Week 4 vs. Denver
After a disappointing Week 1, Adrian Peterson has had back-to-back monster games, finishing with 134 yards and 126 yards, respectively. In each game, he's had at least 20 rushing attempts.
He'll remain a strong option in Week 4 as the Vikings will need him to have success against Denver. The Broncos pass defense will be too strong for Minnesota to overcome, so they'll likely put the load on Peterson. He should be viewed as a RB1 option this week.
Week 3 vs. San Diego
Adrian Peterson had a poor effort in Week 1, but bounced back in a big way for Week 2. The Vikings back finished with 134 yards on 29 carries and added 58 yards receiving. He hasn't scored a touchdown yet, but those should be coming.
He should have another big game in Week 3 against a Chargers defense that has mostly struggled against running backs this season. The Bengals were able to run wild last week, so there's no reason not to think the same could happen for Peterson. Peterson is one of the top backs in the league right now and is a must-start option every week. He's easily a RB1 option for Week 3.
Week 2 vs. Detroit
Adrian Peterson's return in Week 1 wasn't exactly a celebratory moment. He carried the ball 10 times and finished with 31 rushing yards. He also added three receptions for 21 yards to his stat line.
Peterson should be able to get his numbers back to what made him the best rusher in the NFL just a few years ago, as he is facing a Lions defense this week that gave up 150 rushing and receiving yards to running back in Week 1 against San Diego. Peterson's too good of a talent to leave your bench. He should be viewed as a RB1 this week.
Week 1 vs. San Francisco
Adrian Peterson is back after essentially sitting out last year due to off-the-field issues. The former Pro Bowl runner will again be the main focus of the Vikings offense and he'll face a depleted 49ers defense in Week 1.
By depleted we mean San Francisco lost a lot of talent in the offseason. They were fairly tough against the run a season ago, but we'll see how their revamped defense holds up against a talented back like Peterson. Fantasy owners should definitely view Peterson as a RB1 and a must-start player this week.
Fantasy Upside
Adrian Peterson is back! After playing in only one game last season due to a suspension, Peterson returns and is expected to do big things. In all eight seasons he's played (excluding 2014), he's scored at least 10 touchdowns on the ground. He's also rushed for over 1,000 yards in all but two seasons (finished with 970 in 12 games in 2011). Some could also view taking a year off from the physical nature of an NFL season to be a good thing for Peterson in terms of his health. He should be rejuvenated and ready to spring into action.
Fantasy Downside
Peterson's legal troubles still loom somewhat. He has to make sure he doesn't get in trouble again, or else he's looking at another suspension. He's no spring chicken, either. Peterson is 30 years old, and running backs tend to go downhill once they reach this age. It remains to be seen if he's still the incredible back that rushed for over 2,000 yards not that long ago.
Bottom Line
Peterson is one of the best in the business when he plays. If he's healthy and not facing a suspension, he's someone you want in your lineup. He's never had a bad season, unless you count last year. He should be viewed as a first-round draft pick and one of the anchors of your squad.
Adrian Peterson - Week 2 vs. New England
Update
Adrian Peterson is deactivated for Sunday's game and therefore won't play. Get him out of your lineups.
End Update
Despite not being the team's leading rusher in Week 1 (WR Cordarrelle Patterson had 102 yards on the groun), Adrian Peterson should still be viewed as an elite player. Peterson got plenty of touches (21 carries, 2 receptions) and finished with 93 total yards. Not a bad outing.
This week he draws an extremely favorable matchup in New England. The Patriots allowed Knowshon Moreno to run wild for 134 yards in Week 1. I think we're all in agreement that AP has more talent than Moreno.
The Pro Bowl rusher is a must-start this week in a great matchup. Start him with confidence.
Adrian Peterson - Week 1 vs. St. Louis
Last season the Rams were a favorable matchup for running backs. They allowed the sixth-most points to backs, which is good news for a talented guy like Adrian Peterson.
Peterson is still one of the top running backs in the NFL even at age 29. He should find a lot of success under Norv Turner's offense. Start him with confidence in a favorable matchup against the Rams.
Fantasy Upside
With the departure of Toby Gerhart to Jacksonville, Adrian Peterson really has no competition. He’s also proven himself in the past. He’s rushed for double-digit touchdowns every season in his seven-year career.
The arrival of offensive coordinator Norv Turner also bodes well for the Pro Bowler. Turner’s system should get Peterson more involved in the passing game. The Vikings’ rusher is an exceptional pass-catcher, but his stats have never shown it. He’s never had more than 50 receptions in a season, which could change this year.
Fantasy Downside
Peterson isn’t a spring chicken anymore. He’s 29 years old, which is getting up there in running back years. He’s also the primary playmaker on the Vikings’ offense. The passing attack isn’t that threatening, which means defenses will key in on Peterson.
Bottom Line
The Vikings’ star is a top-five pick in all formats. He’s proven to be too valuable and productive in the past. He’s a low risk selection in the first round.
