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Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview

QB – Brett Favre

The old gunslinger proved at 40 years old he still had something left in the tank. Always known for his interceptions he threw a career low seven last year to go with a career high in pass completion percentage.  As far as to what to expect this season expect his touchdown total to be around 30, and his interceptions in the 10-15 range. He is still a top 10 fantasy quarterback, and should be drafted as such. In most mocks you can see him going as early as 4^th round which is a little premature, but don’t let him slip lower than the 7^th round, and never bet against him, he will just prove you wrong.

QB – Tavaris Jackson

Just in case the shock comes down that Favre is going to truly retire or gets hurt, Jackson needs to be discussed. Jackson was useful at the end of the 2008 season, but his playoff play was horrendous that year. Jackson has potential we have seen it, and hopefully has learned a thing or two from Favre. If that is the case Jackson is nothing more than matchup play till proven otherwise.

RB – Adrian Peterson

We all know the discussion going on this year. Peterson or Johnson?  Honestly, I give the edge to Peterson because history tells us that Johnson will regress statistically, how much we don’t know. That’s why Peterson is the safer pick. You can count Peterson annually for 1,400 to 1,700 yards rushing and double digit touchdowns. Only knock is he has a tendency to fumble, but that is a small price to pay when you’re drafting a running back of Peterson’s stature. Don’t let him slip by you if you have the chance to draft him.

WR – Sidney Rice

Rice proved the third-year receiver theory true last year with 77 catches for 1,241 yards and 8 touchdowns.  Was this because he finally had a legitimate quarterback? Or is he really that good? I believe it’s a little of both. As long as Favre is under center Rice is a borderline top 10 receiver, and number one receiver and should be drafted after the Calvin Johnson’s and Desean Jackson’s are gone.  If Favre doesn’t play, then we will see how good Rice really is. Draft him in the 3^rd round if you need to draft an elite WR at the time.

WR – Percy Harvin

Harvin silenced his critics, who doubted him coming into last season. He was the perfect safety valve for Favre in the slot, and he has the ability to take short passes and turn them into long gains. Expect his role in the offense to expand but his catch totals to be about the same. In leagues that has return yards points he is a must have, and with Favre around he is lock as number 2 wide receiver. Mock drafts have him going in the 5^th round on average. That’s a safe pick in that round.

TE – Visanthe Shiancoe

Shaincoe makes his greatest impact in the redzone. He had 11 touchdowns last season. Not many quarterbacks know how to utilize a tight end better than Favre. He has steadily improved his numbers over the past 6 years, and may not have hit his peak quite yet. Shiancoe is ranked at the tail end of the top 10 this year. Feel free to start him every week in your league. He might now get a ton of yards but he will get you touchdown production. Draft him with confidence no earlier than the 8^th round, and after the elite tight ends are off the board.