Shaun Hill Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
Sam Bradford gets first-team practice reps, looks likely to start in Week 2
Bradford appears ready to take the reins of the Vikings offense after observing as the backup in Week 1. Shaun Hill didn't play poorly against Tennessee, but he didn't play particularly well either - he didn't turn the ball over but also didn't account for any touchdowns. The Vikings gave up plenty to acquire Bradford's services, so they clearly weren't content with Hill under center for any prolonged period of time. This news figures to benefit the skill position players to an extent, but it doesn't appear that any one of them (the pass catchers, at least) will benefit enough to make them highly recommended DFS plays this week. Stefon Diggs is coming off of a strong season debut and is certainly an option in prime-time formats. Adrian Peterson should have some extra room to roam as well.
Per Ian Rapoport, Shaun Hill expected to start for Vikings in Week 1
The Vikings players have reportedly been informed that Shaun Hill will start Week 1, although an official announcement from the team isn't likely to come until Sunday. This doesn't change much for the Vikings skill position players; the receivers are still very risky targets that are best left untouched, while Adrian Peterson should see a big workload even with the Titans likely to throw an extra defender in the box. Peterson is one of the better GPP targets at the RB spot given that most of the field will be focused on the high-end options priced below him, and some may be scared off by the Vikings low team total and the fact that Hill will be the starting QB.
Vikings not expected to name starting QB until Sunday
Mike Zimmer isn't interested in making things easier for the DFS community. He's expected to wait until Sunday morning to name a starter, which may be because he's waiting to see how Sam Bradford fares after a few days with his new offense. Given what Minnesota gave up for Bradford's services, they are going to want to get him into game action as soon as possible. Shaun Hill's presence wouldn't change things drastically from a DFS perspective for the other skill position players on the Minnesota side, but having Bradford under center would seem to be a small bump in value for a few of the Vikings main playmakers. Although Bradford himself wouldn't be a recommended DFS play, Adrian Peterson may see fewer stacked boxes - neither QB stretches the field well but Bradford is the more capable signal caller - which would make him a stronger GPP target in a game where the Vikings are slight favorites. Stefon Diggs, who has been running frequently out of the slot in the preseason, also benefits. Bradford's best targets in previous years (J. Matthews with PHI, D. Amendola with STL) have frequented the slot.
Sam Bradford dealt to Minnesota, Carson Wentz to start if healthy
Two divisions were shaken up this morning by a trade that sent Sam Bradford to the QB-needy Vikings in exchange for two draft picks, one of which is a 2017 first-rounder. The Vikings are going to want to get him into game action as soon as possible, but given that this trade happened a week before the start of the season, it wouldn't be terribly surprising to see Minnesota give Shaun Hill - who has been with the team throughout camp - the start in Week 1. Bradford's fantasy appeal takes a slight turn north now that he'll have more playmakers surrounding him, but he's still going to be a game-manager and doesn't figure to offer much more upside in terms of his DFS viability. As for the Eagles, they will turn to #2 overall pick Carson Wentz when he's healthy, which could be as soon as Week 1. He's dealing with a rib issue and Philadelphia has no real incentive to rush him onto the field, so backup Chase Daniel could get the nod against Cleveland. Neither QB will be a recommended DFS option in Week 1, although Wentz could morph into a viable punt play over time if he's able to accrue points with his legs on a regular basis. The biggest winner of this deal may be Adrian Peterson, as opposing defenses won't be as prone to stack the box if Bradford is able to garner respect. Peterson and Stefon Diggs are surely enjoying the start of their Labor Day weekend.