The Vikings are traveling to the west coast this weekend for a Divisional Round match- up with the San Francisco 49ers and their top ranked pass defense. The 49ers have had an extra week of rest and their defense appears to be back at full strength, with no injuries noted for the team’s secondary as of the Wednesday practice report. Kyle Rudolph found the end zone in Wild Card weekend for his first touchdown of the season. Will Kirk Cousins try to build on that success and look Rudolph’s way more often this weekend as the Vikings attempt to advance to the NFC championship? We break down the fantasy football implications below.
Fantasy Football Advice: Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudoplh
Kyle Rudolph ended a season long touchdown drought in the Vikings match-up with the New Orleans Saints as he recorded four receptions for 31 yards on seven targets. He managed to boost his fantasy day with a game-winning touchdown catch in overtime, and finished with 13.1 fantasy points.
Rudolph is fairly cheap in DFS contests this weekend with a $3400 price tag. While the 49ers have an excellent pass defense, they have not been an absolute stalwart against tight ends, as they allowed an average of 13 PPR points to opposing teams No. 1 tight ends over the final five games of the regular season. With Adam Thielen potentially banged up, Cousins may be forced to redistribute targets to other players. Rudolph would likely benefit the most, particularly in the end zone, if Thielen is limited.
Rudolph is far from the most talented tight end available this weekend, but for a $3000 discount from the likes of George Kittle and Travis Kelce, he is a bargain option with upside this weekend.
Start/Sit Advice
Start Rudolph if you are looking for a bargain player with upside.