Who scores more fantasy points in week 1 (1 Viewer)

[Chaser1439]

Has to be Taylor unless AP is getting Goal line carries!

 

[Biabreakable]

They don't call him all day for nothin ool

 

[texasheat]

AP

 

[maccabees]

AP

I hope your right because I really don't know what to expect from him.

 

[Sweet Love]

Chet. I think Peterson will get off to a slower start similar to Bush's last year.

 

[Squinting Cyclops]

Taylor Hicks

 

[DoubleG]

Sad really. Taylor rushes for over 1,200 yards (top 10 in that category, btw) and everyone thinks the talented rook is going to outgain him in Week 1 coming off the bench.

Now, how many who have said (or will say) "AP" don't actually own him on a fantasy team? (i.e. you are unbiased).

Will AP be toting the load by week 12 or so? Probably. Week 1?

 

[Chaos Commish]

AD

 

[BroadwayG]

Yes

 

[dreadlocks]

Sad really. Taylor rushes for over 1,200 yards (top 10 in that category, btw) and everyone thinks the talented rook is going to outgain him in Week 1 coming off the bench.

Now, how many who have said (or will say) "AP" don't actually own him on a fantasy team? (i.e. you are unbiased).

Will AP be toting the load by week 12 or so? Probably. Week 1?

I love when people say that your opinion isn't to be taken seriously because you target and get a player that you for whatever reason you happen to think highly of. Your opinion shouldn't be taken seriously then because your bias kept you from targeting this player. Valid opinions must only come from those completely unaffiliated with fantasy football.

I will save you the trouble. I do have AP on my team.

 

[caglassc]

Depends on your leagues scoring - I think Taylor has more carriers and yards but AD will get at least one TD. If I were the coach of the Vikings I would let both backs share the load - they are both talented and it would make sense to ease AD into the roll and split time to keep both backs healthy and fresh.

 

[DoubleG]

Sad really. Taylor rushes for over 1,200 yards (top 10 in that category, btw) and everyone thinks the talented rook is going to outgain him in Week 1 coming off the bench.

Now, how many who have said (or will say) "AP" don't actually own him on a fantasy team? (i.e. you are unbiased).

Will AP be toting the load by week 12 or so? Probably. Week 1?

I love when people say that your opinion isn't to be taken seriously because you target and get a player that you for whatever reason you happen to think highly of. Your opinion shouldn't be taken seriously then because your bias kept you from targeting this player. Valid opinions must only come from those completely unaffiliated with fantasy football.

I will save you the trouble. I do have AP on my team.

That was only part of my point. The other was based on facts. You see point is simply that most fantasy owners think like this:

If I were the coach of the Vikings I would let both backs share the load - they are both talented and it would make sense to ease AD into the roll and split time to keep both backs healthy and fresh.

The problem with this thought process is that the only opinion that matters is CHildress':

Coach Brad Childress said Thursday that RB Chester Taylor will start in Week 1, with RB Adrian Peterson providing a "changeup" off the bench.

So what I, or any AP owner thinks about who should play more, the fact is Childress decides - and for week 1 he already has.

 

[Billy1x]

Sad really. Taylor rushes for over 1,200 yards (top 10 in that category, btw) and everyone thinks the talented rook is going to outgain him in Week 1 coming off the bench.

Now, how many who have said (or will say) "AP" don't actually own him on a fantasy team? (i.e. you are unbiased).

Will AP be toting the load by week 12 or so? Probably. Week 1?

I love when people say that your opinion isn't to be taken seriously because you target and get a player that you for whatever reason you happen to think highly of. Your opinion shouldn't be taken seriously then because your bias kept you from targeting this player. Valid opinions must only come from those completely unaffiliated with fantasy football.

I will save you the trouble. I do have AP on my team.

That was only part of my point. The other was based on facts. You see point is simply that most fantasy owners think like this:

If I were the coach of the Vikings I would let both backs share the load - they are both talented and it would make sense to ease AD into the roll and split time to keep both backs healthy and fresh.

The problem with this thought process is that the only opinion that matters is CHildress':

Coach Brad Childress said Thursday that RB Chester Taylor will start in Week 1, with RB Adrian Peterson providing a "changeup" off the bench.

So what I, or any AP owner thinks about who should play more, the fact is Childress decides - and for week 1 he already has.

Yep, CT will get the first carry. After that who knows but if I were the coach I would use AP on 1st and 2nd down and use CT on obvious passing downs. I would use which ever back is best in short yardage at the goal line.

 

[Raider Nation]

I have this exact decision facing me (or possibly Fragile Fred instead).

Adam Schein of Sirius NFL radio said he expects "a debut for the ages" from Peterson this week.

John Hansen on the Sirius fantasy show said to look for "a 1998, Randy Moss-esque coming out party" from the rook.

They offered no basis for these opinions. Sounded more like hype for the sake of hype.

There has been speculation on various Sirius shows (I listen all day long) that we'll see a lot of them in the backfield together.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Ap is playing the falcons who have a really really bad run d too and grady jacksons is q and had "fluid drained from his leg" the other day. I would not be suprised to see that minn backs total 250 and 3 tds. Well that and tavarous jackson is gonna be chased all day by a pretty strong pass rush.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

People always doubt these studs in training. james, Williams. etc.

Teams don't spend top 10 draft picks on rbs not to use them (easiest transition position for rookies).

I think AP goes off this week.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

People on this board seem to have a lot more faith in Chester Taylor, then the team that coaches him and drafted a RB in 1st round when there were many other need position players available.

 

[Penguin]

I think it could end up very close to even this week. The receiving numbers may end up deciding it. I believe that Peterson is three to four times more likely to score than Taylor is, but Taylor could end up catching more balls and racking up points in PPR leagues.

 

[LawFitz]

One question, who is the SPECIAL player?

Vikings have an awesome OLine.

CT is an average RB.

Need anymore clarification?

 

[PahtyTom]

If AD is the short yardage/GL guy like it seems that he is, then it's not really close. That's why the projections this week for these 2 seem way off since they have Chester and AD equally likely to score a TD which I don't think is truly the case.

 

[monkeysee]

Chet. I think Peterson will get off to a slower start similar to Bush's last year.

Bush got off to a slow start because he isn't much of an inside power runner. Peterson won't have that problem.Peterson and Taylor are light years away as far as talent goes. Peterson is getting 3/4 the carries by week 3. Unless the coach is a fool.

 

[Team Tosh]

I think AD will have more fantasy points. But I think it depends on which back is hotter, or making the most of their opportunity. I do think there is another underlying issue as mentioned in other threads. That is they Vikings organization needs something for the fans to get excited about. They are facing a possible blackout for the first time in many years because they haven't sold out this upcoming game. So they not only need their no. 1 draft pick to play often, but they need him to play well. And yes, I'm an AD owner that will be starting him.

 

[One]

AD. Minny'd like to drive their new ride.

 

[Ahmad Rashad]

That is the Vikings organization needs something for the fans to get excited about.

Exactly. I think the Adrian Peterson jersey has far outsold any other this year (I got 2 for my kids), and Viking fans are more excited about AD than any player in a long time -- arguably even more than Moss, who many saw as a thug. At the training camp autograph signing session, everybody was crowded around trying to get AD's autograph far more than any other player.Given the team's need for public support for a new stadium, the threatened blackout for the first time in years, the poor image of players after Moss and the boat scandal (AD seems like a model citizen so far), his being the earliest drafted RB for the team ever (I believe Chuck Foreman at #12 was the highest before), and the recent lack of explosive players on offense, I think the Vikes will make it a point to showcase AD early and often, though limiting his workload so as not to wear him out. I think he gets the goal line carries, as he's better in short yardage and an AD TD will really get the fan base excited.CT had a decent year last year, but mostly because they ran him so much, not because he's a special talent. He won't keep AD off the field. CT's role will be to prevent AD from being overworked, as the starter at first, but maybe not later on in the season. AD will get his chance to shine and rekindle some enthusiasm for the team.I think AD scores more fantasy points in week 1 because of his likely TD('s).

 

[Anthony Borbely]

The Vikings are going to run a ton this year. AP was drafted 7th overall for a REASON...he is a stud. They will not be able to keep him off the field for long once they figure out he gives the Vikings their best chance to win. Once they figure out Taylors 2 yard runs are turned into 5 yard runs by AP, then AP will see 65-70% of the carries. But even if they split, AP is the better pick. He should get goal line work right away. He will make more plays.

And YES, I drafted AP...because I know that great players always find their way on the field.

 

[H.K.]

The answer to this question lies with the Falcons. If Joey and company can score some points and put the Vikes in catch up mode, I'd expect to CT get more work and more points because he has the experience in pass blocking and is a good receiver.

If its a close game, I think the workload and FF points are about the same. A blowout may help ADP as MIN could get him some PT and more carries as they grind it out.

 

[maccabees]

I have this exact decision facing me (or possibly Fragile Fred instead).

Adam Schein of Sirius NFL radio said he expects "a debut for the ages" from Peterson this week.

John Hansen on the Sirius fantasy show said to look for "a 1998, Randy Moss-esque coming out party" from the rook.

They offered no basis for these opinions. Sounded more like hype for the sake of hype.

There has been speculation on various Sirius shows (I listen all day long) that we'll see a lot of them in the backfield together.

Yep,thats what I've been hearing from them also.

 

[cpstorm]

googling for AP/Chester news, I found this - not overly helpful, but I read into it that its a true RBBC:

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/vikings/?m=200709

Sunday’s game against Atlanta will present the first real opportunity to see how the Vikings plan to use the running back combination of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson. Obviously, they both will be on the field together at times.

Asked about the pair, coach Brad Childress said: “I know in my mind how I want to use them. I know how they are in the game plan, what plays we think this guy is going to be in for and what plays we think that guy is going to be in for. If a guy taps himself on the head and has a 25-yard run or he gets hit and comes out, those best laid plans, then the other guy has got to be able to run that play if that’s what you’ve got called. I’ve kind of got a mind’s eye picture of how many times and on what plays they are going to touch the football, and I think that’s kind of how we’re game-planned.”

 

[jurb26]

Why do all of these threads turn into some sort of internet Adrian Peterson glee club meeting?

 

[H.K.]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):

ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.

MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.

Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.

The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.

Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

 

[abe froman]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):

ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.

MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.

Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.

The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.

Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

?? Harrington is still the QB for ATL right?? Looks to me like both teams could struggle in the passing game. I can see BOTH TEAMS scoring 7-13 points off FF/INT's alone but you have to give Minny the edge overall on offense with their line. It wont matter if ATL floods the box..Minny still has Hutch and will still have success running the ball. The post asked who will score more fantasy points this week between AD and CT. IMO under a PPR CT could slightly outproduce AD. Non PPR Id say AD. Thats my guess but dont just trash Jackson and leave Harrington out of the convo when we all know what Joey has done (or hasnt for that matter) in the nfl.Im going with Minny 24 over ATL 20 with Sharper or Winfield outscoring both RBs in FF points

 

[Biabreakable]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

You forgot to mention how the #1 run defense will part like the red sea to allow Dunn and Norwood to run at will. And how the Falcon WRs are clearly so much better than the Viking WRs.Your slipping.

 

[Raider Nation]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):

ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.

MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.

Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.

The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.

Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

You forgot to mention how the #1 run defense will part like the red sea to allow Dunn and Norwood to run at will. And how the Falcon WRs are clearly so much better than the Viking WRs.Your slipping.

His what is slipping?

 

[Bossman]

One question, who is the SPECIAL player?

Vikings have an awesome OLine.

CT is an average RB.

Need anymore clarification?

AD rode the short bus?

 

[H.K.]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):

ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.

MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.

Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.

The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.

Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

You forgot to mention how the #1 run defense will part like the red sea to allow Dunn and Norwood to run at will. And how the Falcon WRs are clearly so much better than the Viking WRs.

Dunn/Norwood can do damage receiving, as well as rushing, and yes, the Falcons WRs are far superior to the Vikings' WRs.

 

[Biabreakable]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):

ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.

MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.

Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.

The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.

Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

You forgot to mention how the #1 run defense will part like the red sea to allow Dunn and Norwood to run at will. And how the Falcon WRs are clearly so much better than the Viking WRs.

Dunn/Norwood can do damage receiving, as well as rushing, and yes, the Falcons WRs are far superior to the Vikings' WRs.

Here you need some more help with your absurd post:Norwood > AD

Dunn > Chester

Falcons defense > Vikings defense

Add in that is is statisticly impossible for the Vikings to complete a forward pass and then you will be back up to the standard of credibility we have all come to expect from you.

HTH

 

[OU#1]

Biased...I'm not biased at all!!!

Minny shows off their new toy tomorrow at home IMHO. AD will run himself into the ground trying to impress (like he always does).

I think AD goes 20/100/2, CT goes 15/70/0.

Boomer Sooner!

P.S. The question with AD will always be his health. If healthy I think he should always be considered a "stud" RB. Don't even compare him to Reggie Bush.

 

[H.K.]

Here you need some more help with your absurd post:Norwood > ADDunn > ChesterFalcons defense > Vikings defenseAdd in that is is statisticly impossible for the Vikings to complete a forward pass and then you will be back up to the standard of credibility we have all come to expect from you.HTH

Nice try on the subject change: QB: HarringtonWR: Joe Horn, Roddy White, Michael JenkinsTE: Alge Crumpler >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>QB: Tarvaris JacksonWR: Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson, Sidney RiceTE: Visanthe ShiancoeTop to bottom, the Vikings have the worst aerial game in the league.

 

[OU#1]

Here you need some more help with your absurd post:Norwood > ADDunn > ChesterFalcons defense > Vikings defenseAdd in that is is statisticly impossible for the Vikings to complete a forward pass and then you will be back up to the standard of credibility we have all come to expect from you.HTH

Nice try on the subject change: QB: HarringtonWR: Joe Horn, Roddy White, Michael JenkinsTE: Alge Crumpler >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>QB: Tarvaris JacksonWR: Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson, Sidney RiceTE: Visanthe ShiancoeTop to bottom, the Vikings have the worst aerial game in the league.

I have to agree, but we're talking about the difference between really bad and a little worse than really bad. They both stink on paper.Regardless we'll all be able to see tomorrow what will happen!Good luck all!

 

[Timmay]

Sad really. Taylor rushes for over 1,200 yards (top 10 in that category, btw) and everyone thinks the talented rook is going to outgain him in Week 1 coming off the bench.

Now, how many who have said (or will say) "AP" don't actually own him on a fantasy team? (i.e. you are unbiased).

Will AP be toting the load by week 12 or so? Probably. Week 1?

 

[NoFBinLA]

I think it COULD be AP because I think ATL will get run all over and it only takes one mistake for AP (or AD or ADP or whatver) to go the distance.

It will PROBABLY be Taylor as I expect more carries from him. That's the conservative call.

 

[Biabreakable]

Here you need some more help with your absurd post:

Norwood > AD

Dunn > Chester

Falcons defense > Vikings defense

Add in that is is statisticly impossible for the Vikings to complete a forward pass and then you will be back up to the standard of credibility we have all come to expect from you.

HTH

Nice try on the subject change: QB: Harrington

WR: Joe Horn, Roddy White, Michael Jenkins

TE: Alge Crumpler

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

QB: Tarvaris Jackson

WR: Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson, Sidney Rice

TE: Visanthe Shiancoe

Top to bottom, the Vikings have the worst aerial game in the league.

Subject change? We are talking about the Vikings running the ball right? And more specificly which Viking Rb will score more for those who have both.

As far as the passing game having any relationship to the 2 Vikings Rbs and the ultimate outcome of the game...

Which RB tandem do you think will have more carries?

AD and Chester or Dunn and Norwood.

IF the Vikings passing options are as bad as you think then logic (humor me here) would tell us that the Vikings will try to use thier passing options as little as possible. So that means 35-40 rushing attempts from the Viking offense regardless of the game situation. That means plenty of carries for both AD and Chester.

Meanwhile Dunn and Norwood will not likely find any room to run vs. the Viking defense. In fact they may do what many teams did against them last year and just abandon running the ball at all fromt he outset of the game because its not going to work anyways.

Joey Harrington.

If the Vikings return interceptions for TD early in the game that may lead to more Chester and perhaps even MM as the Vikings just kill the clock and protect thier lead. This is the only scenario where I see AD scoring less than Chester. As I think they will save AD with game allready in hard using the veteran RBs to kill the clock and protect the ball as well as ADs health.

Your assumption that the Falcons defense is so insurmountable that the Vikings will only get one FG is the type of quality work I have come to expect from you.

 

[Frank Black]

Sad really. Taylor rushes for over 1,200 yards (top 10 in that category, btw) and everyone thinks the talented rook is going to outgain him in Week 1 coming off the bench.

Now, how many who have said (or will say) "AP" don't actually own him on a fantasy team? (i.e. you are unbiased).

Will AP be toting the load by week 12 or so? Probably. Week 1?

I remember a similar situation when McGahee was drafted by the Bills and Henry was starting. Of course AP is more talented than McGahee.

 

[PahtyTom]

Chester really wasn't that good last year.

 

[Ahmad Rashad]

This article, particularly Childress' quotes, makes it seem like it will be more of a fairly evenly shared load than a starter and backup roles, at least to start the season. I think Peterson likely getting the goal line work, and more likely to break a long run, make him to likely score more fantasy points.

Vikings season preview: A two-headed monster?

The personnel structure all but dictates that, like Lola and Forrest Gump, the Vikings will run and run and run this season.

By Kevin Seifert, Star Tribune

Last update: September 08, 2007 – 1:59 PM

We could dance in the shadows a bit if you'd like. Your 2007 Minnesota Vikings will lean, ever so slightly, on the running game. Their tailback duo of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson will break a sweat by halftime of most games this season.

Ah, but you, fickle fan/reader/scout, know better. You know the Vikings will start the NFL's most inexperienced quarterback this season. You're aware that his top receiver is a slot specialist, and, well, you probably can't name Tarvaris Jackson's other targets. You barely noticed his new tight end this preseason, and you remember that his head coach and offensive coordinator gained notoriety through their association with the run-oriented University of Wisconsin teams during the 1990s.

So let's dispense with the pleasantries and consider the facts. The Vikings have positioned the success of their season on a strong defense and a pair of tailbacks who could each rush for 1,000 yards.

There, we said it.

Such a feat hasn't occurred since 1985, when Cleveland's Kevin Mack (1,104) and Earnest Byner (1,002) both reached the milestone. With first-time starter Bernie Kosar at quarterback, those Browns made the playoffs with an 8-8 record.

No one is suggesting such an outcome for the Vikings just yet. But the team's personnel structure all but dictates that, like Lola and Forrest Gump, the Vikings will run and run and run this season.

"That sounds good," Taylor said. "We have depth in our running back corps so we can have a great running game throughout the season. You can't win games unless you can run the ball. We're looking forward to stepping up to this challenge, especially in helping out a young quarterback. We can help relieve some of the pressure on him."

Yes, avoiding gluttony might be the biggest challenge facing coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Taylor employed his power and instincts to rush for 1,216 yards last season, while Peterson's mix of strength, speed and creativity helped him average 130.5 yards per game over three years at the University of Oklahoma.

So how much is too much? Will Jackson's arm collect dust this season while Taylor and Peterson run themselves into the ground? After all, even Forrest got tired after a while.

(Tip: The 1977 Oakland Raiders set the NFL record by rushing 681 times in a 14-game season.)

"There is just a certain comfort level in having a strong running game," Childress said. "I've been on a lot of teams where I wish we could have run the ball. Look, I'm fully aware that most explosive plays come in the passing game. But that doesn't mean you can't explode in the run game. It gives you something to hang your hat on and to be able to build off of."

How will it work?

One little problem, a teeny-tiny little factual issue. In 1985, the Browns ran up their rushing totals because Mack was a fullback and Byner a tailback, enabling them to be on the field at the same time. Taylor and Peterson both are tailbacks. Let's just say neither will be crushing a middle linebacker as the lead blocker any time soon.

So how will the Vikings maximize two players who play the same position? If the preseason is any indication, they will play together sometimes -- but more often will rotate every few series to keep fresh legs on the field.

One of Childress' objectives this preseason was to use Taylor and Peterson for similar plays, so that neither would be pigeonholed by future opponents looking for trends. Childress wanted to display both players as power runners, as receiving threats and as third-down backs in whom he has confidence as pass blockers.

"The goal is to have both those guys be able to do all things," Childress said. "You don't want to lose a step when you're calling a play. If the defense is ready to be hit with a play, and the guy in the game has to come to the sideline because he is out of breath, you want the next guy to come in and not lose anything. It's nice to be able to have a changeup with those two guys and not lose anything."

The Vikings intend to start Taylor and use Peterson as his "changeup," especially early in the season. But if Peterson's preseason is any indication, it will be difficult to keep him off the field as the year progresses.

One solution is to find creative ways to get the players in the game together more often than the Vikings did during the preseason, preventing opponents from focusing too heavily on one or the other.

Last season, for example, the New Orleans Saints got starter Deuce McAllister enough carries to rush for 1,057 yards but also found enough time for rookie Reggie Bush to catch 88 passes while also rushing for 565 yards. The Vikings experimented along those lines during the preseason, mostly on third downs, and Bevell said a twin backfield is "definitely feasible."You can put one in the backfield and split the other out wide," Bevell said. "You can have two in the backfield and then put one in motion. It's not like you need to have one of them lead blocking for the other."

Ironically, the primary beneficiary of that arrangement could well be Jackson and the passing game -- a necessity in order to prevent defenses from focusing too heavily on the running game.

Not only must defenses respect a play-action pass with the double threat looming, but they might also face untenable coverage problems.

Former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, now an ESPN analyst, said opponents will have to make difficult schematic decisions.

"There is the ability to create mismatches," Schlereth said. "Especially in the passing game. If Adrian Peterson is able to line up on the edge as Reggie [bush] did last year, it will open things up and create a tough decision for the defense. How do they cover it? What are they going to do?

"Do they bring in the nickel? Or a more cover-oriented linebacker? That's putting a team in a quandary. That's what you're going to have in Minnesota with those two in the backfield."

The sticky part

After spending four seasons as a backup in Baltimore, Taylor signed a four-year, $14.1 million contract in 2006 to be the Vikings' primary ball carrier. Peterson received $17 million in guaranteed money after the Vikings drafted him with the No. 7 overall pick in April -- hardly "changeup" money, even for free-spending owner Zygi Wilf.

NFL teams always have multiple running backs, but only one can be "The Man." How Taylor handles a somewhat diminished role (he likely won't get the 303 carries he had in 2006) and how Peterson shares the spotlight will play critical roles in whether the arrangement proves productive.

"It depends on the success of the team and the character of the guys," said recently retired running back Tiki Barber, now an NBC analyst. "They need to understand their roles and function. I imagine Adrian Peterson is going to be of the mindset, 'I'm a rookie and a young guy.' But in a couple years when he starts to develop, that's when it might start to cause problems. It's a little bit of a Catch-22 in some ways."

Even when the players' personalities mesh with the rotation, their skills sometimes do not. Barber was in a similar situation with the New York Giants in 2000, when he started but shared time at tailback with rookie Ron Dayne.

Dayne actually received more carries, 228 to 213, but Barber gained 1,006 yards while Dayne finished with 770.

Barber noted the difficulty of developing a rhythm with sporadic playing time.

"It can be very frustrating," he said. "You see this all over with two starting-quality backs. Both feel they can do whatever is called for."

For now, Vikings coaches are giving Taylor deference as the incumbent. "I know they want us both to be in there as much as we can, so it's OK," Taylor said.

Peterson, the college All-America, carries the self-assurance to know he can't be kept off the field.

"We are going to be on the field at the same time, together," Peterson said. "We'll be able to throw the defense off a little bit. You'll definitely see that."

No need to dance in the shadows on that one. Without a doubt, they'll break a sweat this season. And possibly a few records as well.

Staff writer Judd Zulgad contributed to this story.

Kevin Seifert • kseifert@startribune.com

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

starting AP over T bell, d foster

cmon AP! screw chester the cheetah.

 

[Ahmad Rashad]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

Umm, "forgone unavoidable conclusion?" AD 19 carries for 103 yards 1 recep 60 yards TDJackson and co. also outperformed Harrington and co. in the passing game.Vikes win 24-3 and are in first place.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Chester Taylor 1 fantasy point

Adrian Peterson 22 fantasy points

Week 1 goes to AD.

 

[abe froman]

After giving it some more thought, here's what will happen (important to note that this is not a prediction, it is a forgone unavoidable conclusion):

ADP 7 carries for 22 yards 0 recep 0 TD.

MINNY has the worst combo of QB and WR's in the league......by far. I couldn't even think of anyone close that is as bad as they are when looking at each position in the receiving game. Wow, losing Moss and Culpepper just destroyed them.

Anyway, obviously ATL will sell out to stop the run, they have a decent defense and they will be able succeed. The Falcons offense is better than most people think, so I expect a combo of Dunn/Norwood to keep drives alive and score some early points.

The Vikings should be trailing early and when Jackson is forced to throw, the floodgates will open.

Falcons win 26-3 and Leftwich is signed on Monday.

?? Harrington is still the QB for ATL right?? Looks to me like both teams could struggle in the passing game. I can see BOTH TEAMS scoring 7-13 points off FF/INT's alone but you have to give Minny the edge overall on offense with their line. It wont matter if ATL floods the box..Minny still has Hutch and will still have success running the ball. The post asked who will score more fantasy points this week between AD and CT. IMO under a PPR CT could slightly outproduce AD. Non PPR Id say AD. Thats my guess but dont just trash Jackson and leave Harrington out of the convo when we all know what Joey has done (or hasnt for that matter) in the nfl.Im going with Minny 24 over ATL 20 with Sharper or Winfield outscoring both RBs in FF points

Gave ATL a little too much credit.. was right about winfield, after the 8 tackles, Int for TD I think he might of actually outscored AP. Have to wait and see whats going on with CT's injury but as an AP owner Im hyped to know I can count on him already!

 

[DoubleG]

Chester Taylor 1 fantasy pointAdrian Peterson 22 fantasy pointsWeek 1 goes to AD.

Brilliant. AP didn't have a touch until Taylor went down due to injury.