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The 2020 Minnesota Vikings had their worst season since Kirk Cousins became the starting quarterback. They went 7-9 and didn’t make the playoffs after making the playoffs in 2019 and winning one playoff game. This recent step back likely puts pressure on the coaching staff and Cousins to make a quick correction in 2021.
Quarterback
- Kirk Cousins
- Kellen Mond
- Nate Stanley
Running back
- Dalvin Cook
- Alexander Mattison
- Ameer Abdullah
- Kene Nwangwu
Wide receiver
- Justin Jefferson
- Adam Thielen
- Chad Beebe
- Bisi Johnson
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
- Dan Chisena
Tight end
- Irv Smith Jr.
- Tyler Conklin
- Zach Davidson
Biggest offseason changes
The Vikings didn’t make many big moves this offseason, as letting Kyle Rudolph go was the most notable for the offensive skill position players. They did draft quarterback Kelly Mond, but he shouldn’t be a threat to Cousins this season.
Biggest questions for fantasy football
In many ways we should expect a carbon copy of the 2020 season except for Irv Smith Jr. getting a bump with Rudolph gone. Dalvin Cook should be in line for 300 carries and 40-plus receptions, while Alexander Mattison continues as a strong backup.
Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen should again see the bulk of the wide receiver targets, with Jefferson as the higher upside receiver of the two. Smith Jr. will be a popular tight end pick in fantasy this season as the clear leader after splitting snaps with Rudolph last season. And Cousins will remain a fringe Top-10 fantasy quarterback.