Vikings@Lions
Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 20th at 1:00 pm EST
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Betting Odds: Even, 44 Total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Sleeper Spotlight: TBD
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback:
- Kirk Cousins (Sit)
Suddenly Kirk Cousins has woken up from his slumber. Or perhaps it is just a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. After the Vikings opened the season by running the ball as much as possible, the team has opened up the passing game and Cousins has produced for two straight weeks. However, this week he draws the Lions and a pass defense that is in the top third in fantasy points against. The Vikings have the framework for a dynamic pass offense, to add to their rush offense, but against the Lions, they will get back to running the ball a Cousins will be a game manager.
Running Backs:
- Dalvin Cook (Start / RB1)
- Alexander Mattison (Sit)
Last week Dalvin Cook had a quiet afternoon with just 41 yards rushing against a tough Eagles rush defense. He did salvage this day with a touchdown but overall the Vikings wanted to pass the ball and did so successfully. This week the team will get back to establishing the run, and while the Lions are solid on defense they aren’t spectacular. The Lions are surrendering over 30 points per game to fantasy backfields and Cook will find his way to a big game this weekend. Alexander Mattison should be on rosters everywhere, he’s shown that he can produce if given the chance and is a top-end handcuff if you own Cook. For now, he cannot be trusted but he could be a league winner should he be forced into the role.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends:
- Adam Thielen (Start / Flex)
- Stefon Diggs (Start / Flex)
- Kyle Rudolph (Sit)
The Lions have been solid against opposing wideouts, allowing just 170 yards a game against the position, less than a touchdown per game and just a 53% completion percentage. The Vikings dynamic duo of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs have been underutilized and again this week the matchup dictates that the Vikings will want to run the ball. For owners, both players were drafted highly enough that they can still be started in the flex spot but temper your expectations. Likewise, the Lions have been incredible defending the tight end position giving up just 60 yards per and zero scores this season. The tight end position has been bleak but owners cannot look to this matchup for a bye week stream from Kyle Rudolph.
Detroit Lions
Quarterback:
- Matthew Stafford (Start / QB1)
The weeks’ matchup is an average one for Matthew Stafford. The Vikings are 15th overall against the quarterback position and have allowed ten passing touchdowns so far in six games, including four multiple touchdown games. Stafford has enjoyed a solid campaign so far and he will be able to produce as a low-end QB1 this week.
Running Backs:
- Kerryon Johnson (Start / Flex)
I am not expecting much from Kerryon Johnson in this showdown with the Vikings defense. The Vikings are allowing less than 80 yards rushing and have given up just a single touchdown on the ground in Week 2. The production against pass-catchers out of the backfield hasn’t been much better. Johnson has been up and down so far this year, with just a single RB1 performance but at least a flex performance all year. This week will be another muted day but he should still be started as your flex. No other Detroit running back as value for fantasy owners at the moment.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends:
- Kenny Golladay (Start / WR2)
- Marvin Jones Jr. (Sit)
- Danny Amendola (Sit)
- T.J. Hockenson (Sit)
With the high-value targets and the ability to catch anything in his zip code, receiver Kenny Golladay is a must-start every week. Golladay’s lone bad performance was against his easiest matchup of the year, which indicates that owners may not be able to look at matchups alone for decisions about Golladay. Currently the WR12, Golladay has scored at least 14 fantasy points in every game except one. While this may not be his best game of the year, he should at least have a solid day. Marvin Jones, however, is a player that belongs on your bench this week. Jones lit up the Eagles in a Week 3 matchup but has struggled with consistency otherwise. The Vikings are not a get right game for him. The Vikings also have not given up a receiving touchdown to opposing tight ends but plenty of yards. Since Week 1 though, T.J. Hockenson has not gained more than 27 yards receiving with just a single touchdown. Despite the tight end landscape, owners just cannot trust Hockenson to produce.
-Marc Salazar (@dingwog)
You have Justice Hill listed as the handcuff, so I’m wasting a roster spot on Gus?
If something happened to Ingram, I think it’s fair to say that it would be a committee approach to replace him. Depends if you would prefer the workhorse and TD role of Gus or the passing game role with Hill. As someone who drafted Hill everywhere, I have long since dropped him. Gus is probably the safer handcuff in my opinion, Hill maybe has more upside in a PPR league.
Might be worth noting Josh Gordon had one target after he left the game with a knee injury in second quarter.
Odd that you’re taking that stance on Murray. Everything that i’ve read has said that Kamara possibly has a high ankle sprain and is most likely not playing. Even with Kamara playing last week, Murray spit out 10 points in my half ppr league.
Great breakdown of the QBs in Week 7! It’s really helpful to see everything in one place. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this post!