Team Profile
Minnesota Vikings
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2.9% 15thOff DVOA
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24.7% 12thPassing DVOA
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-9.6% 19thRushing DVOA
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-15.4% 2ndDef DVOA
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-12.8% 1stDef Passing DVOA
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-20.2% 5thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
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Points For25.4 10th
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Points Against19.5 4th
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Yards Per Game347.0 12th
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Yards Allowed Per Game336.0 16th
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold completed 22-of-35 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. He picked up 11 yards on his five carries in the road outing. The 27-year-old was impressive again in Week 16, registering his fifth performance with at least three passing scores. It's been a superb season for Darnold, who has now eclipsed 30 passing TDs for the first time in his seven-year career (32). He's in the top five of the league regarding that stat and will look to continue his success next Sunday in a rematch with the Green Bay Packers. Darnold tossed three scores against the Pack back in Week 4, and Minnesota is still neck and neck with the Detroit Lions in a battle for the NFC North. Continue to fire him up as a QB1.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor hasn't been much of a factor on offense this season. Nailor hauled in his lone target for five yards during last week's win over the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old has finished with one reception or less in seven straight games. At this point, Nailor is the fourth option in the passing game, which isn't going to result in much fantasy value. He is only playing around 50 percent of the offensive snaps, so fantasy managers should be able to find a more reliable option for Week 16.
Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard is a fringe top option in Week 16 when his team lines up against the Seattle Seahawks on the road. The rookie was excellent in last weekend's 30-12 win over the Chicago Bears, knocking in all six of his kicks (three extra points), including his first field goals since returning from a quad injury that forced him to injured reserve. Despite his monster Week 15 outing, he'll be tougher to trust against a Seahawks unit that's allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to kickers in 2024 (6.8). Even with a potent Minnesota offense behind him, fantasy managers can likely find a better kicking option in the fantasy semi-finals. Reichard is RotoBaller's K14 ahead of this week's slate of action.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson gets an exploitable matchup this Sunday in a meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. The 27-year-old has been fine -; albeit unspectacular -; over the last few weeks as he rounds into form. Hockenson has had a few nice performances but has mostly been a third option in the Vikes' pass attack behind wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Still, since Week 10, he's been the TE11 in PPR formats. He'll have a sound chance to stay involved against a Seattle defense, allowing 12.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends -; the thirteenth-most in the league. While the ceiling games have yet to be consistent, the Iowa alum is a top option at his position -; clocking in at RotoBaller's PPR TE5 in Week 16's ranks.
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers remains strictly a handcuff option for this Sunday's road clash with the Seattle Seahawks. Akers scored a touchdown on ten carries (his most in a game since Week 11), rushing for 24 yards in last weekend's 30-12 rout of the Bears. Still, he picked up most of his work on the Vikings' final few drives and was inefficient with his touches. The 25-year-old hasn't garnered a target since Week 12 and hasn't played more than 32% of snaps since joining the team. With lead-back Aaron Jones dominating backfield touches, the Florida State product will not be a recommended option in Week 16. Akers comes in as RotoBaller's PPR RB48 in this week's rankings.