NFL 2018: NFC North – Projected Starters – Fantasy Football

Minnesota Vikings

Chicago Bears v Minnesota Vikings

QB – Kirk Cousins

The big money acquisition in Free Agency, Kirk Cousins, will look to improve on last year’s fantasy finish of 6th amongst quarterbacks. Cousins, who signed a fully guaranteed $84 million contract this offseason, comes in to replace Case Keenum in Minnesota. Cousins has a plethora of weapons at his disposal that far exceeds what he had he in Washington. He can be played every week in your fantasy team.

RB1 – Dalvin Cook

Cook had a promising start to his rookie year before it was cut short by injury. He’s back to health this offseason and will immediately go in as the workhorse back. I expect Cook to be on the field for more passing downs now, following the departure of Jerick McKinnon to the 49ers.

RB2 – Latavius Murray

Murray performed well for the Minnesota Vikings last year in Cook’s absence. The acquisition from Oakland took on the early down role, and ended up rushing for over 800 yards and scored 8 TDs in the process. Murray has some fantasy value this year, as Cook won’t play every down, but I see him being a valuable handcuff more than anything.

WR1 – Adam Thielen

Thielen, who broke out in 2017, will look to continue his high level of play this season. He overtook Diggs as the ‘go to’ weapon in the offense, and consistently produced for fantasy owners each week. It’ll be interesting to see if he strikes up a similar rapport with his new QB.

WR2 – Stefon Diggs

Diggs was outshone by Thielen last year, but will look to retake his spot at the top of the depth chart at some point this season. The hero from the ‘Miracle in Minneapolis’ play, still had a decent year, ending as the WR19 in PPR leagues. Both receivers will be week in, week out plays for fantasy owners this year.

WR3 – Laquon Treadwell

Treadwell is just ahead of Kendall Wright in the depth chart at this moment. He has flashed some of his potential in the past couple of seasons, but is yet to breakout and contribute on a consistent basis. It wouldn’t surprise me if Wright ends up starting ahead of Treadwell, by the start of the season.

TE – Kyle Rudolph

Last season Rudolph finished as the 8th ranked tight end, with Case Keenum throwing to him. Kirk Cousins has shown in recent years that he likes to use his tight end regularly, whether it’s been Vernon Davis or Jordan Reed. Rudolph is a pretty dependable tight end, who should end up as a TE1 in fantasy this year.

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Do you agree with our list? Who would make your list of projected starters? Tell us in the comments below!