When a team has three top-20 WRs and two of them combine for only 8.4 fantasy points -- while four other teammates each get 18+ -- that's the sign of a deep offense. It's even deeper when we consider they're missing their preseason #1 and #2 RBs. And when the opposing team has only one guy with 12+ points despite being mostly healthy . . . well, maybe could chalk it up to an off night.
But I don't think it was an off night for the Vikings, which these days have only one must-start player (Justin Jefferson), one consistent streamer (Jordan Addison), and -- with the return of Aaron Jones -- a clutter of mediocrity that largely cancel each other out.
Or maybe that's not fair. When J.J. McCarthy presumably takes over next weekend, they might be better. while he was largely overmatched in his two September starts, averaging 151 passing yards while throwing TD passes and three interceptions, one of those games was against Atlanta (second-fewest QB fantasy points allowed), and the other was a road game in Chicago. Addison was suspended for both. A home rematch against the Bears, plus a home game versus Baltimore, could get this offense back on track.
But fantasy managers clearly should be concerned. At this point, neither Aaron Jones nor Jordan Mason are safe starts, even in deeper leagues. The historically must-start TJ Hockenson is an afterthought, on pace for a pedestrian 66-539-2 receiving line. 75% of his yards have come in the second half, and 76% of his targets have come while trailing. Hoping your TE produces during a game's desperation time is not usually a recipe for fantasy success.
Only two years ago, Kirk Cousins was on pace for 4,953 passing yards and 38 TD passes before getting knocked out mid-season. Currently they're on pace for 3,512 and 22. Not having a top-24 quarterback is capping everyone's fantasy values, transforming the Vikings from fantasy-friendly to fantasy-concerning.
The Chargers are on the other end of the spectrum, which presents its own challenges. Which receivers are startable? Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston were usually on fire during September. Ladd McConkey has owned October. The rise of Oronde Gadsden has made Allen and Johnston less dependable. And while second-round rookie Tre' Harris remains a tertiary option, three of his four best performances have come in these last three weeks. More upward movement from him would add significantly more fantasy chaos.
Finally, Kimani Vidal. On yesterday's podcast, I talked through why last night's game probably would impact his rest-of-season value. In the first half he rushed for only 19 yards on 11 carries. The touchdown was nice. But Jarret Patterson looked better. That all changed in the second half, and now Vidal looks like the real deal. Beating up on Miami is one thing. Making halftime adjustments and then beating up on a mid-ranged Minnesota run D is far more impressive.
For the final score contest, I thought I had a chance to get it on the nose with my 37-16 pick. But the Vikes played it conservatively on the final meaningless drive, apparently unaware that I needed six points. So the actual winner is . . . well, it's me. Second time this season. I feel bad for everyone who lost. But not as bad as I would have felt if I had lost.
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