The Minnesota Vikings saw Adrian Peterson make his return in Week 1, but after a disappointing performance, the running back is expecting more in Week 2. Teddy Bridgewater struggled, but moving forward he should bounce back and players like Charles Johnson, Mike Wallace, Peterson and Kyle Rudolph are the best fantasy football starters to pick for Sunday.
The Vikings have high expectations coming into the season with Peterson back, as Bridgewater is firmly in as the starter now after taking over last season. Bridgewater had a full offseason and camp to work as the starter and while he struggled in Week 1, head coach Mike Zimmer said that he expects the quarterback to play better next week. Bridgewater had a solid rookie season and he did it without Peterson in the lineup and that could mean an improved running game this season.
The Vikings did not have much success on Monday night against the Niners, but the team is expecting to get things together in Week 2. Peterson said he was disappointed by his performance in Week 1, which saw the running back rush for just 31 yards on 10 carries. Peterson did not play in the preseason and the Vikings were cautious with him this summer after Peterson missed 15 games last season while dealing with off the field issues. Peterson also added three catches for 21 yards in the game.
Zimmer was asked after the game on Monday about Bridgewater and the head coach said he had no concerns about the second year player as the starter. Bridgewater took over last season for Matt Cassel and hasn't looked back, but in Week 1 he had a so-so game, passing for 232 yards and an interception. The Vikings offense could not get anything going and while Bridgewater was fairly accurate, the team was unable to get into the endzone. Bridgewater had 14 TDs last season and completed 64 percent of his passes and he will be looking to bounce back in Week 2.
Bridgewater has some solid offensive options alongside Peterson, including Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson at WR. Wallace is a new addition from the offseason and he had a strong start, catching six balls for 63 yards against the Niners. Johnson is considered a sleeper for the Vikings and while he had as bad game on Monday, moving forward he has a high upside. Johnson had just two catches on three targets on Monday, but he comes in after making 31 catches in 11 games last season and will be a strong option for Bridgewater.
Peterson is getting used to a new offense after playing a decade with the Vikings, as Bridgewater and Norv Turner use more shotgun sets than Peterson is used to. Last season when Peterson was out, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata rushed out of more shotgun sets than Peterson had rushed out of between 2007 and 2013 combined. Peterson will have to get used to that and he said to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune after the game that he still felt "a little hesitant" taking handoffs from shotgun.
