Start or Sit: A Fantasy Preview for the Vikings Stars Ahead of Week 4
Josh Frey
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The Vikings got in the win column last week after a huge victory over the Seattle Seahawks. This week, they get an even bigger test as the Cleveland Browns come to Minneapolis. An important game usually means you need big time performances from the stars, so let’s go over which Vikings stars should be in your fantasy lineups this week.
Kirk Cousins- Sit
To this point, Captain Kirk has been nearly unstoppable in the passing game. He’s completing passes at a near 74% clip and has eight touchdowns versus zero interceptions. Against Seattle, he was a huge reason why Minnesota ended up on top.
However, this Cleveland team is no joke. This game could turn into a defensive battle where the two teams try to run the ball down each other’s throats. Myles Garrett is a terror off the edge, and he will likely have a day in how this game turns out. Keep Cousins on the bench this week in a low scoring affair.
Dalvin Cook- Start
The veteran RB sat out last week with an ankle injury, but it seems he is ready to go this weekend. Cook is back to practice and should get plenty of chances to run against Cleveland.
The Browns defense has admittedly been very good against the run this season. However, they’ve yet to face a rushing attack like Dalvin Cook. Last week they bottled up David Montgomery, but he also got very few chances in the blowout. As long as Minnesota keeps this close, Cook should be heavily involved.
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Adam Thielen- Sit
It might be risky to suggest sitting someone who has scored 18 touchdowns in his last 18 games. That’s where I’m at with Adam Thielen this week, though.
It just doesn’t feel like a great matchup for the veteran receiver. Justin Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and Tyler Conklin eat up a lot of targets in the open field.
In addition, if the Vikings keep using RBs in the passing game, that just takes away even more. Thielen’s bread and butter is in the red zone, and I’m just not sure how often the Vikings will get there against Cleveland’s defense.
Justin Jefferson- Start
The Vikings’ sophomore receiver was very quiet through the majority of two games, but he seems back to his old self again. If he continues to get double-digit target loads, he should be very productive no matter who Minnesota plays.
Plus, his big play ability is always a threat. The Browns may be able to generate enough pressure that Cousins doesn’t get a ton of opportunity to throw to a deep route, but Jefferson still will be his go-to guy in the open field.