Fantasy Football Outlook for Alexander Mattison, Jordan Addison, Other Vikings

The NFL season is upon us, which means fantasy football is back in full swing. If you still have a last-minute draft to prepare for, here are some thoughts on the outlook for all of the Minnesota Vikings' fantasy-relevant players in 2023 from someone who attended every training camp practice.

WR Justin Jefferson

My input isn't needed here. Jefferson is the consensus No. 1 overall pick in fantasy football this year for good reason. He's that talented — and he might still be ascending, if that's even possible.

TE T.J. Hockenson

Hockenson is going on most platforms as the TE3 behind Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. Armed with a new contract extension, he's in line for a huge year in his first full season with the Vikings. Hockenson is basically an every-down player in Kevin O'Connell's offense and should see plenty of valuable red zone targets. If you want a top tight end but miss out on Kelce and Andrews, Hockenson is a fun pick in the fourth round or so.

RB Alexander Mattison

Mattison is a fascinating player for fantasy this year. After four years as Dalvin Cook's backup, he's taken over the starting role for the first time in his career. And it should be pretty close to an every-down role, with only Ty Chandler and Myles Gaskin as his current competition. Mattison is going to get significant goal-line work and could also have a decent role as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Efficiency is a question mark after Mattison averaged less than 3.9 yards per carry over the last two seasons. He also doesn't have a 50-yard run in his career; he isn't the same home-run threat Cook was. But the Vikings made it a focus to improve their running game this offseason by bringing in elite blocking tight end Josh Oliver, which should help.

Mattison currently has an ADP around 50th overall (RB20 or so). If you can get him in the fifth-round of a 12-team league, I think that's good value. He's a solid RB2 with a high floor but a relatively low ceiling.

WR Jordan Addison

If there's a fantasy sleeper to target on this Vikings offense, it's Addison. The fourth wide receiver taken in this year's draft had an incredible rookie training camp, making head-turning plays seemingly every day. His route-running, body control, and hands are all weapons that give him an exciting present and future.

For now, Addison and K.J. Osborn are right next to each other on the Vikings' depth chart at receiver. In my view, though, it won't be long before Addison becomes the clear No. 2 WR in this offense, which would mean playing when the team is in two-tight end sets. Even as the No. 3 option in the passing game behind target hogs Jefferson and Hockenson, there should be plenty of room for Addison to eat in Adam Thielen's old role.

He's an upside play with an ADP around 90ish. You may not want to start Addison in Week 1, but he has a chance to quickly emerge as a strong FLEX play.

WR K.J. Osborn

Osborn is a fine late-round flier, particularly in deep leagues. Addison missed time at USC last season with an ankle injury and made a brief trip to the concussion protocol during camp this year. At 175 pounds, the rookie is theoretically at a slightly elevated injury risk. If he were to miss time, Osborn would become a viable fantasy play.

With Addison healthy, you're probably not starting Osborn unless you play in a very deep league. He has the potential to have a big game like he did against the Colts last year (10-157-1), but that type of week isn't something you can count on. Osborn only got to 50 receiving yards in 4 of 18 games last season, including playoffs.

RB Ty Chandler

Osborn is another late-round option. He's the handcuff to Mattison and a reasonable bench stash (again, particularly in deeper leagues). Chandler has some upside as a young player who has shown flashes in preseason action, but it's hard to envision a scenario where he passes Mattison on the depth chart due to performance. Chandler will only be fantasy relevant with a Mattison injury.

Not fantasy relevant: TE Josh Oliver, RB Myles Gaskin, WR Jalen Nailor, WR Brandon Powell

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