Projections (9/02/03)

Passing Stats

Rush Stats

Receiving Stats

Fantasy

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Quarterbacks
Starter - Daunte Culpepper
Backups - Gus Frerotte, Shaun Hill

Starting Quarterback: Daunte Culpepper took a big step back in his development a year ago. Every passing statistic was down from his benchmark season back in 2000 when he played for the first time and surprised the football world. He was still a force last season because of his awesome rushing skills (609 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns) but will need to regain his passing touch this season. He began to regain his confidence over the final three games last season when he threw for 868 yards. The thing to remember about Culpepper is that he still finished as the top rated fantasy quarterback in 2002 despite all his problems. He should easily finish in the top three for the season thanks to both his rushing skills and the Randy Moss factor. Look for a rebound season from Culpepper.

Backup Quarterback(s): Gus Frerotte was brought in to try and bring some veteran leadership to the sideline. The one thing Culpepper has really missed in his development is having a veteran mentor, such as Frerotte to draw experience from. He has little fantasy worth for himself but he may increase the production of Culpepper just with his presence. The only time Frerotte should be drafted is if a fantasy owner takes Culpepper and wants to handcuff Frerotte to him using his third quarterback slot on his fantasy roster.

Update - 8/28: Culpepper is still the man.

Running Backs
Starter - Michael Bennett
Backups - Moe Williams, Onterrio Smith
H-Back - Jim Kleinsasser

Starting Running Back: After an average rookie season, Bennett exploded in 2002 as he helped the Vikings lead the league in rushing. Bennett played well all year, and rushed for over five yards per carry. Bennett also contributed in the receiving game, catching thirty-seven balls for 351 yards. The Vikings offensive line should help Bennett have another big year this season: The addition of T Mike Rosenthal, a full season out of mountain sized T Bryant McKinnie, and with two-time Pro Bowler Matt Birk in the middle, the Vikings have a great chance to lead the league in rushing again. There's only one concern with Bennett, who has world class speed and has finally learned to translate that into gridiron success-touchdowns. Daunte Culpepper and Moe Williams had career years last year with respect to rushing touchdowns, as they totaled twenty-one! Williams (6-1, 210) isn't heavier or faster than Bennett (5-10, 211), and Coach Tice has stated Bennett has the opportunity to get the goal-line carries this season. Expect Culpepper and Williams to steal a lot less TDs this season, and Bennett to become a fantasy star if he can get ten scores.

Backup Running Back(s): Williams started the season strong for Minnesota, and rushed for over 100 yards in week two. As Bennett improved, Williams role became that of a third-down/goal-line running back, and he performed admirably. Williams caught the ball, ran the ball well, and rushed for eleven scores. Williams' presence will hurt Bennett, the question is how much: If Moe remains the goal-line (and touchdown) back, Bennett has no shot at being a top flight RB. Williams is also a strong special teams contributor, and one of the locker room leaders. If Bennett were to get hurt, Williams would probably succeed, but split time with rookie Onterrio Smith. At 5-10, 220 Smith is very strong and a gifted natural runner, but brings both character and health concerns to the Twin Cities. His role will most likely be on special teams this season.

H-back: Whether Kleinsasser lines up at fullback, H-back or tight-end, there's no doubt what he brings to the table: The 6-3, 274 utility man is a punishing blocker, with the ability to run and catch the ball. Kleinsasser is very valuable to the Vikings, due to his versatility and blocking skills. Minnesota placed the franchise tag on him in February.

Update - 8/28: You can almost stick a fork in Bennett this season. Even if he is able to return from his injury, he has admitted that he won't be 100% this year. He has been placed on the PUP list and will be out at least until week 10-11. Williams should resume his goal line duties in Bennett's absence, but the wild card here is the rookie Smith. Of all the backs in Minnesota, he is the one with the huge potential. The team has not yet given the starting job to Smith, but we believe it is only a matter of time. Meanwhile, Chapman is out for four weeks or so with a high ankle sprain.

Wide Receivers
Starters - Randy Moss, D'Wayne Bates
Backups - Kelly Campbell, Derrick Alexander, Nate Burleson

Starting Receiver(s): Randy Moss remains one of the league's preeminent receivers; the only thing keeping Moss from consistently being the dominant player at his position seemingly is his attitude. While one needs to take offseason proclamations with a grain of salt, Moss apparently worked extremely hard this offseason on building up his leg strength and improving his route running. Obviously if this signals a more mature and focused Randy Moss, there are quite a few cornerbacks in the NFC North that should be worried about looking bad on Sundays. Moss remains a top three fantasy selection at his position, and will likely be off the board by the end of the second round.

While Moss is talented enough to excel regardless of who lines up alongside him, the team is hoping that D'Wayne Bates can improve upon a reasonably solid 2002 (50 receptions for 689 yards and 4 touchdowns). Bates doesn't excel at any particular aspect of the game, but he answered the call last year when Minnesota needed another receiving option.

Backup Receiver(s): Kelly Campbell will be the team's third receiver, provided he can stay healthy. Campbell is only 5'10" and 171 lbs. which may exacerbate his propensity for getting hurt (he only appeared in six games last year and hurt his hamstring at the latest mini-camp) but when on the field, he has sure hands and isn't afraid to go over the middle despite his size. Rookie Nate Burleson is being given every opportunity to secure the number four position. Derrick Alexander, still recovering from an ACL injury, needs to show something in camp to keep his roster spot. Alexander was once a very productive receiver but injuries and attitude seem to have made that a distant memory in the coaches' eyes.

Update - 8/28: In a surprising move, rookie Nate Burleson was named the third receiver ahead of Kelly Campbell. Burleson has led the Vikings in receptions and yardage through three preseason games and played well enough during camp to put some distance between himself and the diminutive Campbell. Derrick Alexander was waived after slipping to fifth on the Vikings depth chart.

Tight Ends
Starter - Byron Chamberlain
Backup(s) - Jim Kleinsasser
Byron Chamberlain went from stud to dud in the course of one year. He may not even be worthy of a roster spot on any fantasy roster this season. Adding more confusion to the mix is H-back Jim Kleinsasser. The Vikings continue to utilize Kleinsasser more each season cutting into Chamberlain's production. More of the same can be expected this year. No one will be surprised if Kleinsasser scores more fantasy points than Chamberlain in 2003.

Update - 8/28: Chamberlain will return in week five after a four game suspension for ephedra. Kleinsasser will start in his absence. After Chamberlain returns, neither TE will be much of a fantasy force.

Place Kicker
Hayden Epstein, Aaron Elling, Todd France, Gary Anderson: The Vikings place kicking situation will remain a mess through the 2003 offseason. Epstein looks to be the leader even though he is coming off major knee surgery. Elling and France will provide competition into the preseason. There is talk of bringing back venerable Gary Anderson again if the team gets desperate. Regardless, the Vikings should score lots of points this season and some kicker will be the beneficiary of a good offense.

Update - 8/28: Epstein has been released leaving Elling as the only PK on the roster. However, the team may not be completely sold on him and could be eyeing a few potential free agents (or soon-to-be free agents).

Offensive Line
C-Matt Birk; G-David Dixon; G-Chris Liwienski; T-Bryant McKinnie; T-Mike Rosenthal
Having McKinnie available right from training camp will be a major plus for the Vikings. The contract dispute last year did little to help his progress as a rookie. He is talented and ready to become an elite tackle. Rosenthal was brought in to solidify the right side of the line. Look for significant improvement in pass protection in 2003 and a good showing with run blocking again this season.