The NFL announced on Tuesday that Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has been suspended for three games due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. This decision comes after Addison addressed a 2024 DUI citation in July, resulting in a fine and probation. As a consequence, he will miss the Vikings’ initial games against the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals but could return for Week 4 when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. Addison has the option to appeal his suspension and remains eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games.
Fantasy football managers were anticipating this suspension, and it is advised that Addison be regarded as a low-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver, suitable for drafting no earlier than Round 7. With new quarterback J.J. McCarthy stepping in for the Vikings, concerns were already present regarding Addison’s involvement in the offense. However, his performance as a reserve receiver should be promising. Over the latter half of the previous season, he achieved at least 13.3 PPR points in six out of the final eight games, boasting an average of 17.7 PPR points during that time frame alongside seven touchdowns.
Addison has shown effective synergy with star receiver Justin Jefferson throughout his first two seasons, and it is hoped that he can continue this trend when he returns. Jefferson’s Fantasy value is unlikely to change with Addison’s absence, and he may actually benefit from increased target opportunities during the first three games. Meanwhile, tight end T.J. Hockenson could see an uptick in value without Addison on the field. Although he is currently ranked as the No. 7 tight end, there is potential for a return to his previous form prior to his injury last season.
While other receivers on the Vikings roster, such as Jalen Nailor, might take on a larger role, they are primarily considered viable for daily fantasy sports (DFS) lineups rather than draft selections. As for McCarthy, he remains a second-tier Fantasy quarterback worth targeting in late-round picks for standard leagues, while his stock rises in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues.
There is optimism for the Vikings’ offensive prospects under McCarthy’s guidance, especially with formidable targets like Jefferson, Hockenson, and eventually Addison as they navigate through the upcoming season.