AP Photo/Julie Jacobson
Well for the first time in 2 years we all thought it was in the bag that he would be returning for another season. And at the first whiff of a rumor it is assumed that he will not be playing. Having heard Brett’s retirement speech already I will remain under the assumption that he will be playing until he is not on the field against the Saints for the season opener. So if any of you are wondering why he is still on my rankings pretty high up there and Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin are also unaffected… that is why. The most interesting part of the storyline here for fantasy football is not Tarvaris Jackson or the fall of Rice and Harvin; Instead, its that without Favre to call the audibles and boost the passing game, Adrian Peterson would likely become my number one overall RB. With Favre at QB, the Vikings dropped back to pass 7% more than in 2008 with Ferotte and Jackson at the helm (Thanks to the guys on the Fantasy Focus podcast for that stat). Having done a couple of mock drafts since the “news” about Favre I think we all need to look at the Vikings players as having big upside. Most people are letting Harvin drop into the 8th round, where he still has value with Jackson pulling the trigger… and if Favre comes back he would go in round 5 or so.
Fantasy Relevant Players
Adrian Peterson – He was our number one back last year and while people were disappointed that he did not have many HUGE games… he was a model on consistency and did nothing to lose his ranking. The reason he DID lose the ranking was merely the absurd stats that Chris Johnson put up.
Sidney Rice – Whether he has Favre or not Rice will be a very relevant fantasy WR. He will not be an elite receiver without his favorite gunslinger so his rank will need to fall if we do not hear some good news soon, but I’m not doing it yet.
D/ST – The Vikings defense comes in 3rd on my rankings despite the weakness in the secondary. To me, the success of a defense is dependent on it’s ability to stop the run, for evidence you can look at the stats on my Buffalo Bills’ defense last year.
Both last season and this upcoming one should end with similar standings. The Vikings will be bringing Favre back and the Packers are the only team with a chance at upsetting them for the division title. I expect the competition to be tight between the two powerhouses in this division, but I most look forward to how the Lions do this year! I think they have made some huge steps in improving their franchise and fantasy owners should get used to the name Matthew Stafford right now.
