The Vikings Have a Couple of ‘Sleepers’ on the Roster

Fantasy Sleeper No. 1: Kyler Murray

Murray actually led the way on Jamey Eisenberg’s Sleepers list. He wrote, “Murray is expected to start for the Vikings this season, and he is worth a late-round pick in all one-quarterback leagues and a mid-round selection in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues. His FantasyPros ADP is No. 190 overall as QB16, and I expect him to be a borderline top 12 quarterback this season — if not higher.”

“He averaged at least 20.3 Fantasy points in each of his first four seasons in Arizona before suffering a torn ACL in 2022. He returned in 2023 and still averaged 20.8 Fantasy points, but his production started to slip in 2024 to 19.9 points. Then came last season when Murray was limited to five games due to a foot injury, and he only averaged 17.9 Fantasy points.”

Murray was previously fantasy gold, especially during his first three seasons, providing the rush-pass dual threat that is coveted in fantasy.

Eisenberg continued, “The Cardinals decided to go in a different direction, and here we are. But Murray will hopefully benefit from Kevin O’Connell’s tutelage, and it will be great if Murray continues to use his legs. He averages 36.7 rushing yards per game in his career, with 32 rushing touchdowns.”

“Murray should also benefit from throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, which is the best receiving corps of his career. The ceiling for Murray is high, and the risk is minimal given his cost. I plan to draft Murray in a lot of leagues in 2026.”

Fantasy Sleeper No. 2: Jordan Addison

Murray wasn’t alone. Eisenberg also name-dropped Addison, explaining, “How bad were things for Addison last season with J.J. McCarthy? In eight games with McCarthy in 2025, Addison averaged 6.3 PPR points per game. He had two outings with 1.8 PPR points or less, and he caught one touchdown over that span.”

“By comparison, in four games with Carson Wentz last year, Addison averaged 15.9 PPR points and scored two touchdowns. He averaged at least 13.0 PPR points per game in each of the first two seasons of his career prior to 2025, and Addison can still be a standout Fantasy receiver with competent quarterback play.”

Addison’s litmus test with the Vikings is straightforward: if the quarterback is competent, he cooks. If the quarterback is mid, Addison is quiet. Simple as that.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison turns upfield after a catch against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. On Oct. 5, 2025, Addison continued flashing big-play ability for Minnesota’s offense while operating as one of quarterback Kyler Murray’s primary downfield weapons in the passing attack. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Eisenberg added, “Enter Kyler Murray, who we hope will be the starter all season, and Addison should be able to outperform his current FantasyPros ADP (No. 98 overall at WR46). Now, we don’t have a long track record of Murray supporting two quality Fantasy receivers during his time in Arizona.”

“But here’s where you should rely on Kevin O’Connell to make sure Addison and Justin Jefferson can once again coexist, and Murray should be able to put Addison in the No. 3 Fantasy receiver range — if not higher. I’m excited to see Addison bounce back in 2026 as long as McCarthy stays on the bench in Minnesota.”

Honorable Mention: Jordan Mason

Eisenberg also gave Mason some love, who’s on tap to share an RB1 workload with Aaron Jones. During Jones’s first two seasons in Minnesota and his time in Green Bay, an injury or two typically hobbled him throughout a season. There’s a world where Mason emerges as the clear RB1 for the Vikings by midseason.

Last year, his first in Minnesota, Mason chipped off 758 rushing yards on 159 carries for an impressive 4.8 yards per scamper. By the numbers, the Vikings should give Mason 20-25 rushing attempts per game and call it good.

The Others?

Depending on the format of one’s fantasy league — SuperFlex, Dynasty, Tight End Premium, etc. — the Vikings have a few more sleepers that must be mentioned:

• Demond Claiborne (RB)
• T.J. Hockenson (TE)
• J.J. McCarthy (QB)

Minnesota drafted Claiborne in Round 6 a couple of weeks ago. In Dynasty format, he should be stashed on taxi squads in the off-chance he blossoms into “the next De’Von Achane” with assistant coach Frank Smith’s tutelage.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson waves toward the crowd during second-half action against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. On Nov. 17, 2024, Hockenson once again delivered veteran leadership and steady production for Minnesota while remaining a reliable middle-of-the-field target in Kevin O’Connell’s offense throughout the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

Hockenson should be a commodity in TEP leagues, assuming the Vikings actually use him as a pass-catcher and not a sixth offensive lineman.

In SuperFlex Dynasty, Murray could get injured — he does that — and McCarthy would have an almighty chance to strut his stuff in Year No. 3.

For leagues with Individual Defensive Players (IDPs), don’t forget tackle machine Blake Cashman on defense.