Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 29th, 1:00 EST
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Network: CBS
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
Sam Darnold: Sit, QB2
Sam Darnold continues to impress. Last week, he posted another strong performance against the Texans, throwing four touchdowns on his way to a QB9 overall week. Darnold comes in as my QB14 this week against a Green Bay defense leading the league with seven interceptions. He may get Jordan Addison back, which would bode well for the Vikings offense as a whole, but we will need to monitor that situation closely before we give Darnold the small bump (QB12 if Addison plays).
Running Back
Aaron Jones: Start, RB2
Ty Chandler: Sit
Aaron Jones is ahead of Ty Chandler in touches and snap share, and that should continue this week. Jones benefits from being able to make an impact through the air as well as on the ground. The Vikings may be getting Jordan Addison back this week, but Jones should still expect to see 15-20 opportunities against his former team in, the Packers. Chandler is a handcuff at best, but in most leagues, I am fine leaving him on waivers as he regularly sees 35% of the snaps and would be more than likely in a timeshare should Jones miss any time.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: Start, WR1
Jordan Addison: Sit
Justin Jefferson continues to prove why he is the most talented wide receiver in the NFL. Jordan Addison may return from injury in Week 4, which could throw a small wrench into Jefferson’s production, but I wouldn’t fret too much. Jefferson has averaged over 85 yards per game against Green Bay over the last two seasons. Addison, if he does return, would be better suited for the bench in his first game back but could flirt with low-end FLEX value if you are in a bind. Jalen Nailor would take a hit to his stock with Addison’s return, but would be in a similar low-end FLEX situation if Addison needs another week.
Tight End
Sit All
Without TJ Hockenson, there is no viable option for the Vikings at tight end. He should return later this season, but it will still take some time to ramp up before he gets back to his normal self.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Malik Willis: Sit, QB3
Jordan Love**: Sit, QB2
You aren’t starting Willis, but he showed enough to support a few of the Packers’ offensive players, which was not something many were expecting. If Love ends up suiting up the Vikings, defense has been no joke this season and looks to be the real deal. In his first game back, he just would miss out on the QB1 range for me, landing somewhere between QB13-QB15. Check back on his status later this week.
Running Back
Josh Jacobs: Start, RB2
Emanuel Wilson: Sit
Josh Jacobs struggled against the Titans in Week 3 and faces another tough defense in Week 4, with the Vikings allowing the fifth-fewest points to opposing running backs this season. That being said, Jacobs could provide an excellent buy-low opportunity this week with a friendly schedule from Weeks five through the Packers bye week. Emanuel Wilson will likely serve as the top option behind Jacobs. He is not someone who should be in your lineups, but in deep leagues, he is a nice bench stash as one of the few healthy players left if Jacobs were to go down.
Wide Receiver
Jayden Reed: Start, WR2
Christian Watson: Sit
Romeo Doubs: Sit
Donatyvion Wicks: Sit
Without Jordan Love, Reed is the only viable option when looking at the Packers pass catchers this week. If Love were to return, Doubs and Watson would flirt with low-end FLEX usage, but Watson may be touchdown-dependent. Ultimately, in Week 4, Reed is the only player I would have much confidence in.
Tight End
Tucker Kraft: Sit
There needs to be more volume for the tight ends to get involved in the Malik Willis version of this offense. You weren’t starting Tucker Kraft with Love at the helm, and he should remain on benches with his backup taking snaps. The same goes for Luke Musgrave.
i feel like only the thursday game should be posted on thursday and the rest of the games on friday.. after this is posted there is so much more player news with practice sits etc that a lot of what youre writing is no longer valid and the opinion is void.
for example: damien pierce was limited just today. so akers should be a viable start if he doesnt play.
Hey, thanks for reading and commenting! We try to get all of our recommendations out on Thursday so that you have all that information in case you’re on the fence between a guy that plays on Thursday vs. Sunday. We don’t always have all of the information because of the timing with practice reports, but we try to update things as we get more info. As for the Texans backfield, I’m still a bit hesitant to recommend Akers, but he could have an easier time this week against the Jags than he did last week against the Vikings.
This list used to be a lot more nuanced in the past. Talking about #3 / #4 players and ranking them as such. Now it seems like every player if they’re not a #1 or #2 at their position they are simply a sit. I don’t need to know to start my top players it’s the flex ones in the middle I need a write up on. Wish this list was as thorough as years past.
Thanks for this feedback! We try and do our best to cover as many fantasy-relevant players as possible, and you can check out our list of weekly rankings to see how everyone stacks up. Is there a player or two I can help provide a more detailed breakdown of for you?
Having Anthony Richardson as a Start and Sam Darnold as a Sit is fantasy malpractice.
Hey, thanks for reading. I personally think Richardson has the higher ceiling this week with his rushing upside and Darnold has a hostile environment this week heading into Green Bay. If you personally want to see more out of Richardson before giving him the start again, I completely understand!