Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings Matchup Preview 10/13/19: Analysis, Depth Charts, Daily Fantasy
Contents
It’s never too early to look ahead to the fantasy football season. Don’t miss out full fantasy football rankings along with our defense fantasy football rankings. Also, if you are interested in fantasy football stats we have you covered. Always stay prepared with our up-to-date resources.
Both teams are coming off of easy wins last week. The Eagles destroyed the Jets 31-6 and the Vikings comfortably beat the Giants 28-10. This matchup will eventually be really important to the playoff race. As of now, both the Vikings and Eagles are not going to finish first place in their respective divisions, but they are both playoff contenders. Currently, the spread for this game is 3 points in favor of the Vikings. This should be a close game between two potential playoff teams. For odds movement and full matchup history, visit the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings matchup page.
TV Schedule
Date: Sunday, October 13th, 2019
Time: 1:00 ET
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
Coverage: FOX
Injury Report
Philadelphia Eagles: RB Darren Sproles (Q) – Quads, WR DeSean Jackson (Q) – Abdomen, CB Ronald Darby (O) – Hamstring, DT Tim Jernigan (Q) – Foot, CB Avonte Maddox (D) – Concussion, TE Alex Ellis (IR) – Knee
Minnesota Vikings: LB Ben Gedeon (Q) – Concussion, CB Mackensie Alexander (Q) – Elbow, LB Kentrell Brothers (Q) – Hamstring
Philadelphia Eagles Analysis
The Eagles have scored more than 20 points in all of their games this season. Their offense has done pretty well, even against good defenses. Against the Packers defense in week 4, the Eagles put up 34 points. That was very impressive against a good Packers defense. Even though the Vikings defense is ranked 5th in total yards allowed, the Eagles offense may still do well. Zach Ertz is a constant threat from the tight end position, as he had 10+ PPR points in every game he has played this season. Even in tough matchups, he has done well.
Carson Wentz will also have a decent game. He is such a dynamic player that he can perform well against difficult defenses. He has averaged 19.6 fantasy points per game, and even put up 19.7 points against a stingy Packers defense. Wentz may have more trouble doing well against the Vikings defense, but he should still put up at least 15 points. He is a decent start for this week. He may be the only really startable Eagles player for this week besides Zach Ertz. It is important to note that the best offensive performance by a RB/WR/TE was by Darren Waller of the Raiders. He had 13 receptions for 134 yards. So, Eagles TE Zach Ertz is poised for a big game against this Vikings team.
The receivers for the Eagles will probably not have great games against the Vikings. The best game by an Eagles receiver was by DeSean Jackson in week 1 against a horrible Redskins defense, but Jackson has not had a big game since then. Additionally, no other Eagles receiver has had a really good game since then. Expect that trend to continue against a very good Vikings pass defense.
Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart
QB: Carson Wentz
RB1: Miles Sanders
RB2: Jordan Howard
WR1: Alshon Jeffery
WR2: DeSean Jackson
WR3: Nelson Agholor
TE: Zach Ertz
Minnesota Vikings Analysis
The Vikings offense can be really good, but they have had some awful games this season. The main concern for the Vikings is that Kirk Cousins does not play well in big games. This game against the Eagles surely qualifies as a big game because the Eagles are good and they are both fighting for a playoff spot. Against the Packers in week 2, Cousins threw for only 230 yards and had a QBR of 52.9. Additionally, he failed to create an offensive spark against the Bears, throwing for only 233 yards and no touchdowns. Cousins has consistently performed poorly against good defenses, but has performed well against bad defenses. The Eagles defense can perform well, but their pass defense has been really bad. Honestly, it is a toss up whether Kirk Cousins will perform well this game. While the Eagles rank 29th in pass yards allowed, the pass rush can be good. They forced 10 sacks last game and could do well against this Vikings offensive line. I would avoid starting Cousins for this week. Even if he does not have an awful game, he would not have an amazing performance.
I would also avoid starting Dalvin Cook. The Eagles are the number one ranked team against the run and have only allowed 315 rushing yards through 5 games. They should be able to stuff the run and will force the Vikings to pass. In the passing game, Adam Thielen should have a big game. The Eagles are bottom-5 in points allowed to receivers, and Thielen is Cousins’ favorite target as of now. With the Stefon Diggs drama ensuing, Thielen will probably get more targets than Diggs.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB1: Dalvin Cook
RB2: Alexander Mattison
WR1: Stefon Diggs
WR2: Chad Beebe
WR3: Adam Thielen
TE: Kyle Rudolph
Daily Fantasy: Thielen Exploits Favorable Matchup
Adam Thielen (DK: $6,700, FD: $7,200) is in line to have a big game against the Eagles. He should get the majority of targets on the Vikings offense and has a favorable matchup against the Eagles, who have allowed the highest number of PPR fantasy points to opposing WRs. Also, Carson Wentz (DK: $6,000, FD: $7,500) should have a decent game. He has performed very well, even against good defenses, so he should perform well again this week. His salary is relatively low on both DraftKings and FanDuel, so he is a good start this week. I do not like Dalvin Cook (DK: $8,400, FD: $8,200) for this week. Even though he has been one of the best fantasy running backs, he has a tough matchup against the best run defense in the NFL. I would definitely avoid starting Cook this week.
