Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook
Despite a disappointing second season, there are plenty of reasons to believe in Dalvin Cook in 2019. An improved offense, headlined by a new offensive coordinator and upgraded offensive line, will give Cook plenty of opportunities to prove himself. With arguably the most receiving talent in the NFL, defenses will be forced to focus on defending the pass.
This will benefit Cook, who looked much better later in the year, particularly in Week 14. His 19 carries for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns emphasized the dynamic ability that he showed as a rookie. With his ACL injury further in the rearview and Latavius Murray no longer competing for snaps, look for Cook to finally become one of the elite fantasy football running backs.
Stefon Diggs
Few people would question Stefon Diggs’ talent, but injuries have prevented him from cementing his place among the elite. Through the first four years of his NFL career, he’s yet to play 16 games. While it hasn’t been a major concern, it has contributed to Diggs only hitting 1000 receiving yards once, with his 1021 yards and 9 touchdowns last season the best totals of his career. Diggs is a savvy route runner and a big-play threat every time he gets the ball. If Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings offense take a step forward, then Diggs could be in for his best year yet.
Adam Thielen
You would have been forgiven for thinking that Adam Thielen was little more than a special teams star with a nice story when he first came to national attention. Three years later and he’s established himself as one of the best in the NFL who is getting better every season. He followed up 967 yards in his first season as a starter with seasons of 1276 and 1373 yards and consecutive Pro Bowls.
A reliable target out of the slot, Thielen is just about as consistent as they come at the position with eight games last year of over 100 yards. After slowing down in the latter half of the year after a rocket start, Thielen looks to solidify himself as one of the elite 2019 fantasy football wide receivers.
Sleepers
There’s no denying that Kirk Cousins had a disappointing season in 2018, but was it as bad as people make out? You can question the contract and the on-field performance, but he had a better fantasy season than Tom Brady. Just one more touchdown would have seen him finish above Dak Prescott and Philip Rivers. He was also QB6 in 2017, QB5 in 2016 and QB8 in 2015. The pedigree and surrounding talent are there.
Kyle Rudolph finished the season as a top 10 tight end despite having half the number of touchdowns than in 2017. He looked a step slower and maybe this is the last year before Irv Smith Jr. takes his job, but Rudolph is the starting TE in a potentially great offense. He may not be scoring consistently, but it shouldn’t surprise you if he produces again in 2019.
Alexander Mattison looks to have emerged from a crowded running back group as the handcuff to Dalvin Cook. Given Cook has missed 17 games in his first two seasons, there’s likely to be at least a week when Mattison has value. Should Cook be forced to miss time, Mattison could be found on a number of rosters playing for a 2019 fantasy football championship.
Andy Gallagher is a fantasy football writer for PFN. Follow him on twitter @AndySGallagher
