Vikings vs. Panthers Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Miles Sanders, Adam Thielen

Welcome to our Vikings vs. Panthers fantasy football start 'em, sit' em matchups analysis article for Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season.

Read our matchups analysis, player breakdowns, and lineup recommendations for the matchup and set those winning lineups. Good luck RotoBallers!

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers

Spread: Vikings -4.5
Implied Total: Vikings (25.5) vs. Panthers (21)
Pace: Vikings (2nd) vs. Panthers (4th)
Vikings Off. DVOA: 18.7% Pass (14th), -19.9% Rush (25th)
Panthers Off. DVOA: -0.6% Pass (24th), -22.8% Rush (26th)
Vikings Def. DVOA: 21.6% Pass (23rd), 2.8% Rush (24th)
Panthers Def. DVOA: 1.2% Pass (11th), 20.4% Rush (32nd)

Matchups We Love

Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)

Cousins delivered for fantasy against the Chargers as expected. Unfortunately, his late interception and failed opportunities in the red zone were too much to overcome. The good news is he's got a decent matchup against Carolina, and we know the Minnesota defense won't be able to shut them down. It's also helpful that these two squads rank in the top five in the pace of play, meaning more chances for players to score points. Cousins remains in the top 12.

Kirk Cousins: 17 completions gaining 20+ yards this season

Leads the NFL 🟣 pic.twitter.com/vp9ioakGjI

— PFF MIN Vikings (@PFF_Vikings) September 28, 2023

T.J. Hockenson (TE, MIN)

Hockenson has 23 receptions on 28 targets. His involvement is absolutely elite. After a slow start in Week 1, he's finished as the TE1 and the TE8. He's firmly in the top five against Carolina.

Vikings WRs

Justin Jefferson finally found the end zone. Statistically, it was bound to happen. He's third in receptions, first in yards, and currently ranks as the WR3. He is awesome.

For those who ventured into the secondary options, including Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn, it wasn't quite the spike week we hoped for, but that's largely because of Hockenson. It's also because Josh Oliver caught a touchdown. What's noteworthy is that Addison's snap percentage has increased each of the first three weeks, plus he has more targets and receptions than Osborn. The shift is coming, making him the preferred option as a top-36 receiver and Osborn a flex.

Matchups We Hate

None

Other Matchups

Adam Thielen (WR, CAR)

While the return of Bryce Young to the lineup is probably a downgrade for the veteran wideout for fantasy purposes, Thielen definitely deserves consideration in a "revenge game" against the Vikings. He's soaking up the volume like crazy, with 18 receptions on 23 targets in the past two weeks. He's also scored in both contests. His veteran presence and the lack of legitimate receivers behind him are sustaining his production. He's in the top 36.

The Vikings are known for giving up big plays over the top, which coincides with the skill set of D.J. Chark. Injuries have plagued both these two, but Chark is currently healthy and well-equipped to get loose in the secondary. Even with Bryce Young, he's a flex option with volume and upside working in his favor while the rookie Jonathan Mingo is sidelined. Mingo returned to practice but was limited so we'll see what happens over the weekend.

Miles Sanders (RB, CAR)

Sanders has been a checkdown machine, tying Kyren Williams for the league lead in RB targets (18) while trailing only Bijan Robinson in receptions (12). He hasn't been successful pounding the rock, averaging 3.4 yards per attempt while ranking 36th in both elusive rating and missed tackles forced among qualified backs. However, the matchup is good and the receiving work provides a solid floor as a top-24 back.

UPDATE: Sanders was downgraded to a DNP on Friday, causing him to be listed as questionable. It's a little worrisome, and definitely one to watch over the weekend. Chuba Hubbard would move into the top 36 if Sanders is out.

Miles Sanders Questionable For Week 4 https://t.co/aYn4OlNjFD

— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) September 29, 2023

Alexander Mattison (RB, MIN)

Mattison remained a workhorse back, accounting for 20 of the 23 (87%) backfield carries and seven of the nine (78%) backfield targets. On the flip side, he had a fumble overturned, which continues to be an issue. The backfield is also due for some touchdown regression as all nine times the offense has found the end zone, it's been through the air.

The expectation is that Cam Akers will make his debut on Sunday, but you can probably get at least one more start out of Mattison while Akers integrates into the system. It also helps that the matchup is No. 1 by DVOA and the Vikings are favored to win.

Notable Injuries

Jonathan Mingo (concussion)
Miles Sanders (groin)

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