Teddy Bridgewater Cleared to Play, Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph Become Must-Starts

The Minnesota Vikings passing game has not been very impressive but the status of Teddy Bridgewater is pivotal this week. Bridgewater was undergoing the NFL concussion protocol testing after taking a vicious hit in last week’s win over the St. Louis Rams. Things are looking good for Bridgewater’s availability after he passed the final stage of the concussion protocol and practiced fully on Friday. The Vikings will have a great matchup against the poor Oakland Raiders pass defense and Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer said he has “no doubt” Bridgewater will start on Sunday.

While Bridgewater has not been particularly impressive for fantasy purposes, he has helped make Stefon Diggs one of the fastest rising fantasy stars at the wide receiver position. Diggs was a consistent source of fantasy success until getting shut down last week by the Rams defense. Minnesota’s star wide receiver should have an easier time this week. The Raiders passing defense is more embarrassing than a 2015 Adam Sandler movie. Considering Diggs is the only wide receiver to develop a great chemistry with Bridgewater, he should be one of the best values on the board in daily fantasy this week. Minnesota will have to pass often to take advantage of the Oakland defense and no one will benefit more than Diggs.

The other offensive weapon to keep an eye on is Kyle Rudolph. Many drafted Rudolph to be their weekly starting tight end but he’s been a complete bust. The reason you should roll the dice on Rudolph this week is the matchup against the Raiders. No team is as abysmal at defending the tight end position as the Raiders. Oakland has allowed nine touchdowns to tight ends this season and Rudolph’s strong suit is being a red zone target. There’s a very good possibility you’ll get a touchdown out of Randolph and that’s enough success for a tight end in fantasy football these days. The position is absolutely terrible and Rudolph is worth the risk this week.

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Adrian Peterson will still be the top offensive weapon on the Vikings offense as running back and he should be in store for a big game. The Raiders defense was exposed last week by the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Minnesota won’t light them up to the same extent, the matchup is too good to not bank on a couple of Vikings stars. Peterson will continue to be great but this is a big week for Diggs and Rudolph.