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Last week ranks at the top as one of the most enjoyable games in my lifetime. Especially since the Eagles scored 34 points in the second half and won the football game. If not for Brent Celek's selfless act, the Eagles would have scored 40 points (or 42) in one half. In six inches of snow. An incredible job by the Eagles coaching staff to lean on the running game and the middle of the field in the passing game in the second half.
Week 14 is the beginning or the second round of playoffs in almost every league, and this game has huge fantasy implications. As of Tuesday, Adrian Peterson is listed as OUT. Also, I can guarantee the snow will not be a factor this week, as Minnesota plays indoors.
Here is a look at this week's fantasy football guide for the Eagles-Vikings game.
Nick Foles - QB1
Any Vikings quarterback - QB3
Even in six inches of snow, Nick Foles was a top tier fantasy quarterback. His touchdown run from the one yard line sent a lot of fantasy owners into joy and likely to the second round of the playoffs. Anyone starting a Minnesota quarterback is not likely in the playoffs, but should that be your last option, good luck to you. No matter who starts for the Vikings, he is not a viable fantasy option
LeSean McCoy – RB1
Toby Gerhart - RB2
The only thing that can slow down LeSean McCoy is the sn...nevermind. Shady McCoy broke the Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a game with 217 yards. The one "knock" on Shady has been his breakaway speed, but in the snow he was the fastest player on the field. This week he is on turf, so another great performance is expected. Toby Gerhart is no Adrian Peterson, but do not sleep on him. If you a Peterson owner, chances are you own Gerhart as a handcuff option. I know I did, and I am starting Gerhart this week. The Eagles run defense is very good, but who else are the Vikings going to give the ball to in the backfield. Gerhart is averaging just under eight yards a carry this season in limited action and is a good sleeper option this week.
DeSean Jackson – WR1
Cordarrelle Patterson - WR3
DeSean Jackson on a turf field is unfair. The fastest player in the NFL will be even faster this week, and with the Vikings lacking a speedy corner, Jackson could have a field day. Corrdarrelle Patterson is certainly coming into his own in the last few weeks, and he is being used more and more by the Vikings. If your leagues award points for return yardage, he is a must start, but this week he is a good WR3 or FLEX option because of his ability to score every time he touches the ball.
Riley Cooper – WR2
Greg Jennings - WR3
Both Cooper and Jennings have the potential to break out in any game, but the big difference is the quarterback play. Nick Foles has been very good this season, whereas Greg Jennings does not have near the talent at quarterback in Minnesota. Cooper has seen just as many targets as DeSean Jackson over the last seven weeks and is a good WR2 option against a porous Vikings secondary.
Zach Ertz – TE2
John Carlson - TE2
Zach Ertz continues to be utilized more and more in Chip Kelly's offense as the year goes on, and Chip said it best, "The game is starting to slow down for Zach". That is one of the best things a coach can say about a rookie, and Ertz has a great matchup this week against the Vikings. With Kyle Rudolph being placed on IR, Carlson is the VIkings tight end for the rest of the season. There are better options available, especially with the Eagles ability against the tight end this season.
Alex Henery – K2
Blair Walsh - K1
Last week was an abysmal week for kicker's, but that was due to the inclement weather in Philadelphia. This week will be a different story as the game will be played in a dome. This late in the season, a kicker indoors can do wonders for a fantasy team. Blair Walsh has been one of the best since entering the league last season going 59-65 to this point. He is a top kicking option this week. Alex Henery is a good option as a fill-in for kicker streamers that need an indoor kicker this week.
Eagles Defense/Special Teams – DST1
Vikings Defense/Special Teams – DST3
The Vikings defense is having a hard time stopping anyone, and the Eagles are scoring at will it seems. The Vikings should not be owned in standard leagues, but in touchdown-only, they are a decent option strictly because of Cordarrelle Patterson. The Eagles defense has been very good lately, and with the situation in Minnesota and the ineptitude of that offense, the Eagles will be able to have a good day in fantasy football. I am starting them this week in my playoff matchup.
