The Minnesota Vikings are obviously ecstatic to have future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson back in town. While Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata filled in admirably for Peterson last season, Minnesota's 14th ranked rushing offense from 2014 should get a boost from AP's return. His presence should also help with the continued development of second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
But outside of the Vikings organization, fans want to know what to expect from Peterson from a fantasy football perspective.
"Peterson, like several other top running backs, could go anywhere from first to the back of the first round in drafts," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Eric Karabell wrote. "There's positive and, believe it or not, some negative when analyzing him. He's great, but also 30. He's never had a bad year, but also barely been in the top 10 among running backs in standard scoring two of the past three full seasons. Several teammates will be chosen in later rounds, and it's unlikely that will alter much this summer or in the preseason. After all, Peterson is the focus and the last time he rushed in a preseason game was 2011."
Peterson, after tearing his ACL in 2011, produced one of the single most impressive seasons for a running back in 2012 when he topped 2,000 yards on the ground. Clearly, the man is motivated by proving doubters wrong. The same may be true for this upcoming season as Peterson tries to return to form after nearly a year away from football. Many fantasy experts expect Norv Turner's offense to help Peterson set a career high in receptions this season and save his body some wear and tear.
Karabell also briefly discussed the expectations for a few of Minnesota's other offensive players.
"Bridgewater has likely earned QB2 status, [Mike] Wallace is a WR3 and McKinnon, wide receiver Charles Johnson and [Kyle] Rudolph are also reasonable picks from the 10th round on, but as always, it comes down to Peterson."
