There was a time, not too long ago, when Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was by general consensus the best running back in the game. He still has a place in that conversation, but if the last month is any indication, that role has been overtaken by St. Louis Rams rookie Todd Gurley. Sunday, the two teams, and the two running backs, take the same field.
Fantasy football advice, Week 9: Who to start/sit for Rams vs. Vikings
The former best running back in the game faces the current one.
The only fantasy-relevant member of the Rams on the weekly injury report is Tre Mason and, considering Gurley’s emergence, his fantasy relevance is pretty low. On the Vikings’ side of things, wide receiver Stefon Diggs missed some practice this week with a hamstring issue, though he’s listed as probable and expected to play Sunday.
St. Louis heads north to Minnesota for Sunday’s game, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
RAMS
Start ‘em: Four starts into his career, Todd Gurley has 77 fantasy points. That’s incredible. ... The Rams’ defense has had at least seven fantasy points in five straight games.
Start ‘em?: Over his last four games, Tavon Austin is averaging 14.5 fantasy points. He’s looking much better, and is a strong flex if not a WR2.
Sit ‘em: The only time you can consider using Nick Foles in fantasy is when everything breaks right, and the Minnesota defense is too good for that. ... Kenny Britt is the No. 2 St. Louis receiver, but he has four fantasy points total since his big Weeks 2-3. ... Jared Cook had seven points in Week 8 and five total since Week 2 otherwise. ... Greg Zuerlein hasn’t kicked for more than seven points since Week 1, or more than four in his last three games.
VIKINGS
Start ‘em: After 18.3 fantasy points in Weeks 2-4, Adrian Peterson has averaged only 8.7 in his last three games. He’s still a must-start, but his ceiling is lower than we thought. ... Stefon Diggs has made himself into a must-start; through four games, he’s averaging 12.8 fantasy points a game. ... Blair Walsh had an awful Week 1. Since then, he’s been one of the game’s top kickers. ... The Vikings’ defense doesn’t have much ceiling, but against St. Louis, it should have a high floor.
Start ‘em?: In a pinch, Kyle Rudolph has as much ceiling as any of the mid-tier tight ends.
Sit ‘em: Things have gotten better for Teddy Bridgewater of late, but that’s basically just taking him from disaster to subpar. He’s still not a fantasy option. ... The emergence of Diggs pushes Mike Wallace to fantasy benches.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Todd Gurley, St. Louis defense, Adrian Peterson, Stefon Diggs, Blair Walsh, Minnesota defense
Start if you’re desperate: Tavon Austin, Kyle Rudolph
Bench: Nick Foles, Kenny Britt, Jared Cook, Greg Zuerlein, Teddy Bridgewater, Mike Wallace
