Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he'd call quarterback Sam Darnold his No. 1 QB at the moment this offseason, even though the Vikings haven't had to put out a depth chart yet in 2024. It's not a surprise with the team slow-playing first-rounder J.J. McCarthy's development during offseason workouts. On top of it, the 27-year-old Darnold has looked really good at mandatory minicamp and has taken all of the first-team repetitions to this point. All signs point to Darnold seeing most of the first-team reps in training camp this summer, too, before opening the regular season as the starter under center in Minnesota. While the Vikings offense could be the best that Darnold has ever worked with, he'll be a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex leagues in 2024. McCarthy, meanwhile, will have his chance to prove he's the starter in 2024 as well, but he's more of a dynasty/keeper asset for now.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (illness) was absent from practice this week due to an illness, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. It's unfortunate timing since the 25-year-old impressed in OTAs earlier this offseason, but absences have been a common theme. The 2022 sixth-round pick was limited to just six games last season with lower-body injuries and a concussion. Through his first 21 NFL games, he has hauled in just 12 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown. It'd be a surprise if he's on the fantasy football radar this year, as he's firmly behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the depth chart. He'll have to beat out Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield to start in three-wide sets, and even if he does, he'll have limited upside in an offense led by rookie J.J. McCarthy or veteran Sam Darnold.

Minnesota Vikings tight end Robert Tonyan is building chemistry with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy at OTAs, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. The 30-year-old signed a one-year, $1.23 million deal to join the team this offseason, and he could compete for snaps while T.J. Hockenson (knee) works his way back from a late-season ACL tear. Tonyan spent five seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one year with the Chicago Bears and racked up 148 receptions for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns in 85 games. He led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns in 2020. Although his one season of fantasy upside looks to be an outlier and a result of playing with Aaron Rodgers, he should be slightly on the fantasy radar in deep tight-end premium leagues. He figured to compete with Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and K'Neal Harry (recently moved to tight end) for early-season reps. Whoever earns the temporary TE1 job will likely have limited upside catching passes from Sam Darnold or McCarthy in 2024.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis points out that Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is turning heads at mandatory minicamp this week, and that fans should keep an eye on him heading into the 2024 season. "I see us as having a one-two punch at running back (alongside Aaron Jones)," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said, "almost like they have in Detroit. I don't know if that's what's happening on the offensive side, but I know that we have two true No. 1 running backs. I'd buy stock in Ty Chandler if I could." Aaron Jones is the starter in Minnesota's backfield, but the 26-year-old Chandler should have an increased role off the bench after he started the last four games in 2023 and was very productive. Jones' history with injuries makes Chandler a very enticing handcuff pick in fantasy drafts this fall.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has looked calm, confident and prepared at the team's mandatory minicamp this week for what is likely to be another starting opportunity for him in the NFL to start the 2024 season. Darnold's consistency has stood out all week, and he's shown good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He also took every first-team repetition over rookie first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, who is being eased in while learning new concepts. "This is the best team he's been on. This is the best system for him. He's hopefully going to find the ceiling of his play this season for us," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said. The 27-year-old former first-rounder is going to need to play well to hold off McCarthy in 2024, but if he's the starter, Darnold will have QB2 appeal in superflex leagues given the talent that he's working with on offense.