For the second week in a row, the Minnesota Vikings played a game outside of North America. After a narrow defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, the Vikings managed to bounce back with a thrilling 21-17 comeback victory over the Cleveland Browns in London. This early start always throws fantasy football enthusiasts off a bit, requiring lineup decisions to be made sooner than usual. For those who had players in action early on, let’s recap the key performances and their implications moving forward.
Dillon Gabriel’s First NFL Start
The Cleveland Browns made a significant decision by benching veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel for this matchup against the Vikings. Gabriel, a product of Oregon, had a modest debut, completing 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, both thrown to tight ends Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku. This performance netted him 16.1 fantasy points on Yahoo, which, while not spectacular, was enough to keep fantasy managers from despairing, especially in Superflex and 2QB leagues.
Gabriel’s performance showed promise; he didn’t appear overwhelmed and made some solid plays, particularly in the red zone. The Browns are likely to continue relying on rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, but Gabriel has the potential to serve as a competent game manager. He targeted Njoku nine times and rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond seven times, indicating a willingness to spread the ball around. While Gabriel may not elevate the fantasy value of the Browns’ skill position players significantly, he also won’t detract from their performance. As he becomes more comfortable with the offense, he could emerge as a fringe QB1 in favorable matchups, though he remains a candidate for the waiver wire in most leagues outside of deeper formats.
Quinshon Judkins Continues to Shine
Since stepping into the starting role in Week 2, Quinshon Judkins has been a revelation. Although he only scored 13.3 fantasy points in this game, he was the focal point of the Browns’ offense, accumulating 24 touches for 128 total yards without finding the end zone. A long touchdown run was called back due to a holding penalty on Bond, which would have significantly boosted his fantasy stock for Week 5.
Judkins is firmly established as an RB1 in fantasy lineups, showcasing top-10 upside for the remainder of the season. His involvement in both the rushing and passing game solidifies his role as a key player, especially until Gabriel demonstrates he can effectively lead the offense. Even with a rookie quarterback at the helm, Judkins’ consistent production makes him a reliable option moving forward.
Jordan Addison Rebounds After Sitting First Quarter
Fantasy managers were relieved to see Jordan Addison make impactful plays after a frustrating first quarter where he sat out due to a coaching decision. Despite missing the initial period, Addison finished the game with five catches on six targets for 41 yards and a touchdown, contributing 12.6 fantasy points. His performance included three crucial receptions during the final drive, culminating in the game-winning score.
While the benching raised some eyebrows, Addison remains a vital part of the Vikings’ offense, serving as the clear second option behind Justin Jefferson. His talent is undeniable, and he is expected to be a solid WR2/3 as the Vikings head into their bye week. The coaching staff will likely ensure he remains on the field more consistently moving forward.
Will J.J. McCarthy Be Ready to Return in Week 7?
Backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who has been filling in for J.J. McCarthy since Week 3, left the game against the Browns with a shoulder injury but managed to return and lead the team to victory. Wentz finished with 236 passing yards and a touchdown, earning 14.74 fantasy points—decent but not game-changing.
The upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Eagles poses an interesting dilemma for head coach Kevin O’Connell. McCarthy is expected to return from a high-ankle sprain, and when healthy, he would likely reclaim the starting role. However, Wentz has shown flashes of competence, nearly going 3-0 in relief of McCarthy. This situation will be closely monitored, as Wentz’s performance could influence the decision on whether to give McCarthy additional time to recover fully.
