The Minnesota Vikings were supposed to have it coming together this year. A second-year quarterback off of a strong rookie season, a star running back returning and an improved defense. And it may still get there, but Week 1 was a disappointment, as the Vikings couldn't get anything going in a bad Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Detroit Lions, meanwhile, came out strong, jumping out to a big lead over the San Diego Chargers before surrendering the lead and losing. On Sunday, the teams play each other, looking to get a win under their belts.
Fantasy football advice, Week 2: Who to start/sit for Lions vs. Vikings
Two division rivals off of frustrating Week 1 losses face off on Sunday.
Two fantasy-relevant Lions appeared on the week's injury report. Quarterback Matthew Stafford had an issue with his throwing arm, and wide receiver Golden Tate is dealing with a quad injury, but both should be fine to play Sunday. On the Vikings side, running back Jerick McKinnon is the only name of fantasy note on the injury report, as he deals with a minor ankle issue. He, too, should be fine for Sunday's game.
The Lions will travel to Minnesota for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
LIONS
Start 'em: I'll cop to being somewhat wrong about Ameer Abdullah coming into Week 1. His usage makes him a low-end RB2 or high-end flex, but a starter either way. ... Calvin Johnson is still a must-start. You weren't really asking that, were you? ... Matt Prater isn't quite the kicker he was in Denver, but he's still a good fantasy option.
Start 'em?: Even if I was wrong about Abdullah, I think we'll hear from Joique Bell yet this year, but as it stands he's only a deep flex play. ... Golden Tate's fantasy owners really need a Johnson injury for Tate to do a lot. ... Eric Ebron has upside and looked good in Week 1. Another game like that and we'll start to take real notice.
Sit ‘em: In a game where his team scored 28 points, Matthew Stafford put up only 13 fantasy points. He’s just not the to-flight offense he’s often sold as, and he’s not a fantasy starter. ... You aren’t using the Lions’ defense anymore. Not after everyone they lost from last season.
VIKINGS
Start 'em: Warning signs were all over Adrian Peterson's performance in his first game back. That said, he has to slip a little. He's still a starter, but more of a No. 2 running back than a No. 1.
Start 'em?: You probably aren't going to use Kyle Rudolph this week, but he does offer some upside at a limited position. ... Blair Walsh is a fine kicker, but if the Minnesota offense can't get it going he won't get a chance to show it.
Sit 'em: If you invested in Teddy Bridgewater before last week, one game shouldn't scare you off from that. Give the kid some time. That said, don't start him. ... Most everyone expected Charles Johnson to be the top Minnesota target, but he was barely targeted on Monday, with Mike Wallace getting far more looks. Neither is a fantasy starter right now, and keep an eye on whether that trend continues. ... The Vikings' defense needs to show more before it becomes a reliable fantasy option.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Ameer Abdullah, Calvin Johnson, Matt Prater, Adrian Peterson
Start if you're desperate: Joique Bell, Golden Tate, Eric Ebron, Kyle Rudolph, Blair Walsh
Bench: Matthew Stafford, Detroit defense, Teddy Bridgewater, Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, Minnesota defense
