Vikings at Packers
Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 15th at 1:00 pm EST
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
Betting Odds: GB -3, 45.5 Total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Sleeper Spotlight: Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterbacks
- Kirk Cousins (Sit)
I simply can’t bring myself to trust Kirk Cousins this week against the Packers. Green Bay’s defense is looking improved, especially the secondary. Couple that with the fact that Cousins only threw the ball 10 times last week and we’ve got a recipe for disaster. Yes, Cousins put up a respectable 14 points last week; but his fantasy stats would have been terrible if he didn’t get that rushing touchdown. It seems head coach Mike Zimmer is dead-set on establishing the run and that should hinder Cousins’ aerial upside. Low-scoring games are usually a bad sign for fantasy quarterbacks and I would bet my money on the under for this one.
Running Backs
- Dalvin Cook (Start/RB1)
- Alexander Mattison (Sit)
I was afraid to draft Dalvin Cook this year due to his injury history but I’m more than happy to eat crow on this one. Cook looked like he hadn’t lost a step last week against the Falcons. It was pretty much immediately clear that this offense will run through him so long as he remains healthy. Start him up with confidence, even against an improved Packers defense. So far, it looks like the Vikings will stick with the run until it stops working.
Alexander Mattison was surprisingly well last week when he was in the game as the relief for Cook. He had the longest rush of the night for the Vikings but he isn’t going to be fantasy relevant unless Cook goes down again.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Adam Thielen (Start/WR2)
- Stefon Diggs (Start/WR2)
- Kyle Rudolph (Sit if you have better options)
- Chad Beebe (Sit)
I know I’m recommending people sit Cousins but you probably can’t afford to sit most of these Vikings receivers. Adam Thielen had a mediocre performance last week but he also only had three targets. Stefon Diggs was less successful only because he didn’t find the end zone with his limited targets (two). The thing is, Thielen and Diggs were likely a fairly hefty investment in your fantasy league and it would be tough to justify benching them. The Vikings just need to start throwing the dang football. I wasn’t surprised to see Diggs with an unsatisfying performance last week. He usually isn’t very productive when he comes into a game nursing an injury (hamstring). I’m not worried though, he should bounce back eventually. I think the Vikings will try to pass the ball more against the Packers but I wouldn’t expect amazing things against this Green Bay secondary.
I just know I’m going to catch some flak for telling you to sit Kyle Rudolph when he will probably score two touchdowns on two catches or something ridiculous like that. When it comes to tight ends in fantasy football, I like to employ a “what have you done for me lately” mindset. After the Vikings barely threw the ball and Rudolph put up a goose egg last week, I would be looking elsewhere for the time being. If I’m not mistaken, Rudolph was somewhere around the 17th tight end taken in drafts. You likely have another option on your bench or the waiver wire. I will admit that Rudolph always has that touchdown upside which is good to have in a tight end. Chad Beebe had a nice catch but he’s not going to be relevant this year.
–Matt Dean (@MattDeanQbList)
Green Bay Packers
Quarterbacks
- Aaron Rodgers (Start/QB2)
Aaron Rodgers’ first performance of the season was pretty mediocre but that was also with a new offense against a top-3 defense. This week’s matchup isn’t much better because the Vikings’ defense is looking just as scary. Even Rodgers knew his performance could have been better last week. When he gave the game ball to Matt LaFleur, Rodgers told his new head coach “I’m going to be a lot better moving forward.” That’s the exact type of statement you want to hear from a QB like Rodgers because, if he knows he needs to be better, he will be. I would start Aaron Rodgers this week if you don’t have better options but temper expectations. The Packers’ first few games are rough and there will be plenty of growing pains with this new offense. I am, however, expecting a better performance than last week’s.
Running Backs
- Aaron Jones (Start/RB2 fringe FLEX)
- Jamaal Williams (Sit)
Aaron Jones put up a stinker last week but I wouldn’t panic just yet. He was going up against a terrifying front four last week that gave him little to no running room. Unfortunately, he will be going up against another strong front four this week. Even more unfortunate, all the Packers’ NFC North opponents seem to have amazing defensive lines. That means Jones will have plenty of tough matchups this year. That being said, I think he should bounce back eventually but this may not be the week it happens. Jones was still a big investment in your fantasy draft and it’s unlikely you can afford to bench him. If you’re a savvy fantasy player with plenty of running back options I could understand if you put him in the FLEX spot or benched him considering this week’s matchup. If you don’t have better options (like me) you pretty much need to start him and pray for the best. Also, don’t worry too much about Jamaal Williams; he couldn’t get one yard with five carries last week. Jones is still the guy to own on this team.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Davante Adams (Start/WR1)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Start/FLEX)
- Trevor Davis (Sit/possible hold in deep leagues)
- Jake Kumerow (Sit/Drop)
- Jimmy Graham (Start/TE1)
- Geronimo Allison (Sit)
Allison can be safely left on the bench until further notice. Looks like I was dead wrong about the whole “Jake Kumerow sleeper” thing. The Packers loved him over the preseason but I suppose he still has a ways to go in this offense. He can probably be safely dropped from all leagues unless his usage increases this week. I’m still excited to see what Trevor Davis can do in the regular season. He had a quiet Week 1 but the Packers still seem high on him. He could become fantasy relevant if he begins to earn Rodgers’ trust and your team rewards points for return yards.
Davante Adams is still an elite wide receiver and you’re going to start him if he’s playing. It’s always a fun matchup when Xavier Rhodes shadows Adams. He’s one of the best corners in the game but Adams has had success against him in the past. I’m still high on Marquez Valdes-Scantling and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make some big plays against the Vikings. Rodgers has been trying to “dial-in” on Valdes-Scantling’s speed over the offseason and I believe MVS could develop into a deep threat as the season continues. Jimmy Graham is trying to prove he can still play at an elite level and last week was a good start. I want to see Jimmy get more targets, but you can’t complain about his production so far. It looks like Rodgers is happy to have a big target like Graham in the end zone. If he keeps scoring, it will be hard to take Jimmy out of your starting lineup.
-Ryan Kruse (@ryanpkruse)
12 team ppr .5
In my flex
John Brown or Jamison Crowder
Sam Darnold just contracted Mono and will miss week 2. Your decision has been made haha.
Brown for sure!
I see that you recommend sitting Robby. Would it be wise to start John Brown or Valdez-Scantling over him?
John Brown for me
John Ross or Mark Andrews at the flex position? 12 team ppr
That’s a really interesting decision. I would normally always want the wide receiver, but I’m still a little hesitant to trust Ross, and Andrews has an excellent matchup against the Cardinals. I think I like Andrews, but it’s close.
Marvin Jones or DK Metcalf for my WR2?
I would lean Marvin Jones. I don’t expect Lockett to only get 2 targets a week, so he could get more work at Metcalf’s expense.
I know it’s unconventional, but I have Devonta Freeman in my flex. With his performance last week, should I bench him for Mark Andrews? I already have Kittle at TE and don’t really think I should ever bench him. I also have Lat Murray on the bench and Mike Williams (since he’s questionable I put Allen Robinson in there).
By the way, I’m in a 12-man .5PPR
I think you’ve got to stick with Freeman for another week. Home against the Eagles should be a lot better than on the road against the Vikings. I’ll be more worried if he throws up a dud this week.
Having trouble deciding between Delanie Walker or Darren Waller for the TE spot this week. 8 man PPR league
I’d go with Delanie, let’s see what Waller can do one more time
who should i start as my flex? 12 team 1PPR. john brown, christian kirk, dante pettis, or chris thompson? thanks in advance!
I’d go Thompson – Brown – Kirk – Pettis in that order.
12 team/ .25ppr
Montgomery or A Robinson in my flex? Who will the bears lean on more?
That’s tough. I can’t trust Montgomery until they decide to give him the ball.
I’ve got John Ross III and Marquise Brown. Debating on starting one of them over Will Fuller in my flex spot. But also feeling a bit weary of my WR2 Josh Gordon. Thoughts?
Can you trade me one of them? HA! I’d go John Ross over Will Fuller.
Hockenson or Waller? And
Tyrell Williams or DJ Moore?
1pt PPR
Hock and DJ for me
Definitely Waller over Hockenson for me. The game environment should be a lot better for throwing against the Chiefs. I see the Lions really slowing down and establishing the run against the Chargers, who also play at a slow pace.
The other one is more of a toss-up. I think Moore is a better player and play normally but Thursday night games can get ugly. Williams has a great matchup and should have plenty of chances for volume against the Chiefs. Williams feels safer especially with Cam not looking great throwing the ball in week 1
Tyler Boyd or DJ Moore for my WR2?
Aaron Jones or Marlon Mack for my Flex? Other two RBs are David Johnson and Chris Carons.
10 man PPR league.
DJ and Mack
Who do I play?
.5ppr
10 team league
3 wrs + 2rbs + 1 flex
*Boyd/Keenan Allen/Diggs/DJ Moore
*Bell/Sony Michelle/D. Williams/D. Johnson
*Engram/Mark Andrews
D. Johnson
Bell (if healthy watch for that)
Allen
Diggs
Boyd
Sony — I do not think we need to overreact to week 1! He still got the bulk of the carries
Latavius Murray, Curtis Samuel, or Ronald Jones for Flex?
.5 PPR league
Thanks!
This is tough, between Latavius and Samuel for me. If you want safe I’d go Latavius.
Please help! Josh Gordan vs Miami or Evans vs Carolina? Who do I start
Evans
Josh Gordan, Mike Evans, or John Brown. Need two, one for WR2 and the Other for FLEX.
Gordon and Evans
Looking for advice – 14 team PPR league
2 WRs + 2 RB + 1 Flex
D Adams/J Edelman/M Gallup/J Ross
*J White/D Williams/C Thompson/M Breida
note my current starters – should I make changes? I’m mostly torn between playing Gallup, Breida or Thompson
that didn’t post right, but my starters are currently Adams, Edelman, Gallup, White and Williams
I’d leave it as is
Room for 3 WR- Stephon Diggs, Tyrell Williams, Larry Fitzgerald and Marquis Brown. Who sits?
Sit Brown
14 team non ppr stuck with Jameis as my QB, only other QBs on the wire are Keenum, Mariota, Minshew…. it’s a mess. Please help!
I think you gotta roll with Winston then
I would stick with Jameis a little longer. The best option out of all of those with most upside by far. He is known for having horrible weeks but also top-five weeks.
1pt ppr. need a RB and a Flex: Damien Williams, Marlon Mack, Holleywood Brown. which 2 would you start?
Both RBs
Lamar Jackson or Tom Brady (I’m leaning towards Brady, but the pats never do too hot against miami at miami)
(12 team PPR)
Pretty even, think I lean Lamar
Would this still be useful for a ten team, PPR ?
Thanks
Yes, still valuable. Rosters are just deeper so some of the fringe guys might be sitting in your league.
12 Team Standard – Flex Chris Thompson or Latavius Murray?
In a standard league, it is Murray for me. This game has a big total and should be fantasy friendly all around, giving Murray a nice chance at a TD. Not getting Thompson’s receptions takes away a lot of his value.
Looking for RB2 in 10 Team Standard – Duke Johnson Jr, Devin Singletary, Malcolm Brown or Ronald Jones II
All pretty close, but bc standard I may go with Brown for TD upside
Have a difficult FLEX decision to make in a 12 team full-PPR. Chris Thompson, Christian Kirk, Curtis Samuel, or TJ Hockenson? My gut says Thompson, but it’s a tough one.
Between Kirk or Thompson
Probably Thompson for me as well, Kirk would be 2nd choice. Redskins should need to throw a lot, falling behind the Cowboys.
Austin Hooper (vs Eagles) or Darren Waller (vs Chiefs) this week?
Forgot to include – 10 teams, half ppr
Waller
12 team .5 ppr flex
Pick 2
MVS
AJ Brown
Terry McLaurin
Robby Anderson
Mecole Hardman
Mark Andrew’s
(If im lucky I can flex Mixon in for one of these but not sure if he will even be worth playing through injury)
Ok, I’ve got only one questions… Carson Wentz or Dak Prescott? 10 team full PPR.
wentz
Pick 1 RB and 1 flex
Devonta Freeman, Chris Thompson
John Brown, John Ross, Terry McClaurin
Freeman and John Brown
8 team league so stacked options…
Sit Evans for: Tyrell Williams, Lockett, Larry Fitz?
Was strongly considering Tyrell just because it should be a shootout and he’s guaranteed the volume against a weak secondary.
12 team PPR
I have to pick one, who to start: James Crowder vs DJ Moore vs Cooper Kupp?
thanks
aaron jones or d freeman this week? RB2, full PPR thanks
freeman
Start Baker Mayfield or Derek Carr? 10 team Half PPR
Carr has a much higher ceiling this week
10 team, full PPR:
QB: Carson Wentz or Lamar Jackson? (I know, I have it rough)
RB: Singletary, Duke Johnson, Damien Williams (I’m leaning Damien Williams)
Flex: Josh Gordon or one of the RBs above? (I’m leaning Singletary)
12 team, Full PPR
who to flex Aaron Jones, Allen Robinson, Devin Singletary or Michael Gallup
Full point PPR need a flex:
John Brown or Chris Thompson. Or, do I trust Mixon?
Thanks!