The Athlon Sports 2023 Fantasy Football Annual magazine reached out to team insiders at all 32 NFL clubs to ask them three key fantasy questions heading into the season. As we count down to training camp, Sports Illustrated will publish their answers here. Today’s team: Minnesota Vikings
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Can Justin Jefferson lead the NFL in receiving yards again?
Without question. In fact, a 2,000-yard season isn’t unreasonable to expect from a guy who’ll be 24, is already the league’s best receiver and has the drive to get better. His unanimous first-team All-Pro season even included five games with fewer than 50 yards. The Vikings are working to prevent some of the lulls that come when defenses overload coverage to Jefferson. A second year in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense should help. So will committing more resources to a power-running game — e.g., signing blocking tight end Josh Oliver — and adding another first-rounder to the receiving corps in Jordan Addison.
- 2023 Season Outlook: Minnesota Vikings
With Dalvin Cook gone, is Alexander Mattison ready to assume the RB1 job?
All signs pointed to his departure. The team needed to make cap room for the rookies and the in-season cap rules that account for all players — including those on IR. With Cook resisting a pay cut, the Vikings re-signed Alexander Mattison and drafted a running back (DeWayne McBride) for the second straight year. As good as Cook is, the team is prepared to turn more of the running attack over to Mattison, who is younger and runs with more power in short-yardage situations.
Who emerges as Minnesota’s WR2?
K.J. Osborn, but O’Connell loves three-receiver sets, so Addison also will be given a chance to make an immediate impact. Osborn is perhaps the most underrated player on the team. He’s never failed when given an opportunity to shine in clutch situations, and this time will be no different. He’s ready for this moment.
—Mark Craig, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
