Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is riding the momentum of a strong Week 7 into this Thursday's clash with the Los Angeles Rams. The 25-year-old turned in his highest reception and yardage totals of the season last Sunday, catching four of five targets for 76 yards. It's been an inconsistent year for Nailor, who was a productive WR3 for the first three weeks of the season before catching just one pass between Weeks 4 and 5. It's unclear which version of Nailor we'll see in Week 8, but it's worth noting that the Rams have been productive against wide receivers this year. Los Angeles has surrendered the ninth-fewest fantasy points and third-fewest receptions to opposing wide receivers so far. He's tough to trust in fantasy lineups despite managers balancing an onslaught of injuries and bye weeks.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is a worthwhile WR3/flex option heading into Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. While he's always a threat to score touchdowns, he doesn't have major upside in his current role against a respectable Rams passing defense. Addison has been held to three catches in all four of his games this season, and he typically commands around four targets. This trend of relatively low volume should continue against a Los Angeles defense allowing the third-fewest receptions and the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers this year. Addison has been a top-24 receiver in just one of his four games so far, and he's ranked outside the top 50 in two of those four.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to rank as a high-end WR1 for fantasy football heading into Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams. While Jefferson's volume has taken a step backward in the Vikings' Sam Darnold-led offense (he's averaging a relatively modest 5.5 catches per game and has not caught more than seven passes in a single game this year), he's a major scoring threat in the Minnesota offense. Not only does he have a touchdown in five of the Vikings' six games this year, but he's also facing off against a Rams defense allowing the ninth-most touchdowns to opposing wide receivers in 2024. All in all, Jefferson has the highest upside among all players in the Vikings' offense and should be treated as high-end WR1 for Thursday night's clash against the Rams.

Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers was traded from the Houston Texans last week. He was active for last week's game against the Detroit Lions but didn't handle any carries in the backfield. However, Akers could see some action with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report ahead of Thursday's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The absence of Jones would likely mean that Ty Chandler takes over as the lead back. Akers figures to be the primary backup to Chandler and would probably see at least a handful of carries. Akers might be worth a stash in deep leagues, but it's hard to imagine him having much value as the third string.

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler has been quiet as the primary backup this season. In fact, Chandler has rushed for 30 yards or less in every game but one this season. Chandler only saw two carries during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. However, Chandler could see a bigger role in Week 8 with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report. It's a short week as the Vikings play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. The absence of Jones would mean Chandler likely becomes the lead back with Cam Akers being his primary backup. Chandler saw 14 carries in Week 5 and only managed 30 yards on the ground. Fantasy managers in desperate need of running back help should stash Chandler, but he's not worth even considering starting unless Jones sits out.