Statman's R&D: Saints vs. Vikings Fantasy Breakdown

Minnesota Vikings

Adrian Peterson MIN – (22 touches, 101 yards)

AP was electric from the first snap.  Although he didn’t break any long runs, his vintage start-stop acceleration was more than enough to pick up 100 total yards.  He was clearly the best player on the field when he had the ball.  Expect this to be one of the worst lines he puts up all year. 

Brett Favre MIN – (15 for 27, 171 yards, TD, Int)

Favre looked rusty from the first snap and struggled to get the ball to any of his WR’s (4 of 15 completions) without Sidney Rice.  There will be sunnier skies but you have to think age may be catching up to him.  The only bright spot was the early rapport that he has with Visanthe Shiancoe. 

Visanthe Shiancoe MIN – (4 catches, 76 yards, TD)

The 6’4 TE made some nice catches and must be considered Favre’s new favorite target.  The 11 TD’s that he scored in 2009 were not a fluke and he could beat that in 2010.  Bump him up the value chart.

Albert Young MIN – (5 touches, 13 yards)

Young was the only back to sniff the field, other than AP, and should be considered his primary handcuff till Toby Gerhart can get healthy.

Percy Harvin MIN – (2 touches, 14 yards)

This is an absolute pathetic showing from a guy considered by some experts as a WR2.  I would be terrified if I owned Harvin at this point.  I know this is one game but Favre refused to even look his way.  It’s understandable that Brett is shaken by Rice’s injury, but you need to get the ball to your most explosive weapon in the passing game.  Cross your fingers and hope this was just a mirage.   

 New Orleans Saints

Pierre Thomas NO – (22 touches, 86 yards, TD)

Pierre didn’t see the field much in the 1st half but made up for it with 19 touches in the second half.  His deceptive moves and tough running looked very effective tonight.  He seems to break most arm tackles and usually needs two or more defenders to bring him down.  Expect a big season with the TD’s to continue.

Drew Brees NO – (27 for 36, 237 yards, TD)

Brees looked primed for a huge game but the Saints went to the run in the second half.  New Orleans came out firing and tested the weak Vikings secondary early for a quick TD.  Then Brees missed a wide open Henderson on a fly pattern for a second TD and Meachem dropped another in the endzone later on.  Overall he had a 101.3 rating in 36 attempts so nothing to worry about.  He’s still the top fantasy QB to own, not named Aaron Rodgers.  

Reggie Bush NO – (7 touches, 47 yards)

Don’t let this line fool you; Bush was on the field a ton.  Don’t expect huge numbers in the run game (2 carries, 14 yards) but 5 catches will be a staple.  New Orleans plays @ SF, CAR, ATL over the next three weeks so expect more opportunities for touches.  Bush is a great RB3 to have for byes.

 Marques Colston NO – (5 catches, 62 yards)

Colston was involved in the offense but mostly short passes over the middle.  I didn’t really see him run many deep routes but I may have missed it.  Don’t worry though, he is still the #1 red zone receiving threat and you can bank on 10 TD’s if he stays healthy.  Mark it up to a down game. 

 Devery Henderson NO WR – (2 catches, 38 yards, TD)

Henderson ran his usual deep patterns all day and almost got 2 TD’s.  He won’t get as many targets as Meachem, but still must be considered a nice bench player for bye weeks. 

 Robert Meachem NO WR – (3 catches, 33 yards)

Meachem has more talent than any receiver on the team but is plagued by Drew Brees’ numerous passing targets.  If Devery Henderson ever goes down, Meachem will be an automatic start. 

 Garrett Hartley NO K – (0-2 FG’s, 2-2 XP’s)

Missing from 32 yards is terrible so be sure to watch him carefully next week.  His job all of a sudden got shaky.

 Jeremy Shockey NO TE – (3 catches, 23 yards)

Shockey is more bark than bite and shouldn’t be considered a top fantasy starter in 2010.  Don’t get fooled by his brand name as he has trouble getting open these days.