Unstoppable in 2024
If you'd told me two years ago that Andrew Van Ginkel would erupt for a 2024 season like this, I'd have questioned your football cred. No shade to the Vikings' edge rusher, but his Pro Bowl campaign was a jaw-dropping outlier that fantasy managers won't soon forget. Van Ginkel racked up 79 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six passes defended, two interceptions, and two touchdowns, numbers that scream elite. He delivered consistent production, with multiple week-winning performances, such as Weeks 7 and 11, where he notched 6+ tackles and two sacks each. His Week 1 tone-setter, four tackles, a sack, and a pick-six had managers buzzing. Van Ginkel wasn't just good; he was the DE1 in many scoring formats, dominating even in quirky IDP leagues. So why pump the brakes on the Van Ginkel hype train after a season for the ages? Let's unpack it.
Minnesota Moves Forward
After a stellar 2024, the Vikings opted to shake things up, prioritizing long-term vision over short-term continuity. A key move was transitioning from quarterback Sam Darnold to their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy. Why does this matter for an edge rusher like Andrew Van Ginkel? Simple: a less potent offense often leads to fewer leads, reducing opportunities for pass-rushing production. If Minnesota's new-look offense struggles to sustain drives or build advantages, opponents may lean on the run, limiting Van Ginkel's chances to pin his ears back and rack up sacks. While Van Ginkel remains a talented defender, his sky-high market value in fantasy drafts seems inflated, tied to a dream season that may not be repeated. Savvy managers know the NFL shifts fast; don't bank on last year's stats carrying over.
The Dreaded 30
Age matters in fantasy football, and while edge rushers can thrive into their early thirties, Andrew Van Ginkel's milestone raises red flags. Turning 30 in 2025, Van Ginkel isn't the young diamond fantasy managers typically chase, and his breakout at 29 feels more like an outlier than a new norm. Unlike perennial stars whose talent shines early, Van Ginkel was never a buy-low darling before his 2024 explosion. Sure, he's shown steady improvement, but banking on sustained elite production from a late bloomer is risky. Every bone-rattling collision with offensive linemen takes a toll, and edge rushers don't age like fine wine. With his market value soaring after one transcendent season, investing at peak price for a 30-year-old defender is a gamble savvy managers should avoid.
Roster Competition
The Vikings' edge-rushing depth chart poses a new hurdle for Andrew Van Ginkel in 2025. While Minnesota isn't overflowing with elite pass-rushers, its 2024 first-round pick, Dallas Turner, demands attention. Turner logged only five fewer snaps than Van Ginkel (975) before a Week 2 knee injury derailed his rookie momentum, limiting him to just 31 snaps from Weeks 3–9. With Turner poised to reclaim snaps as a high-upside talent, Van Ginkel's role could shrink in a rotational setup. Meanwhile, Jonathan Greenard, a 28-year-old cornerstone coming off back-to-back 12-sack seasons, anchored the line with 971 snaps and isn't likely to cede ground. Bolstered by newly acquired defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, Greenard remains the Vikings' pass-rushing constant. For fantasy managers, Van Ginkel's potential for a reduced snap share signals a dip in his IDP upside, making his lofty draft price a risky bet.
Conclusion
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