2004 NFL FANTASY TEAM PREVIEW: VIKINGS
BY RICK SERRITELLA 7/21/04

Quarterback: Arguably the most valuable fantasy quarterback, Dante
Culpepper can rack up yardage through the air and will gain them on
the ground. He had an uncharacteristic 23 interceptions in 2002 but
the past two seasons he has thrown for 7,332 yards, ran for 1,031
yards and accounted for 57 total touchdowns. He also had 10 passes
of 40+ yards last season for those of you who are in leagues that
reward points for that. If he is not drafted in the first round he
will be an absolute steal if you land him in round two.

Running Back: This is an intriguing situation to keep an eye on.
The Vikings may have the deepest group of running backs in the NFL.
They have overloaded on backs the past few years in the draft and now
have a multifarious of options. After racking up nearly 1,300 yards
in 2002, Michael Bennett missed the first half of last season with
foot injuries. He returns as the expected starter but is sure to be
watching his back. Last year's rookie Onterrio Smith flashed
lightning quick agility and excellent cut back vision as he ran for
579 yards on a 5.4 average. Last year's leading rusher Moe Williams
is almost a forgotten man. He filled in nicely while Bennett was out
last season on his way to gaining 1,389 combined yards. He still
offers a little value as he has been a dependable goal line runner
and always seems to score even when reduced to a back up role. This
year's draft pick Mewelde Moore doesn't figure into this seasons
plans.

Wide Receiver: Having Randy Moss on your fantasy team can be a
fulfilling experience every week. Last season he had 8 games of 100
yards or more in which half of them he topped the 150 yard mark.
This pick is a no-brainer, he has averaged 88 receptions, 1,396
receiving yards and 13 touchdowns over his six year career. He will
not have to face as many double teams as last season as the Vikings
went out and signed Marcus Robinson. Robinson has battled many
injuries since his 1,400 yard season in 1999 and will be a comeback
player of the year candidate.

Tight End: The Vikings have a pair of tight ends who can offer mid-
range fantasy value. Jimmy Kleinsasser had been primarily known as a
blocking tight end until last year. He is a mammoth tight end who
looks more like an offensive lineman. He will start and is coming
off career highs across the board in receptions, yardage and
touchdowns. They signed Jermaine Wiggins in the off-season as part
of their plan to go with a two tight end formation on occasion
throughout the year. Wiggins hasn't been very spectacular since his
rookie season in New England but could flourish under the Vikings
system.

Fantasy Stud: Dante Culpepper – A franchise quarterback is harder to
come by than a franchise wide receiver, the reason why he gets the
edge over Moss here.

Fantasy Dud: Michael Bennett – Onterrio Smith is a better runner and
Bennett is too injury prone, it's highly unlikely that he will go
through the whole season as the starter.

Fantasy Sleeper: Marcus Robinson – Should excel as Moss' counterpart.

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