The NFL just suspended six guys for the rest of the regular season for violating the league's drug policy. You might notice one name -- Deuce McAllister -- as someone from your fantasy roster. He's really not important right now, though, because I don't think he would have been worth much the rest of the way. If you were counting on him, your team isn't good enough to take the crown this season. The two guys who really matter play defense.
The Minnesota Vikings were just dealt a devastating blow to their defense. Part of the reason they have the second-ranked run defense in the NFL is because of the two incredibly large Williamses clogging up the gaps on the interior line. You may remember hearing John Madden drool over them -- along with Jared Allen -- all through last Sunday's game.
The implication for the Vikings defense is that, simply, they lose most of their luster. They'll no longer be able to stop the run as easily, thus, their pass defense will suffer. Most teams need to walk an extra guy -- usually the strong safety -- into the box to completely stuff the run. Now the Vikes will have to do so, and their pass defense wasn't that great to begin with. Also, offenses will be able to give even more attention to Allen, and he'll lose some of his value.
Specifically, here's what we have to look forward to against the Vikes in the land o' fantasy.
Week 14
They are playing the Lions, so there isn't much that changes -- I would still play the Vikings D/ST. I would have said otherwise when I was posting the NFC North update, but I would now start Kevin Smith in larger leagues. The Lions should give him a heavy load to test the new Minnesota interior.
Week 15
The Cardinals should have their way with the Vikes. There was no chance before of the Arizona air attack being slowed, and now it gets worse. Tim Hightower is definitely usable in most leagues, while every member of the Cardinals' pass attack qualify as must-starts. I would most certainly avoid the Vikes D/ST.
Week 16
The Vikings' return to Minnesota to face the Atlanta Falcons. I initially mentioned to avoid Michael Turner in my NFC South report, but I'd bump him up to "must-start" status now.
As you can see, these guys are a big deal. If you had a running back facing the Vikings in upcoming weeks, you may now breathe a sigh of relief.
