This may be funny to some. How can anyone actually think of sitting Adrian Peterson? But, answer me this; How many wished they sat him last week against the Tennessee Titans when Peterson only gained 31 yards on 19 attempts for a paltry 3 FFP?
I guess I have your attention now. The Vikings will be matched up against the Green Bay Packers, who last season had Peterson’s number, twice. In the two games combined, the Packers held Peterson to 112 yards on 32 carries with two touchdowns. Those are great numbers for an individual game but for Peterson owners it won’t cut it.
What may make Peterson’s situation worse is the Vikings QB issue. There is no word as of yet (Thursday) who will be the starter, Sam Bradford or Shaun Hill, but regardless, the Packers will stack the line forcing the Vikes to beat them through the air. The Packers game is not a good one for Peterson owners.
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According to NFL.com Fantasy Football, Peterson is projected at 13.60 for Sunday’s game. You may be comfortable with those numbers and maybe you like playing the names instead of the games. This is not a favorable matchup for Peterson owners and I highly suggest you look deep into your roster and find a better matchup.
As I have stated before; Fantasy Football is not about the Pro Bowl names on the back of the jersey, it’s about the matchups. Peterson will still likely rush for 1500+ yards this season but he tends to have a lower production total against the Packers. Maybe it’s because they are division rivals and see him twice a season or what, but I know for week 2 the better option is to place Peterson on the bench.
If the Packer defense can get a few three and outs to start the game, giving Aaron Rodgers and his high-powered offense time to execute and score early this will also play into the Peterson factor. If the Pack comes out and scores, say 14 points in the first quarter, the Vikings will then be forced to throw the ball as they will be in catch up mode. If that does happen, then Peterson’s day is over. He is not the best pass-catcher out of the backfield and either Hill or Bradford will be forced to look downfield, thus resulting in limited touches for Peterson.
Like I said, it’s all about the matchup and situations. Best bet for week 2 is to sit Peterson.