The Minnesota Vikings have Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater dealing with injuries heading into Week 11, but head coach Mike Zimmer expects both to start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. This is a huge game for the NFC North division standings and the Vikings have Peterson, Stefon Diggs, Mike Wallace and Kyle Rudolph as the best fantasy picks for Bridgewater.
The Vikings are coming into Week 11 after a win over the Raiders and the team is leading the NFC North with a 7-2 record. The game against the Packers is a big one, as Green Bay is right behind Minnesota at 6-3 and this head-to-head matchup could have playoff implications for the standings. The Vikings have Bridgewater and Peterson banged up heading into the game, but both players are expected to play on Sunday, according to ESPN.com.
Ben Goessling reports that Peterson has been limited in practice this week with a hamstring injury, but the injury is not serious enough to keep him from playing. Peterson was limited on Wednesday and Thursday in practice and the team likely wants to be cautious heading into the weekend to ensure that Peterson doesn't have any setbacks. Peterson had a huge game last week against the Raiders, going for over 200 yards rushing and he will be a key part of the offense in Week 11.
Peterson is having a great season after being out all but one game last year while dealing with off the field issues. Peterson has 961 yards rushing and five touchdowns and he is averaging over 100 yards per game this season rushing the ball. The Packers come into the game on a three-game losing streak and the Vikings could really put Green Bay in a tough spot with a victory.
Teddy Bridgewater is also on the injury report this week and he comes in dealing with a left shoulder injury. Bridgewater was in the concussion protocol before last week, but he was cleared to play and now he has a shoulder issue coming into the Packers game. According to ESPN.com, Bridgewater was able to practice in full this week despite the injury and that puts him on track to start Sunday against Green Bay. Bridgewater's stats are not eye popping this season, but he is doing enough to help the Vikings win and now he has the chance to get it done again this weekend.
The best fantasy options on offense for the Vikings apart from Peterson this week include Stefon Diggs, Mike Wallace and Kyle Rudolph. Diggs has had two down games since starting off with four straight big performances and that could mean he is due for another big game. Diggs has just five catches over the last two weeks after putting up 25 in his first four games and the Vikings will be looking for him to break out. Mike Wallace and Rudolph are also solid fantasy options this week, as the Packers may try and force the Vikings to throw the ball more if they stack the box against Peterson.
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