The Minnesota Vikings host Washington in a potentially ugly matchup to open Week 8. The Vikings sit at 5-2 and have won three straight coming into Thursday Night Football. On the other side, Washington is 1-6 and their only win came against the Miami Dolphins. Upsets happen, but it’s hard to see Washington hanging around in this one. Add in the Kirk Cousins revenge factor, and Minnesota should roll in this one.

The short week for Thursday Night Football becomes more and more difficult for teams to turn around for, and injury reports go. This week, Adam Thielen is out for the Vikings, and Chris Thompson and Vernon Davis are out for Washington. Adrian Peterson is questionable with an ankle injury and will be one to watch as inactives arrive this evening.

There are plenty of start/sit decisions to consider for both teams, even in a potential one-sided game. Kirk Cousins faces his old franchise and is likely excited to put on a good showing. Dalvin Cook is never a question mark when healthy. The big question is Bisi Johnson after Stefon Diggs. Thielen’s absence opens the door for him and the tight ends, Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr.

On Washington’s side of the equation, Adrian Peterson and Terry McLaurin are the two big questions. Case Keenum is not the worst fantasy quarterback, but he could find himself in a tough way against this stout Vikings defense.

Matchups are key, but it helps to see what the analytics are saying about potential performances. Looking at ESPN fantasy projections for season-long leagues (1/2 PPR setting), Wendell Smallwood could still climb if Adrian Peterson’s ankles are a problem. ESPN is not so sure what to make of Bisi Johnson, Kyle Rudolph, and Irv Smith. One of them probably breaks out vs. Washington, but who knows which one.

Regardless, here are Week 8 TNF projections to help you further improve your fantasy chances!

Washington

QB Case Keenum: 12
RB Adrian Peterson: 10.7
RB Wendell Smallwood: 5.7
WR Terry McLaurin: 10.5
WR Paul Richardson: 5.6
WR Trey Quinn: 5.4
TE Jeremy Sprinkle: 5
K Dustin Hopkins: 5.7
Washington D/ST: 4.7

Minnesota Vikings

QB Kirk Cousins: 16.2
RB Dalvin Cook: 21.8
RB Alexander Mattison: 5.2
WR Stefon Diggs: 12.2
WR Bisi Johnson: 7.1
TE Kyle Rudolph: 6.2
TE Irv Smith: 5.2
K Dan Bailey: 7.6
Vikings D/ST: 8