How Many Vikings Should Be in Your Halloween Fantasy Football Lineup?
Josh Frey
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The Vikings are set to return from their bye week with what should be a very exciting matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Thus far into 2021, the Cowboys and Vikings have been two of the better NFL offenses. Outside of their 14-7 loss to Cleveland, Minnesota has been a well-oiled machine on that side of the football. Against a boom-or-bust Cowboys defense (more on this later), they should find plenty of opportunities to score on Halloween night. Here’s the fantasy football forecast for the Vikings this weekend.
QB Kirk Cousins- Start
The Cowboys defensive stats on the surface do not look that bad. They rank around the middle of the league in points allowed per game, yards allowed per game, and first downs allowed per game. However, they are in the bottom seven in both passing yards and touchdowns allowed. Because of that and the numerous weapons Kirk Cousins has to work with, he should absolutely be in the QB1 conversation this week.
Additionally, this week may be even rougher for Dallas’ defense than normal because they typically rely on one thing to keep them in games: turnovers. Trevon Diggs has made headlines for his interceptions this season, and the Cowboys are third in the league in forced turnovers with 14. However, they go up against arguably the most disciplined offensive unit in the league. The Vikings are one of four teams with five or fewer turnovers this year. It’s going to be an ‘unstoppable force vs. the immovable object’ situation, and I expect the Vikings to come out on top.
RB Dalvin Cook- Start
After Dalvin Cook spent a few weeks banged up with injuries, there was some speculation as to how he would perform against what had been a strong Carolina Panther defense. The veteran RB responded with his best performance of the season, totaling 140 yards and a touchdown on the ground. After the bye, Cook should be completely ready to go for this weekend against the Cowboys.
The Cowboys run defense has been non-existent to this season, but to this point it hasn’t had to make a presence. Dallas’ opponents have run the ball just 20 times per game this season. second lowest in the NFL. On the other hand, the Vikings run the ball 28 times per game, ninth most in the NFL. When teams have run the ball against Dallas, they’ve done it to the tune of 4.5 yards per carry, and they haven’t gone against a back the caliber of Cook.
WR Adam Thielen- Start
As aforementioned, the Cowboys defense has perpetually given up touchdowns through the air this season. They’ve allowed 12 passing TDs to this point, and that is a recipe for Adam Thielen fantasy football success. After a couple off weeks, Thielen bounced back against the Panthers with season highs in targets, receptions, and yards. This one is pretty short and sweet; as long as Minnesota gets possessions in the red zone, Thielen is worth starting.
TE Tyler Conklin- Start
Justin Jefferson is enough of an obvious start right now that it doesn’t seem worth including a soliloquy about him. Just consider him a starter until further notice. Instead, we’re going to highlight one of the unsung heroes of the Vikings offense, Tyler Conklin. Especially this week with some notable tight ends out, Conklin should be in the running for TE1. He has consistently produced each week for the Vikings with 4+ targets in five of six games and multiple receptions in every game. A third of Dallas’ allowed passing touchdowns have gone to tight ends this year, giving him boom potential on top of his consistency.