LAST WEEK
The analysts said that Brett Favre couldn’t play or win on the road in the cold. Well the Vikings didn’t win, but it wasn’t the fault of Brett Favre. The blame mostly falls on the defense and on a late fumble by Adrian Peterson which set up the Bears' winning score in overtime. For a recap, see my Projections vs. Reality!
Projections vs. Reality:
The Game: My projection: Vikings 21, Bears 17
Outcome: Vikings 30, Bears 36
Adrian Peterson: My projection: 125 combined yards and 1 TD
Outcome: 137 combined yards, 2 TDs and 1 fumble
Brett Favre: My projection: 180 yards, 1TD
Outcome: 321 passing yards, 2 TDs and 1 fumble
Sidney Rice: Projection : 50Yards and 1 TD
Outcome: 56 yards and 1 TD
Percy Harvin: My projection: 40 yards and 1 TD
Outcome: 40 yards
Bernard Berrian: My projection: 30 yards
Outcome: 58 yards
Visanthe Shiancoe: My projection: 25 yards
Outcome: 40 yards and 1 TD
Chester Taylor: My projection: 25 combined yards
Outcome: 55 combined yards
THIS WEEK
The Vikings are one of the few playoff teams that have a lot to play for this week. The playoff seeds are far from set. The Vikings could end up anywhere between the number two through number four seeds, depending on what happens with the Eagles-Cowboys and Cardinals-Packers games. Also, after losing three of the last four games, I predict the Vikings to come out strong this week and win 34-24 against the New York Giants .
RUMORS
No Rumors.
INJURIES
Visanthe Shiancoe is the only Vikings’ player of fantasy relevance to appear on the injury report this week. He is listed as questionable with a thigh injury. He returned to practice in a very limited role on Thursday.
POSITION ANALYSIS
QUARTERBACK
After a tough road stretch, Brett Favre is back playing at home this week. Weather is not a concern when you’re playing at the Metrodome. The Giants do not give up a lot of yards through the air as they’re ranked eighth in pass defense. However, they’ve given up 27 touchdowns through the air; only four teams have given up more passing touchdowns this year.
My Projection: 250 yards, 2 TDs.
RUNNING BACKS
The Giants rank 15th against the rush, however they’ve given up 20 rushing touchdowns this year. Only the Raiders and Rams have been worse than the Giants in this category. Expect a big day from “All Day”.
My Projection: Peterson 120 combined yards, 2 TDs
WIDE RECEIVERS
Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin are legitimate number one and number two fantasy receivers respectively. Playing at home, I expect big games from both receivers this week.
My Projection: Rice 80 yards, 1 TD; Harvin 60 combined yards, 1 TD
TIGHT ENDS
Visanthe Shiancoe is questionable this week. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a little rest with the playoffs looming the following week.
My Projection: 25 yards
KICKER
Start Ryan Longwell.
DEFENSE
The Viking defense has looked sick. The Giants have potential to score a lot of points. Keep this unit on the bench.
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