Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones should be in store for a massive performance this weekend when his team squares off against the Indianapolis Colts at home in Week 9. Despite Jones scoring only three touchdowns on the year, he's the RB15 in PPR formats with just one outing under 9.8 fantasy points. This Sunday, he gets a smash matchup in a Colts defense that's let up the second-most rushing yards to opposing ground attacks (1,215) in the league. The former fifth-round pick should eat against a Swiss cheese Indianapolis front-seven and stands an excellent chance to add to his touchdown total. Additionally, with quarterback Joe Flacco in line to start for Indianapolis, this projects to be a higher-scoring affair than it might have been with second-year QB Anthony Richardson under center. The 29-year-old veteran is RotoBaller's PPR RB11 in Week 9's ranks.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold will line up against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday in one of the juiciest matchups on paper this weekend. The 27-year-old has been excellent in his first season in a Vikings uniform and has the chance for another strong performance in Week 9. Indianapolis has allowed the eighth-most passing yards to opponents this season and the seventh-most yards per pass attempt (6.7). The only thing that could prevent the former first-round pick from having an above-average outing would be Minnesota leaning on the run, as Indy's D is worse against opposing ground attacks than they are through the air. Still, fantasy managers can confidently start Darnold in Week 9. He's RotoBaller's QB7 in this week's rankings.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will look to bounce back in Week 9 at home against the Washington Commanders after a challenging outing in Week 8, where he finished without a touchdown and threw one interception in the Giants' 26-18 loss to Pittsburgh. Jones has struggled to find the end zone this season, tallying just six passing touchdowns and zero rushing scores, which has limited his fantasy production to 14.73 points per game, ranking him 26th among QBs. He'll face a Washington defense that's been solid against opposing quarterbacks, ranking 13th in fantasy points allowed to the position and allowing only 12 passing TDs all season. Given Washington's sixth-ranked pass defense (186.8 yards per game), Jones projects as a low-ceiling option for fantasy managers, especially without a single 300-yard passing game this season.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. That means, Hockenson is set to make his season debut this weekend. He figures to be a significant part of the offense after hauling in 95 receptions for 960 yards, and five touchdowns during his first full season with the team last year. There's a chance that Hockenson is limited during his first game back, but should still be in the TE1 conversation for Week 9.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is expected to play a full allotment of snaps in Week 9 in his first game back from a torn ACL and MCL. Hockenson has been practicing with the team for a couple of weeks and will finally make his long-anticipated season debut when the Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football. Hockenson logged a full practice on Wednesday. His practice activity over the last couple of weeks should put him in a good position to succeed immediately. Hockenson's return will be a welcome one for fantasy managers who have stashed him all year. He was a stud in 2023 when he racked up 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Hockenson has been an excellent vertical threat throughout his career and will look to step right back into that role. His presence will undoubtedly help wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in the passing game because Hockenson will give defenses one more weapon to cover. Expect Hockenson to take a couple of weeks to get back into the swing of a regular season game. However, he should begin to produce TE1 numbers before long.