RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Start
POSITIONAL VALUE: Low-End QB1
ANALYSIS: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold played well through his first four weeks of action, then fell flat against the New York Jets in Week 5. While the Jets boast an excellent defense that's been giving quarterbacks fits for years now, it's important to look into the context of what happened anyway.
Firstly, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was targeted 14 times but only came away with six catches. Part of this was due to a litany of pass interference calls against him, but he wasn't able to produce massive plays because he kept getting interfered with. It was probably a net negative for the offense.
Vikings RB Aaron Jones has a hip injury and is questionable to return.
He suffered a hip injury in week two, could be related to this. Was seen limping on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/pjlgzFxk0S
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 6, 2024
Secondly, and more importantly, the offense faceplanted when running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) left with an injury and didn't return. Backup Ty Chandler was ineffective in his place, averaging just 2.1 yards per carry. He simply could not replace the spark the former Packer provided.
#Vikings RB Aaron Jones on if he’ll play Sunday against the Lions:
“I’m not sure.”
He’ll practice Thursday and Friday and see how he feels. He hurt his hip stretching pregame in London and then left after taking a hit. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/l8nRSn07bU
— Jeff Wald (@JeffWaldFox9) October 16, 2024
It's certainly possible that Jones was the major engine behind the Vikings' offense, and they'll probably be one-dimensional without him, which hurts. This could push Darnold down to QB2 territory. At least they play the Detroit Lions, who despite embarrassing the Dallas Cowboys 47-9 in Week 6, have a weak pass defense.
It's fine to start him, but in 12-team leagues, there are probably better options. If Jones does play, Darnold is a smash start.
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