Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Per head coach Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (quad) suffered a quad contusion in Sunday's 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers. The 30-year-old was apparently stepped on, forcing him to miss a stretch before halftime. He'd return to the game in the third quarter but sat out again in the fourth with the outing seemingly safely at hand. That he could return initially is excellent news for him, though it's worth mentioning that he remained on the sidelines even when the Packers brought the game within one score late. With a crucial matchup on deck with their division-rival Detroit Lions in Week 18, the Vikes will need all the help they can get as they attempt to clinch the division and secure the conference's top seed. Keep an eye on Jones' practice status this week ahead of the season's final slate of action.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in 8-of-11 targets for 92 yards in his team's 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers. Ho-hum. The fantasy stalwart was solid again, recording his fifth straight appearance with at least seven receptions and 73 receiving yards. The only thing missing from his line was a touchdown. Despite the scoreless outing, Jefferson still came through for fantasy managers -- racking up his thirteenth game with at least 15 fantasy points. His highlight of the day was a 37-yard catch-and-run early in the fourth quarter. The 25-year-old has now notched his third season of at least 100 receptions and 1,400 receiving yards in what's been one of the most outstanding starts to a wideout's career in NFL history. He'll square off with his division-rival Detroit Lions next week in a critical Week 18 contest.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones handled 12 carries for 47 yards in his team's 27-25 win against the Green Bay Packers. He chipped in another 30 yards on four of five receiving. The eighth-year pro was effective when he touched the ball but missed a good chunk of time in this one, ceding way to teammate Cam Akers while he dealt with his ailment. Jones was never designated with an injury, but the broadcast team reported that he got stepped on at one point and was later seen with a wrap around his leg on the sidelines. He returned the game but sat out the entirety of the fourth quarter. Minnesota was up 27-10 at the start of the final frame, and their lead is likely the reason why they rested the veteran. Still, it's notable that he remained out after the Packers brought the game to a two-point margin. He'll now rest up ahead of the Vikings' pivotal Week 18 meeting with the Detroit Lions. The winner of that matchup will clinch the NFC North and hold the top spot in the conference.

Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard gets an unfavorable spot against the visiting Green Bay Packers this Sunday. The rookie has been excellent since returning from a quad injury in Week 14. Reichard missed a field goal that Sunday in a win over the Atlanta Falcons, but he's otherwise been perfect over that stretch -; knocking through all other 17 kicks (five field goals). The Packers' D has been solid this year, allowing the sixth-fewest points per game (19.1). Still, the Vikings' offense has been among the best in the league -; clocking in at the ninth-most points scored per outing (26.4). Reichard made all five of his kicks in the two team's first meeting and should again be afforded point opportunities in the divisional clash. He's RotoBaller's K9 in Week 17's rankings.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will get a vulnerable Week 17 meeting with his division-rival Green Bay Packers. The Iowa product produced another low catch and yardage total in Week 16 (2/27) but picked up at least five targets for the sixth time in eight games since his return from injury. Hockenson looked like he might be rounding into form early in his return but has mostly taken a backseat to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as QB Sam Darnold's preferred targets. However, he'll square off with an exploitable Packers defense this Sunday that's afforded tight ends 13.4 fantasy points per game this season -; the eleventh-most in the league. Until he picks it up, the 27-year-old is better viewed as a back-end TE1. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE8 ahead of Week 17's slate.