advice, click the link below...

Bruno Boys Fantasy Football