Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Vikings. Show all posts

Sunday, August 31, 2025

The Daily Blitz: EDSFootball.com Updates for August 31, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football projections for multiple teams on EDSFootball.com.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

Philadelphia Eagles 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Jalen Hurts459.4304.43537.420.98.96140.2588.811.92337.58
Tanner McKee42.728.4303.21.710.858.48.40.0818.59
QB Totals502.1332.83840.622.619.81148.6597.212356.17

Jalen Hurts: In the same year that Saquon Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards, Hurts set a career low as a full-time starter in pass attempts per game (24.1). In fact, that was a drop of 7.5 per game from his 2023 average (31.6). He finished 2024 throwing for only 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Even with Barkley's rushing greatness last season, Hurts extended streaks of 150-plus carries (to three seasons), 600-plus rushing yards (four) and double-digit rushing scores (four). Over the past four years, Hurts has compiled 611/2,779/52 rushing in 62 games, equivalent to 9.51 fantasy points per game from rushing stats alone. In addition, only two players (both running backs) — Derrick Henry (51) and Josh Jacobs (42) — come within 10 rushing touchdowns of Hurts (52) during that span, per Stathead. (Josh Allen is tied for fourth (40) with Joe Mixon and Jonathan Taylor.)

More: Jalen Hurts 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook

MORE: Continue reading our Philadelphia Eagles 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

San Francisco 49ers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the San Francisco 49ers.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Brock Purdy499.1335.44042.727.712.4861.6246.43.85295.29
Mac Jones37.624.82671.471.059.530.40.1918.64
QB Totals536.7360.24309.729.1713.5371.1276.84.04313.93

Brock Purdy: Purdy had a down year in 2024 but still finished as the QB10 on a points-per-game basis (18.6). Compared to career rates (in parenthesis), Purdy's 65.9% completion rate (67.5%), 4.4 TD% (6.0%), and 8.5 Y/A (8.9) were all lower in 2024. Yes, Deebo Samuel now plays for the Washington Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and nearly every other top receiver not named Ricky Pearsall seem to have injury designations (or a suspension), but Purdy is a value when comparing my projections/rankings to his current ADP.

MORE: Continue reading our San Francisco 49ers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Minnesota Vikings.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
J.J. McCarthy540.1351.13834.724.312.15602552.4266.19
Carson Wentz37.524262.51.730.93.313.20.0917.48
QB Totals577.6375.14097.226.0313.0563.3268.22.49283.67

J.J. McCarthy: With one of the league's best offensive instructures in place, McCarthy should hit the ground running (maybe literally, too) in his debut season after missing 2024 with a torn meniscus. Kevin O'Connell had Sam Darnold playing at an MVP-caliber level for much of the year, and the team has a good offensive line with a talented group of weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Adam Thielen, T.J. Hockenson, etc.). Given his plus athleticism and environment, there is plenty of upside for a season similar to Bo Nix's rookie campaign (ADP of QB20+ with a top-10 finish).

MORE: Continue reading our Minnesota Vikings 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Buffalo Bills 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Buffalo Bills.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Josh Allen519.2330.7386829.0811.94101530.37.83347.17
Mitchell Trubisky33.121.3225.11.320.8314.848.10.5920.97
QB Totals552.33524093.130.412.77115.8578.48.42368.14

Josh Allen: Putting aside the debate over who should have won the NFL MVP award last season, it's clear that both Allen and Lamar Jackson had MVP-caliber seasons, especially as voters split their votes for MVP and the 2024 AP NFL All-Pro first team. Going into fantasy drafts this summer, Allen vs. Jackson will be the difficult (or easy) choice facing fantasy managers — and to be clear, the "easy" part is that you can't go wrong with either.

Allen posted five-year lows in several passing categories — attempts (483), yards (3,731) and touchdowns (28) — but his dual-threat skill set is what makes him so dangerous. Allen now has (at least) 12 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons and 500-plus rushing yards in four consecutive seasons. He has finished as a top-two fantasy quarterback for five consecutive seasons.

MORE: Continue reading our Buffalo Bills 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Carolina Panthers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Carolina Panthers.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Bryce Young537.3333.73626.821.7611.2845.7262.82.86252.99
Andy Dalton37.424.1261.81.651.014.313.30.1817.46
QB Totals574.7357.83888.623.4112.2950276.13.04270.45

Bryce Young: Young was benched after a terrible start through the first two weeks last season (only 225 passing yards, 4.01 Y/A, no touchdowns and three interceptions). He didn't start again until Week 8, but he played much better, especially over the final three games (64.8%, 7.0 Y/A, seven touchdowns and no interceptions). After Carolina's Week 11 bye, Young was the QB8 in fantasy PPG (21.2) through the end of the season.

More: Bryce Young 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook

MORE: Continue reading our Carolina Panthers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Chicago Bears 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Chicago Bears.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Caleb Williams530.8342.43768.722.569.5582.7413.52.07275.66
Case Keenum33.921.4230.51.220.784.914.70.215.21
QB Totals564.7363.83999.223.7810.3387.6428.22.27290.87

Caleb Williams: Williams benefits from the trifecta of improvements in offensive coaching, protection and weapons. After completely revamping their interior offensive line in free agency, the Bears also used their first three draft picks on the offense — tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo. Williams is one of my favorite QB2 targets with upside when I don't draft a top-four option.

MORE: Continue reading our Chicago Bears 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Baltimore Ravens 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Baltimore Ravens.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Lamar Jackson451.5300.23521.729.357.22133.1811.94.33351
Cooper Rush36.622.3234.21.350.665.45.40.0514.29
QB Totals488.1322.53755.930.77.88138.5817.34.38365.29

Lamar Jackson: What a year it was Jackson, who posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while leading the NFL in TD% (8.6%), yards per attempt (8.8) and passer rating (119.6)! It was the second time in his career that he has finished as fantasy's QB1. He posted a 9% TD% in his other overall QB1 season (2019), and then followed that up with a 6.9% rate in 2020. His career average is 6.4%. Long story short, he was absolutely phenomenal in 2024, but last year's ratios would be unsustainable for any quarterback including Jackson (even though he could repeat as fantasy's QB1). Although he has a max of five rushing touchdowns over the past four seasons, Jackson is the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, averaging a whopping 1,019 yards per 17 games over his career.

MORE: Continue reading our Baltimore Ravens 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Arizona Cardinals 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Arizona Cardinals.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Kyler Murray512.4348.4363820.510.7678.8472.84.73281.66
Jacoby Brissett41.525.7273.91.290.629.332.60.3720.36
QB Totals553.9374.13911.921.7911.3888.1505.45.1302.02

Kyler Murray: While fantasy managers were hoping for more from Murray in 2024, his final numbers were still solid albeit not spectacular. Murray threw multiple touchdowns in only four games, but he had another four multi-score games when including rushing touchdowns. Even with more weekly inconsistency than you may like, Murray has upside as a back-end QB1, especially if Marvin Harrison Jr. and their connection take a step forward in year two.

MORE: Continue reading our Arizona Cardinals 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Seattle Seahawks 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Seattle Seahawks.

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QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Sam Darnold507.4314.63551.821.3112.1848.5164.92.43234.02
Drew Lock38.623.2258.61.351.126.629.70.4319.05
Jalen Milroe5.53.439.10.20.178.850.60.6210.8
QB Totals551.5341.23849.522.8613.4763.9245.23.48263.87

Sam Darnold: How close will the 2025 version of Darnold be to his breakout season last year? That's the obvious question, especially considering last year's environment (coaching and supporting cast) was about as ideal for a quarterback as possible. On a positive note, the former top-three pick is still only 28 years old despite entering his eighth NFL season. Darnold threw for 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last season and finished as fantasy's QB9. It's definitely possible that the fantasy community (myself included) is discounting him too much in 2025.

MORE: Continue reading our Seattle Seahawks 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Minnesota Vikings 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Minnesota Vikings.

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

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QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
J.J. McCarthy540.1351.13834.724.312.15602552.4266.19
Sam Howell37.524262.51.541.096.532.50.3319.71
QB Totals577.6375.14097.225.8413.2466.5287.52.73285.9

J.J. McCarthy: With one of the league's best offensive instructures in place, McCarthy should hit the ground running (maybe literally, too) in his debut season after missing 2024 with a torn meniscus. Kevin O'Connell had Sam Darnold playing at an MVP-caliber level for much of the year, and the team has a good offensive line with a talented group of weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, etc.). Given his plus athleticism and environment, there is plenty of upside for a season similar to Bo Nix's rookie campaign (ADP of QB20+ with a top-10 finish).

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Aaron Jones Sr.178.9796.15.8145.2323.12.4183.78
Jordan Mason168739.25.1221.2161.10.6134.95
Ty Chandler15.3620.323.523.90.112.86
C.J. Ham2.26.60.184.229.30.17.37
RB Totals364.41603.911.4374.1537.43.2338.96

Aaron Jones Sr.: Playing a full 17-game slate in his first season as a Viking, Jones set a career high in rushing yards (1,138), attempts (255) and attempts per game (15.0). In addition, he exceeded 50 catches for the third time in the past four seasons and has averaged at least 2.7 receptions per game for six consecutive seasons. Given his age (turns 31 in December) and the addition of Jordan Mason, it's likely that the Vikings scale back his workload some, especially as a rusher, but he remains a solid RB2 in fantasy.

Jordan Mason: With Christian McCaffrey sidelined, Mason eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark and finished as a top-eight fantasy running back in three of the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season. Going into the 2025 season, he'll "back up" Aaron Jones, but (close to) a 50-50 workload split is possible and Mason has standalone flex value with contingent upside in the event of an injury to Jones.

Continue reading our 2025 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Football Projections

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Thursday, May 16, 2024

Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Minnesota Vikings in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 23

Most improved: Quarterback

The Vikings overhauled two primary positions this offseason: quarterback and pass rush. We'll lean toward quarterback as the most improved because it now revolves around J.J. McCarthy, whose relatively inexpensive rookie contract will provide additional cap space over the next four years to afford overhauls like the one Minnesota executed with its pass rush. The combined cap number of McCarthy and veteran Sam Darnold in 2024 is roughly one-third what incumbent Kirk Cousins would have commanded. -- Kevin Seifert

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

There's a decent case to list the Vikings higher than this, given their targeted, aggressive approach in the draft and a theoretical upgrade at football's most important position. J.J. McCarthy will continue to face doubters until he proves himself at the pro level, but he landed in the best environment a rookie quarterback could hope for, working with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, a strong offensive line and -- perhaps most importantly -- Kevin O'Connell. Then again, the Vikings might be fourth right now as a team in their own division. Their aggressive approach, which also helped land pass rusher Dallas Turner, forced them to sit out Day 2 of the draft entirely. This isn't a team that's yet ready to graduate to the next tier, but it's also far easier to see them doing so after the draft.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 26

They landed quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, which means it's his team now. It is a good situation for a young quarterback.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

As predicted, they ultimately traded up in the first round ... the difference being, almost no one expected them to do it twice for a pair of players. Of course, everything rides on the bet the Vikes have made on QB J.J. McCarthy — though this team likely won't be anyone's doormat, whether he's thrown into the fire this season or redshirts.

The Athletic -- Rank: 20

If J.J. McCarthy is as good as (or even close to as good as) Kirk Cousins, the Vikings will have had the best draft of the year. If he's not the guy, then Minnesota will have let a solid veteran quarterback leave and then expended a lot of draft assets only to fail to answer the quarterback question. Getting Alabama edge Dallas Turner at No. 17 is a nice touch either way.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 23

The Vikings could be a much better team than this ranking suggests, but it all comes down to quarterback play. Is J.J. McCarthy ready to start right away? And if he is, how good is he? How will Sam Darnold perform if he's tapped to be the starter? It's a really nice roster overall, but the QB spot is just too big of a question mark.

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Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Way-too-early Minnesota Vikings 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our Minnesota Vikings Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Minnesota Vikings from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Vikings:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

8. Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

One of the most celebrated transfers of the offseason, Scourton returned to his home state of Texas after leading the Big Ten with 10 sacks a year ago at Purdue (among his 50 overall stops, including 15 tackles for loss). At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, Scourton combines prototypical size with good snap anticipation and power.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

8. Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan

Minnesota's interior defensive line lacks a consistent presence, and Harrison Phillips is entering the final year of his contract. Graham is a rugged, heavy-handed run defender and disruptive pass-rusher. He had 7.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last season, and he'd fit great with defensive coordinator Brian Flores' scheme.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

12. Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Vikings are going to need as many pass rushers as possible in a division featuring quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and Jared Goff. After spending his first two years at linebacker for the Nittany Lions, Carter is moving to edge next season, where he can utilize his special movement ability to rush the passer. The Micah Parsons comparisons will be unavoidable.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

8. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The Irish coaches say it was clear from the moment Morrison arrived in South Bend that he is an alpha. With his size and athletic profile, he stays attached to routes and has a great feel for finding the football.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

8. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Minnesota made nice mid-round cornerback selections over the past two years. Here, they take a top-tier talent in Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison. He posted an 84.6 coverage grade in 2023, breaking up eight passes and intercepting three more along the way.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

11. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State

J.T. Tuimoloau has been a multiple-year starter at Ohio State, racking up 17.5 tackles for a loss over and 8.5 sacks during the last two seasons. He's got great size and could reduce inside in nickel situations. He should be in for a massive season in Year 4.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

8. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The 6-0, 186-pound Morrison has been a standout from the outset of his time with the Fighting Irish, recording nine interceptions in the last two years. Cornerback has been a sore spot for the Vikings for a while, but Minnesota has had to deal with higher-order priorities in pivoting at quarterback and retooling its pass rush.

CBS Sports - Ryan Wilson (4/28)

8. Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State

Burke embraces press-man coverage, he stays in phase -- and in position to challenge for the ball at the catch point -- and plays with physicality throughout route.

More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects

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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL Draft Grades Roundup

The 2024 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, and we have compiled a consensus ranking using NFL draft grades from a variety of sites.

What draft grades have the media given to the Minnesota Vikings? What are they saying about the Vikings' 2024 draft haul?

NFL.com - Grade: B+

Day 1 grade: A-
Day 2 grade: B+
Day 3 grade: B-

Analysis: The Vikings gave up pick value in 2023, Day 3 picks this year and much of their 2025 draft in moves that landed them McCarthy, tight end T.J. Hockenson (in a 2022 deadline deal with Detroit) and edge rusher Turner. McCarthy and Turner possess the skill set to make that investment worthwhile, though McCarthy will need to continue his winning ways at the next level and Turner must be an impact defender.

Jackson is a Riq Woolen-type corner, long and quick-footed, who presents excellent value in the fourth round. Rouse is a strong, experienced lineman who takes over for departed veteran Oli Udoh as the swing tackle. Don't overlook Jurgens' chances of making the roster. Reichard is the FBS' all-time leading scorer, and the Vikings need a reliable field goal kicker; I'm interested in how his career compares with that of Cam Little, who was picked by the Jags with pick No. 212.

ESPN - Grade: C+

Top needs entering the draft: Quarterback, cornerback, wide receiver

So long, Kirk Cousins; hello, J.J. McCarthy (10). One of the most intriguing storylines to watch over the past two months was the Vikings likely having to make a trade up if they wanted to get the fourth quarterback on the board. Turns out, they didn't need to move as high as we thought ... and they actually got the fifth passer in the class because of Atlanta's surprising selection of Michael Penix Jr. As I wrote Thursday night, McCarthy lands in a spot with excellent pass-catchers and a gifted game-planner; he's going to be put in a position to succeed in Year 1.

My qualm about GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's class has more to do with mortgaging the future of this Minnesota roster. He made the move in March to get an extra first-rounder at No. 23, which cost him a second-round pick next year. And to trade up from No. 23 to No. 17, he had to give the Jaguars his 2025 third- and fourth-rounders. That means the Vikings have just three selections next year: one in Round 1 and two in Round 5. With a rookie quarterback under center, are they really in position to go all-in right now? This is after they had just two picks in Rounds 1-3 this year.

Dallas Turner (17) is my top-ranked edge rusher, but Minnesota had a greater need at cornerback. This defense ranked 28th in the league in passing yards allowed to receivers (3,019) last season. I was a little surprised Adofo-Mensah didn't target one of the top corners instead. He finally went corner with his next pick, but that was all the way in Round 4. Khryee Jackson (108) is a 6-3 defensive back who allowed just one touchdown in coverage last season.

Walter Rouse (177) could be Minnesota's swing tackle as a rookie. The Vikings started a run on kickers in Round 6, but they took Will Reichard (203), my third-ranked player at the position, ahead of the top two.

Can coach Kevin O'Connell turn McCarthy into a top-10 passer? That's the question that will linger with this Minnesota class, which is extremely top-heavy. Plus, I'm factoring in Adofo-Mensah's moves that upended the team's 2025 draft.

The Ringer - Grade: C+

WHILE MANY HAD EXPECTED THE VIKINGS TO MAKE A MAJOR MOVE UP THE BOARD FOR A QUARTERBACK ON DRAFT NIGHT, MINNESOTA ENDED UP MAKING JUST A SMALL, ONE-SPOT JUMP TO SECURE THEIR FUTURE FRANCHISE PASSER. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be the defining pick for this class for the Vikings, but I'm bullish on his potential as he lands on a team with a strong supporting cast. Throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson gives the 21-year old signal-caller a chance to excel early in his career. The Vikings also leveraged later picks (a fifth-rounder this year plus third- and fourth-rounders in 2025) to move up and grab a high-upside pass rusher in Alabama's Dallas Turner, giving the team an ascending defender to pair with newly-signed Jonathan Greenard. Ultimately, though, the team is putting a whole lot of eggs into two baskets. Minnesota mortgaged future picks to land McCarthy and Turner (Turner alone cost the Vikings six total picks, when counting the trade up into the 23rd spot prior to the draft), leaving the team with very little draft capital in 2025 (a first and two fifths, plus a conditional 7th). It's a big gamble, and if either player falls short, it could set Minnesota back dramatically.

USA Today - Grade: A-

After losing QB Kirk Cousins in free agency, they went on the offensive and obtained a second first-round choice from Houston last month — a move presumed to necessitate a subsequent climb up the board. But GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah played his cards right and got to select twice in Round 1 — coming away with highly regarded but highly divisive Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy and highly regarded (period) Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner. The third-round spot was cashed in two years ago as part of a trade deadline deal for Pro Bowl TE T.J. Hockenson. The kicking game should be boosted by sixth-rounder Will Reichard of the Crimson Tide.

Fox Sports - Grade: A

The Vikings needed a quarterback and got one. Though he likely wasn't their first choice (they reportedly tried to trade up to No. 3 presumably to select Drake Maye), this may have ended up being the ideal scenario. They needed to trade up just one spot from their first pick at No. 11 to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was still aggressive with the No. 23 pick, trading up to No. 17 to get Alabama edge Dallas Turner, widely considered one of the best defenders in the draft. Both are arguably top-10 prospects. The drawback is that the Vikings are now extremely low on draft capital next year. They have their first-round pick and just two fifth-round picks. They should expect at least one if not two third-round compensatory picks for losing Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter to free agency, but their roster is in solid shape, especially after adding another corner in Khyree Jackson from Oregon and multiple offensive linemen for depth. The Vikings almost certainly won the first round, but they may win the entire draft if McCarthy pans out. —Vitali

CBS Sports - Grade: B-

Best Pick: The Vikings moved up in the first round to take pass rusher Dallas Turner. That was a good move. He will be a big-time rusher in Brian Flores' scheme. Turner's best pass-rushing days are ahead of him.

Worst Pick: I get the whole idea of finding a quarterback, and landing J.J. McCarthy where they did makes sense, but I don't love his game. He just shot up boards after the season, and I never saw it. I thought he would be a late first-round pick.

The Skinny: Like all the teams that took quarterbacks, their drafts will be defined by how well they play. That's the Vikings with McCarthy. Even if Turner becomes a true star, which I think he will, this draft is about McCarthy. Period. They also traded a lot of future picks to get McCarthy and Turner, so they better be stars.

Sporting News - Grade: A

Analysis: The Vikings could have rested on McCarthy for their passing game and both Turner and Jackson for the pass defense and had a solid draft. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah didn't waste time pleasing Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores to accelerate a rebuild. They made good use of moving up to go for high-upside quality over pure quantity. Reichard also filled a key need.

SI - Grade: C+

Analysis: I think I am going to regret my dislike of the Vikings draft, just like I did with the Texans draft a year ago. I didn't quite see the value of the Dallas Turner trade, but if defensive coordinator Brian Flores can get the best out of him, what's the difference at the end of the day? I thought the Vikings should have been more aggressive to get the quarterback they really wanted, but I also think that Kevin O'Connell is going to make it work with McCarthy.

Touchdown Wire - Grade: C+

Trading up for a quarterback in McCarthy whose skill set most closely resembles Alex Smith in a league that covets explosive plays and the prevention of explosive plays most of all is certainly... a decision.

But trading up again for an edge-rusher in Dallas Turner who can scald off the edge and adds his name to a group that already includes Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel? Well, defensive coordinator Brian Flores is going to have some serious guys to execute his insane blitz packages. I'm a big fan of Khyree Jackson as a scheme-transcendent cornerback, and Walter Rouse has interesting potential as a power tackle.

But man... this draft all hinges on McCarthy and a defense that didn't get as much help as it needed, and that's kind of scary.

More: 2024 NFL Draft Grade Roundups

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Sunday, February 18, 2024

Consensus 2024 NFL Free Agency Rankings

We are a few weeks away from the start of NFL free agency. Teams can officially sign free agents starting on Wednesday, March 13th at 4 PM ET, when the next league year begins, but they can begin negotiating with agents during the legal tampering window that begins on Monday, March 11th.

Using free-agent rankings from a variety of sources, we have ranked the available free-agent pool using their consensus ranking score.

Here are some notes on how to interpret the table below:

  • Five sources were used and the "total" column is the sum of those rankings.
  • The lower the score, the better. For example, Chris Jones was the consensus top-ranked free agent and his score was 5 (five rankings of 1).
  • Free agents unranked by an individual source get their next ("+1") ranking.
    • Example: CBS Sports ranked 50 free agents and every free agent not included in their rankings (e.g., Jadeveon Clowney) received a score of 51.

Players that get designated with the franchise tag (deadline: March 5th) will be excluded. Only unrestricted free agents are included; restricted free agents are excluded.

RkPlayerPos.2023 TeamTotalPFFCBSUSAFOXSN
1Chris JonesDTKC511111
2Kirk CousinsQBMIN1222422
3Josh AllenEDGEJAX1733245
4Justin MadubuikeDTBAL2567633
5Tee HigginsWRCIN33443913
6Jaylon JohnsonCBCHI3495758
7Antoine Winfield Jr.STB3989886
8Christian WilkinsDTMIA40781177
9L'Jarius SneedCBKC411012964
10Brian BurnsEDGECAR435651116
11Danielle HunterEDGEMIN54121110129
12Michael Pittman Jr.WRIND581110121411
13Mike EvansWRTB611313131012
14Tyron SmithOTDAL831422151814
14Leonard WilliamsDTSEA831614141722
16Kendall FullerCBWAS871515172119
17Bryce HuffEDGENYJ931817192415
18Marquise BrownWRARI1061718183221
19D.J. ReaderDTCIN1081921242618
20Calvin RidleyWRJAX1112420162328
21Kyle DuggerSNE1212024252824
22Chase YoungEDGESF1272816232733
23Kevin DotsonIOLLAR1282328212531
24Mike OnwenuOLNE1332529223027
25Kamren CurlSWAS1372125N/R4223
26Saquon BarkleyRBNYG1412931N/R2035
26Josh JacobsRBLV1413032N/R1538
28Robert HuntGMIA1492745N/R2229
29Baker MayfieldQBTB1537519201326
30Derrick HenryRBTEN1563134N/R2936

- Full Top 100 Consensus NFL Free Agent Rankings

Sources (# ranked, date updated): PFF (150, 1/22), CBS Sports (50, 2/16), Sporting News (75, 1/28), Fox Sports (50, 2/14) and USA Today (25, 2/14)

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Saturday, January 13, 2024

Early 2024 Fantasy Football Mock Draft

The NFL regular season ended only a few days ago, but it's never too early to look ahead to the upcoming season.

In the near future, we will post our early 2024 fantasy football rankings. And later in (and throughout) the offseason, we will post full fantasy football mock drafts.

For now, this is an early look at how the first round in fantasy mock drafts could play out this summer.

Note: All references are based on half-PPR scoring, unless stated otherwise.

1.01 - Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

McCaffrey, fantasy's top-scoring non-QB, nearly doubled up the last RB1 (Saquon Barkley, RB12). Through Week 17, CMC (out Week 18) handled 76% of the team's 446 running back touches (excluding fullback Kyle Juszczyk's 19 touches). A perfect fit within Kyle Shanahan's offense, he led the NFL in touches (339), yards from scrimmage (2,023) and touchdowns (21), and he has finished as a top-three fantasy running back in all four of his full seasons — RB3 (2018), RB1 ('19), RB2 ('22) and RB1 ('23), respectively.

1.02 - Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings started four different quarterbacks in 2023, and Kirk Cousins is slated to become a free agent in March. While the obvious concern for Jefferson's status as fantasy's WR1 is the team's quarterback situation, especially if they don't re-sign Cousins, Jefferson had two of his best games in the final three weeks. A hamstring forced him to miss two months, but Jefferson finished with 140-plus yards in five of 10 games and averaged a career-high 107.4 YPG.

1.03 - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Lamb has been more productive in each successive season, and fantasy's top-scoring wide receiver was the best version of himself from Week 6-18. During that span, Lamb racked up a 108/1,391/11 on 146 targets and added 11/92/2 rushing. The only receiver (barely) within five fantasy points of Lamb (23.2) during that stretch was Miami's Tyreek Hill (18.4).

1.04 - Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins

Through two seasons in Miami, Hill has amassed 238 catches for 3,509 yards and 20 touchdowns with an additional 47 rushing yards and a score. Per PFF, Hill led qualified receivers in yards per route run (3.82) in 2023, and only Nico Collins (3.10), Brandon Aiyuk (3.01), and Justin Jefferson (2.91) were within one yard of him. (Hill led the NFL with 3.07 Y/RR in '22 as well.) While he'll turn 30 in March, there's little reason to expect (much of) a slowdown as he runs it back with Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel in '24.

1.05 - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Although he's the WR4 in this mock, a case could be made for Chase to be drafted as the WR1 this summer. Injuries have slowed him and/or Joe Burrow over the past two seasons, but the 23-year-old (turns 24 in March) receiver already has 268/3,717/29 through 45 career games.

1.06 - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions

St. Brown had a career season — 112/1,371/9 on 154 targets — and only Lamb and Hill scored more fantasy points this season. While he may not have the weekly ceiling of the receivers listed ahead of him, his consistency stands out. ARSB has four or more catches in all but eight career games, 90-plus yards in 11 of his past 15 games, and the most top-25 half-PPR weeks (14, tied with Lamb) this season.

1.07 - A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

It was a tale of two seasons for Brown — 67/1,005/6 in 9G before the bye and 39/451/1 in 8G after the bye. Despite the post-bye production dip, Brown finished 2023 with more targets (158) and receptions (106) than he had last year and nearly as many yards (1,456). Squarely in his prime, Brown is a near lock for another 1,400-yard campaign.

1.08 - Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Not much went right for the Jets in 2023, although Hall was one of their few bright spots. Hall nearly rushed for 1,000 yards (994), led all running backs in receptions (76) and scored the fourth-most fantasy points (second-most in full-PPR formats) among running backs. With more competent quarterback play next season and being another year removed from his torn ACL, Hall is my preferred choice among non-McCaffrey running backs.

1.09 - Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Although he missed several games, Williams averaged 21.7 touches in his 12 games played. In addition, only McCaffrey (11) had more 20-touch games than Williams (nine) this season. He had a minimum of 12.8 fantasy points in all but two games, and he had at least 20 touches and 100 YFS in each of his past seven games. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to continue to get massive workloads in 2024 based on L.A.'s current roster construction.

1.10 - Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

A tension-filled summer between Taylor and the Colts extended into the season with a four-game PUP stint but ended with a three-year contract extension. While a healthy Anthony Richardson — four rushing touchdowns in four games — could lower his touchdown ceiling and targets (on checkdowns) in 2024, Taylor is one of the most talented young running backs (turns 25 later this month) who could set career highs in YPC given Richardson's rushing threat.

1.11 - Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Somewhat of a disappointment compared to his ADP, Robinson's next coach is less likely to under-utilize him the way that (now-fired) Arthur Smith did. An elite talent and a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Robinson averaged 4.7 yards per carry and was one of five running backs with 30-plus 10-yard runs. Among running backs, he ranked second in targets (86), sixth in receptions (58), fourth in receiving yards (487), and third in receiving touchdowns (four). Without Smith holding him back, Robinson should be a top-five running back in 2024.

1.12 - Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions

Despite sharing the backfield with David Montgomery (RB13), Gibbs ended the year as a top-10 running back. Gibbs actually started slowly — RB36, RB24, RB23, and RB29, respectively, and then two missed games — but finished strong. From Week 7 on, Gibbs was tied with Taylor in fantasy points per game behind Williams and McCaffrey.

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Saturday, November 11, 2023

Minnesota Vikings Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the Minnesota Vikings in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Non-QB MVP: RT Brian O'Neill

This is difficult given the Vikings' injury-based roster churn on offense and their weekly personnel shifts on defense. But after spending training camp in the final stages of recovery from an Achilles injury he suffered Jan. 1, O'Neill returned to the lineup in Week 1, has played every offensive snap and leads the NFL in pass block win rate at 94.7% (ESPN/NFL Next Gen Stats). His presence has been especially valuable given injuries that have forced left tackle Christian Darrisaw to miss a pair of games. It's always tough to predict voting for postseason awards among offensive linemen, but O'Neill deserves strong consideration for All-Pro honors. -- Kevin Seifert

NFL.com -- Rank: 17

Between Kevin O'Connell's coaching and Joshua Dobbs' short-week relief work, Sunday's win ranks pretty highly on the sweetness scale. Considering everyone the Vikings didn't have going in, plus everyone they lost during the game, this was a coaching masterpiece, with Dobbs providing late heroics after some early setbacks. Thirty-one points and a road victory? Incredible stuff. The defense came up with big plays, especially in the third quarter. With a 5-4 mark and Justin Jefferson's return looming, it's not outrageous to think about the playoffs. The Vikings have winnable games remaining against the Broncos, Bears, Raiders and Packers. But this Sunday's game against the Saints could end up being a massive one for both teams' playoff hopes. For this Kirk Cousins-less Minnesota outfit, it's wild that we're even saying that.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

Josh Dobbs to the rescue. Dobbs came off the bench in his first game with the team and led it to a comeback victory. At 5-4, the Vikings are alive in the playoff race.

USA Today -- Rank: 16

"It's like if you were taking AP Spanish all year, and you showed up and someone told you Wednesday ... you have an AP French exam on Sunday," new QB Josh Dobbs said of learning Minnesota's offense on the fly Sunday. Good thing he'll face the fleur-de-lis from New Orleans on Sunday.

The Athletic -- Rank: 17

Report card: B

On Sunday, Josh Dobbs was 20-for-30 for 158 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 22 seconds remaining. Why is that so impressive? It was his first day taking a snap in Minnesota's offense. Dobbs was acquired via trade Tuesday but did not take a snap in practice because the Vikings were starting rookie Jaren Hall. However, Hall got injured on the first series of the game, leading to Dobbs' heroics. He also led the Vikings in rushing with 66 yards.

FOX -- Rank: 16

In the big picture, it might be in Minnesota's best interest to lose games and improve its draft stock. But where's the fun in that? We watch this sport to have fun and see amazing things, and what could be more amazing than Josh Dobbs guiding the Vikings to a win without knowing the offense — or even his own teammates? They're a fun team and an even more fun story. I hope they keep it going.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 18

Sunday's win said a lot about Joshua Dobbs, his professionalism and competitiveness. It probably said as much, if not more, about head coach Kevin O'Connell. We see coaches with good quarterbacks come into games with their teams looking unprepared. O'Connell figured out a way to have Dobbs, who had just been benched by a horrible Cardinals team and traded, run a fully functional offense and win on the road. O'Connell has had some good moments, but Vikings fans should go forward after Sunday with more confidence than ever in their coach.

PFT -- Rank: 14

Is Josh Dobbs the future? For now, he's the present.

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Saturday, November 4, 2023

Minnesota Vikings Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Minnesota Vikings in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 17

Kirk Cousins tore his right Achilles tendon Sunday -- which has thrown the QB position into shambles, especially considering that veteran backup Nick Mullens is on injured reserve because of a back ailment. Mullens is eligible to return as early as Week 10, but it's not clear if he will be ready. The Vikings' best bet at the moment might be rookie Jaren Hall, a fifth-round pick who had his share of struggles during extensive preseason action. The only other quarterback on the roster is veteran Sean Mannion, who was signed to the practice squad when Mullens was hurt. -- Kevin Seifert

NFL.com -- Rank: 19

The Vikings find themselves in a similar place to the Jets: nominally in contention, but facing some hard questions at quarterback. Kirk Cousins' devastating Achilles injury opens up the possibility that he's played his final game for the club, and it puts the Vikings into a fascinating short-term quandary, as they currently sit in the No. 7 playoff spot in the NFC. It doesn't feel like there's a Brett Favre-like answer just waiting for the phone to ring, even if everyone knows whom Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell once backed up as a Patriots player. More likely, it's Jaren Hall or Sean Mannion or Nick Mullens, or some combination of them. If this is it for Cousins in Minnesota, it's a cruel twist of fate. He'd been playing some really good football. Neither he nor Vikings fans deserved this.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that the Vikings are trading for Cardinals QB Josh Dobbs.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

With Kirk Cousins out for the year, they are done, which is why they are down this far. He was playing outstanding football before tearing his Achilles against the Packers. There is no quarterback who can save them now who would be available or who is on the roster.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

The most Pyrrhic of victories Sunday at Green Bay, QB Kirk Cousins tearing his Achilles in the latter stages of Minnesota's walkover win. So now what?

The Athletic -- Rank: 24

Something scary (for them): Kirk Cousins' injury

Cousins was playing perhaps the best football of his career before suffering a torn Achilles on Sunday. He is second in the league in passing yards per game (291.8), and that will end up being the second-highest single-season number of his career. Rookie Jaren Hall finished the game Sunday, but coach Kevin O'Connell indicated after the game that all options, including signing a street free agent or making a trade, are on the table to fill Cousins' large shoes.

FOX -- Rank: 19

What a gut punch. Had Kirk Cousins not gotten hurt against the Packers, the Vikings would be looking just as hot and just as entertaining as the Bengals. Instead, Cousins is done for the year and things feel hopeless despite winning four of the last five. It will be interesting to see how they move forward at quarterback, but it just sucks all the way around.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 24

We have to judge the Vikings for what they are now, and without Kirk Cousins the rest of the season they are probably going to struggle. Next up is probably fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall. They could sign someone like Carson Wentz. But the truth is that nobody available at the start of November is going to turn the Vikings into a contender. It's a brutal break for a team that was starting to ascend.

PFT -- Rank: 16

Will the devastation of losing Kirk Cousins cause others to step up, or to give up?

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