Empty the Bench

Ranks Preview by Brian Spencer

This is one week where the Minnesota Vikings defense shouldn’t be considered disadvantaged if their top cornerback, Antoine Winfield, still isn’t ready to return to the field from his foot injury.

Though the Lions played the Vikings relatively tough, all things considered, in the Vikings’ 27-13 win at Detroit back in Week Two, their offense never really got going. On the day, Minnesota recorded 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a fumble recovery, which amounts to solid, if unspectacular, production in terms of fantasy football.

We wouldn’t be shocked to see the Vikings top all three of those totals at home this week, however, with Jared Allen being virtually unblockable these days, Lions rookie QB Matthew Stafford coming off a forgettable week in which he threw 5 picks at Seattle, and the team’s offensive attack being generally out of sync. It all adds up to a high probability for big plays and turnovers from a Vikings defense that still hasn’t put together a dominant performance in front of their hometown fans. Opportunity is certainly knocking this week.

Oh, and kind of Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini to reinsert his previously benched and beleaguered bust quarterback, Brady Quinn, into the starting lineup just in time for a Monday night matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, eh? That guy truly is a genius.

See also:
- Week 10 QB Rankings
- Week 10 RB Rankings
- Week 10 WR Rankings
- Week 10 TE Rankings

1. Minnesota Vikings vs. DET
2. New Orleans Saints @ STL
3. Baltimore Ravens @ CLE
4. Denver Broncos @ WSH
5. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CIN
6. Philadelphia Eagles @ SD
7. Green Bay Packers vs. DAL
8. Miami Dolphins vs. TB
9. Atlanta Falcons @ CAR
10. Buffalo Bills @ TEN
11. Dallas Cowboys @ GB
12. Cincinnati Bengals @ PIT
13. San Diego Chargers vs. PHI
14. New York Jets vs. JAX
15. San Francisco 49ers vs. CHI