Posted by Rob in Fantasy Advice on Aug 18th 2009 and last modified on Aug 19th 2009. (Print This)
Reports out of Minnesota today are that QB Brett Favre will afterall sign with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal is reportedly a two year deal for $25 million dollars pending Favre passing a physical. It was also reported that Favre has a tear in his rotator cuff, so the Vikings are taking a huge gamble, considering notable doctors stated it could “flare up” after 50-60 throws, which is why he might have been trying to avoid training camp. Favre stated he felt the Jets and Eric Mangini worked him too hard last year in camp and that was why he was battling injuries late last year. The injuries which ultimately doomed the Jets at the end of the year as he threw nine interceptions in the last five games. The Vikings are hoping that Brett Favre will bring energy, leadership and toughness to the team, they are also hoping he makes them a complete team. This undoubtedly spells the end for QB’s Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels who will now become the backups.
Now let’s get to the fantasy perspective of this move. The signing of Favre means that he will be ranked in the top 20 quarterbacks in fantasy football, probably in the 17-20 range. It also bumps up the stock of WR Bernard Berrian as Favre is adept at throwing the deep ball, especially to the outside where Berrian likes to work. WR Sidney Rice also will see a stock bump if Favre can pick up the offense quickly. Rice will be a great target as Favre works through his progressions. The player I see that benefits the most though, is TE Visanthe Shiancoe and we will bump him up six or seven slots as Favre loves to throw to his tight ends. Favre has a long history of playing with successful tight ends who have gone elsewhere and not done much. The list includes tight ends Mark Chmura, Keith Jackson, Bubba Franks, Dustin Keller, and now Shiancoe. Add in the fact that this is almost the same offense as the Packers ran back in their heyday. Favre has basically run this offense for the last 16 years, so the adjustment period shouldn’t be long. Another player that greatly benefits is RB Adrian Peterson as he won’t be staring at eight in the box any longer, Favre will make defenses respect the passing game which will open things up for Peterson to run wild. We look for a big season from Peterson and we would not be surprised to also see RB Chester Taylor have a very solid season as well.
This move like I said is a huge gamble for the Minnesota Vikings but Head Coach Brad Childress is all in. If Brett Favre is healthy this makes Minnesota the team to beat in the NFC as they are now a complete team. They are definitely the team to beat not only in the NFC but in NFL as well.