Through seven weeks, the Minnesota Vikings are 4-2 (with a bye). If the season were to end today, they’d be the NFC’s second Wild Card. They play the 2-4 Chicago Bears Sunday, hoping for a win to keep them near the conference’s elite.
Fantasy football advice, Week 8: Who to start/sit for Vikings vs. Bears
For the Vikings, a win Sunday would solidify them as 2015 contenders. For the Bears, it would just keep them separate from the embarrassing segments of the league.
Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson is dealing with injuries to his hip, finger and ankle. He’ll play Sunday despite those ailments. For the Bears, the Week 7 bye was crucial; all of the team’s fantasy contributors are healthy and off the injury report.
The Bears will host Sunday’s NFC North matchup, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
VIKINGS
Start ‘em: Even with some nagging ailments, Adrian Peterson needs to be in all fantasy lineups, though he’s not been as good as normal the last couple weeks. ... Stefon Diggs has established himself as an absolute must-start. ... Blair Walsh has had at least seven fantasy points every game since Week 1, with 32 points the last two weeks. ... The Vikings’ defense has been good-not-great, but still warrants starting consideration.
Start ‘em?: The last couple games have been better for Kyle Rudolph. he’s a TE2 with some upside.
Sit ‘em: Week 7 was an improvement for Teddy Bridgewater, and the Bears offer a promising opponent, but we need more consistency to have him in lineups. ... The emergence of Diggs renders Mike Wallace an afterthought.
BEARS
Start ‘em: There’s no argument against Matt Forte. He’s averaging 14 fantasy points a game with at least 13 in three straight weeks. ... Alshon Jeffery put up 20 fantasy points in his return from injury; he’s back to being a must-start. ... Martellus Bennett has struggled the last couple games, but he’s still a TE1 for now. ... Robbie Gould has had at least seven fantasy points in five of six games this year, and at least 13 in four of six.
Start ‘em?: With all his weapons back, Jay Cutler is a strong QB2 with high-level upside.
Sit ‘em: With Jeffery back and healthy, Eddie Royal and Marquess Wilson are back to low-end fantasy options. ... The Bears’ defense has as many negative fantasy days this season as positive.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Adrian Peterson, Stefon Diggs, Blair Walsh, Minnesota defense, Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, Robbie Gould
Start if you’re desperate: Kyle Rudolph, Jay Cutler
Bench: Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Wallace, Eddie Royal, Marquess Wilson
