Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), currently over seven months into his recovery from a torn ACL, is advancing faster than anticipated and could be an option for Week 1. Hockenson, who recorded 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns in the first 15 games of the season before his injury, suffered the ACL tear on December 24. He had to wait until January 29 for surgery due to knee swelling. Given the timing of his injury and his crucial role on the team, it seems unlikely that he will be ready for the start of September. The Vikings are expected to prioritize his full recovery, which might delay his return into the regular season. Although Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is optimistic about Hockenson's progress, Hockenson will probably begin the season on reserve/PUP, sidelining him for at least the first four games of 2024. In his absence, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Robert Tonyan will be the tight ends on the roster, but none currently offer significant fantasy value.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones has earned significant praise from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips for his versatility in the passing game, effectiveness in goal-line situations, and strong football IQ. The Vikings plan to leverage Jones in multiple roles across their offense, making him a valuable and versatile asset in today's NFL. Jones showcased his elite talents during last year's Wild Card game against the Cowboys, where he shined on national TV with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns, leading Green Bay to a 48-32 victory. Despite his on-field success, Jones's health has been a concern; he missed six games last season and had to leave others early due to injuries. As Jones nears his 30th birthdaya significant age for NFL running backshis recent injury history adds some risk. Although the fifth round might be too early for an injury-prone player like Jones, he could be a solid RB2 if available in the sixth or seventh round in upcoming fantasy drafts. Fantasy managers should look to add a reliable RB3 on their roster to cover for the inevitable missed games from Jones.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is having a pre-planned rest day at training camp on Wednesday, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. Jefferson's absence from Wednesday's session is simply for maintenance purposes, so fantasy managers don't need to be alarmed. It remains to be seen, however, if Jefferson will take the field for the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The 25-year-old All-Pro wideout missed seven games a year ago due to a strained hamstring, but that didn't stop him from putting up over 1,000 yards in just 10 appearances during 2023. After notching the fourth-most yards per route run (2.95) over 364 routes run and sixth-most yards per target (10.7) across his 100 targets, Jefferson is a cinch selection in the middle of Round 1 of fantasy drafts as Minnesota's alpha target.

Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy has taken a back seat to Sam Darnold during the opening days of training camp. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said today that McCarthy will eventually get some consistent first-team reps in camp, but that Sam Darnold had earned the right to get the bulk of them to this point. O'Connell also said he will use that time both to evaluate McCarthy and also see if Darnold can "elevate" a different set of receivers other than Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The 21-year-old first-round pick is getting more comfortable during camp, but the Vikings have stressed that patience will be key in the development of McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick. Sam Darnold is currently the favorite to open Week 1 as Minnesota's starting quarterback, but with the playmakers at the skill positions for the Vikings, McCarthy will be an attractive streaming quarterback if he gets the opportunity to start this season.

With Christian McCaffrey receiving a training-camp rest day on Monday, Jordan Mason was the San Francisco 49ers' first running back on the field for the start of team drills. Mason, the 49ers' No. 3 back the past two seasons, carried the ball on the first snap. Elijah Mitchell, the No. 2 back sinceMcCaffrey arrived in 2022, had a carry on the second snap. Head coach Kyle Shanahan also shared praise of Mason's development after the session. After Mitchell served as McCaffrey's unquestioned backup, Mason at least is making the situation murkier.San Fran's backfield pecking order behind McCaffrey will certainly be something for fantasy managers to monitor leading into the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the hosting Tennessee Titans. Until then, Mitchell should be treated as CMC's preferred handcuff at the end of fantasy drafts with rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) sidelined.