News: The Bills team website reports on Friday the Bills re-signed quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, and according to new head coach Doug Marrone the veteran signal caller will have a much better opportunity to see playing time for Buffalo in 2013. “I spoke with Ryan (Fitzpatrick) and Tarvaris (Jackson) and told them we will have an open competition at the quarterback position – similar to what we will do at all positions on our team heading into our offseason work,” said Marrone. Jackson was set to become a free agent in mid-March had he not been re-signed by the club. The third quarterback on Buffalo’s roster in 2012, Jackson never saw the field for the Bills last season as the previous coaching staff expressed concern that there was not enough practice time to get him live reps in the offensive system.
Analysis: What was likely most attractive to Marrone about Jackson is his strong background in the West Coast system. Jackson had been in it his entire NFL career between his six seasons in Minnesota and one season as a starter in Seattle in 2011. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s scheme has a lot of West Coast principles. While the Bills could give Jackson a chance to start -- and he might end up better than Fitzpatrick -- he still has minimal Fantasy value. Keep an eye on what happens, but don't plan on drafting Jackson in the majority of leagues.
News: Faced with an overload of options at the position, the Seahawks traded quarterback Tarvaris Jackson to the Bills on Sunday in exchange for a late-round draft pick in 2013, according to NFL.com. Jackson, who fell out of the race for the starting quarterback job in Seattle following the emergence of rookie Russell Wilson, is expected to serve as the backup to starter Ryan Fitzpatrick for Buffalo over Vince Young.
Analysis: As the Seahawks' starter last season, Jackson completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 3,091 yards and 14 touchdowns. But he also tallied 13 interceptions and was displaced under center after Seattle brought in free-agent Matt Flynn during the offseason and selected Wilson in the third-round of last April's draft. Jackson will only see time if Fitzpatrick suffers and injury and should be bypassed in all Fantasy drafts for now.
News: Seattle quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is likely to hit the trading block in the coming days, reports CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora Tuesday. With the Seahawks likely ready to roll with Matt Flynn or Russell Wilson at quarterback, Jackson becomes expendable and will likely be shopped by Seattle.
Analysis: There was a time when Jackson was thought to possibly have an edge over Wilson or Flynn because the veteran knows the offense better for coach Pete Carroll. Apparently, the Seahawks have decided to look to the future and only injury seems like it would give Jackson any shot at starting Week 1. Jackson could find a starting gig elsewhere, but his Fantasy value is expected to remain low. Avoid him in most drafts.
News: Seattle quarterback Tarvaris Jackson took first-team snaps on Saturday as the Seahawks moved to full team drills, reports The Associated Press. Jackson was expected to have the early lead for the starting job for the Seahawks. He will continue to battle newcomer Matt Flynn and rookie Russell Wilson for the gig.
Analysis: Head coach Pete Carroll has insinuated that Jackson has an edge because of his experience with the team's offense. Jackson took the first-team snaps on Saturday, but Fantasy owners will want to monitor this situation as we believe it will take a lot for Jackson to be starting on Sundays. The reality is that whoever starts for the Seahawks isn't worth anything more than a borderline No. 2/No. 3 Fantasy QB worth a pick late in the deepest of seasonal drafts.
News: ESPN reports that Tarvaris Jackson will open training camp as the Seahawks starting quarterback. He will battle newcomer Matt Flynn and rookie Russell Wilson for the gig. Jackson started a personal-best 14 games last year and posted career-highs in completion percentage, passing yards and touchdowns.
Analysis: Head coach Pete Carroll has insinuated that Jackson has an edge because of his experience with the team's offense, but we're not convinced. The Seahawks spent a decent pick on Wilson and a good chunk of guaranteed money on Flynn, so it will take a Herculean effort from Jackson to retain the starting job. The reality is that whoever starts for the Seahawks isn't worth anything more than a borderline No. 2/No. 3 Fantasy QB worth a pick late in the deepest of seasonal drafts.
News: The Tacoma News-Tribune reports that Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said none of the players involved in the three-way battle for the starting quarterback job has jumped out in front with Matt Flynn, Tarvaris Jackson and rookie Russell Wilson. “We need more turns, more snaps,” Carroll said. “We have balanced out the reps so far in really good fashion, and who they’re working with. What’s outstanding about it is all three guys are doing well, and they’re all making a pitch for staying in the competition. It will be interesting to see as we take a break and then go back to camp here, if there’s any change in the guys. Or if they see things more clearly because they had a little bit of time off.” Carroll said the player some league observers believe could be released at the end of training camp remains a nose ahead of the rest by virtue of his experience – Jackson. “Russell and Matt both have ground to make up because they’re learning new systems,” Carroll said. “And they both are doing exceedingly well at that, but they have more ground to make up. T-Jack has more familiarity after all the years he was with Bev (Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who coached Jackson while both were in Minnesota).”
Analysis: We expect Flynn to start for the Seahawks this season, but keep an eye on what happens with Jackson. If he does start for Seattle he would be considered a low-end No. 2 option at best.
News: Pete Carroll wasn't kidding: At the Seahawks' late May OTAs, newcomer Matt Flynn, incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and rookie Russell Wilson all split the first-team quarterback reps. Each one started a different day of practice under center with the first-string, and according to WJR-AM, they pretty much took the exact same number of snaps. Early reviews from the workout is that Flynn is in the lead for the starting job, with Wilson struggling at times.
Analysis: We expect Flynn, the prized offseason acquisition in Seattle, to win the job, with Jackson the No. 2 quarterback and Wilson holding a clipboard. But the reality is that whoever starts for the Seahawks isn't worth anything more than a borderline No. 2/No. 3 Fantasy QB worth a pick late in the deepest of seasonal drafts. In the case of Flynn and Wilson, selections late in dynasty/keeper leagues are advised.
News: ESPN.com reports that Seattle coach Pete Carroll plans to keep his quarterback battle alive as long as it takes. Matt Flynn is expected to compete with Tarvaris Jackson for the starting job, with rookie Russell Wilson as the No. 3 candidate. "It's going to take us a long time to do this," Carroll said. "It's going to be frustrating for you guys. You’re going to keep asking and wanting to know, and I’m just going to be more patient than you can imagine as we go through this process and we’ll just figure it out when we do."
Analysis: We expect Flynn, the prized offseason acquisition in Seattle, to win the job, with Jackson the No. 2 quarterback and Wilson holding a clipboard. Keep an eye on what develops, but if Jackson is the starter then he could be considered a No. 2 Fantasy option with a late-round pick.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said in an interview with CBSSports.com that he's looking forward to seeing new quarterback Matt Flynn compete with incumbent Tarvaris Jackson. "We’re going to bring him (Flynn) in, and he’s going to go nose to nose with Tarvaris and see how it goes," Carroll said at the NFL Annual Meeting. "Tarvaris will take the first snap because he’s been with us and has worked hard for that. From that point forward it’s going to be as even as you can get, and we’ll see what happens. We’re going to let them fight it out." Carroll praised Flynn, but he also said Jackson has earned the right to compete for the job. "We’ll see how it goes with Tarvaris," Carroll said. "We have tremendous respect for what he did last year. He was murdered early in the season. Our young guys couldn’t hold up, and he got pounded. He was really hurt and legitimately injured. He’s got a lot of talent. He understands what we’re doing, and he wants to hold onto his job. It’s going to be a great battle to watch."
Analysis: We expect Flynn to start for the Seahawks this season, but keep an eye on what happens with Jackson. If he does start for Seattle he would be considered a low-end No. 2 option at best.
News: The Seahawks official team website reports that general manager John Schneider said Thursday the team is not going to panic when looking for an upgrade at quarterback over incumbent Tarvaris Jackson. “I’ve been blessed to be around a lot of really good quarterback people that have taught me a lot about the position,” Schneider said. “So I just kind of incorporate that with the quarterbacks I’ve been around. I just try to take all the information possible from everybody I’ve been around. I just know if you panic at the position, it can set the organization back. So we’re not going to do that.”
Analysis: Jackson has a strong chance to remain the starter for the Seahawks in 2012. Jackson was able to put up career numbers in his first year in Seattle, throwing 14 touchdowns, while racking up 3,091 yards passing. However, turnovers were an issue for the 28-year-old, as he was picked off 13 times, while also fumbling nine times. Jackson only threw more than one touchdown in three games this season, and he could be replaced if the Seahawks are aggressive in the draft or free agency. Keep an eye on what happens, but Jackson is not worth drafting in the majority of Fantasy leagues.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson throw his 14th touchdown pass of the season in Week 17 against the Cardinals. Jackson was able to find WR Ricardo Lockette on a 61-yard touchdown strike in the third quarter, which tied the game at 20. He completed 21 of his 35 pass attempts for 222 yards in the 23-20 defeat. but was picked off Richard Marshall in the second half. Jackson also racked up 3 yards on the ground and completed a pass to nine different receivers in the contest, while finishing with a QB rating of 82.9.
Analysis: Jackson was able to put up career numbers in his first year in Seattle, throwing 14 touchdowns, while racking up 3,091 yards passing. However, turnovers were an issue for the 28-year-old, as he was picked off 13 times, while also fumbling nine times. Jackson only threw more than one TD in three games this season, and there are some rumblings that Seattle could be looking to upgrade the QB position. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on how things play out over the offseason. Even if Jackson gets a chance to start once again next year, should only be considered a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson threw his 13th touchdown pass of the season in Week 16 against the 49ers. Jackson was able to find Doug Baldwin on a 13-yard scoring strike in the first quarter, capping off a seven-play, 80-yard scoring drive. He completed 15 of his 28 passes for 163 yards in the 19-17 defeat, but did lose a fumble. Jackson also racked up 5 yards on the ground and completed a pass to eight different receivers, while finishing with a QB rating of 82.9.
Analysis: Jackson played pretty well on Saturday afternoon and was able to throw his 13th TD pass of the season. However, owners are wondering if they are ever going to get more out of the 28-year-old. Jackson has thrown multiple touchdowns in the same game just once over his last eight games and has fumbled five times over that stretch. He will now look to end the season on a high note when the Seahawks head out to Arizona in Week 17. Jackson threw for 171 yards in the team's first meeting this season, so consider him a No. 2 Fantasy QB against the Cardinals.
News: As expected, Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson has been ruled active for Week 16 against the 49ers. Jackson was listed as probable on the team's injury report this week due to his lingering pectoral injury.
Analysis: Jackson doesn't have a ton of history against San Francisco as he has only faced them twice in his career. One of those meetings came back in Week 1 and Jackson threw for 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the 33-17 loss. The 49ers enter Saturday's contest ranked 21st in pass defense, allowing 240 yards per game. San Francisco has surrendered 18 touchdowns through the air and are allowing an average of 15 Fantasy points to opposing QBs on the season. While he appears to finally be getting over his lingering pectoral injury, owners should consider Jackson merely a No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into Week 16.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) was listed as probable on Friday's injury report and is expected to start in Week 16 against the 49ers. He has thrown for 641 yards and three touchdowns during Seattle's three-game win streak and is completing 67.1 percent of his passes over that stretch. He has also thrown only one interception over his last four contests.
Analysis: Jackson doesn't have a ton of history against San Francisco as he has only faced them twice in his career. One of those meetings came back in Week 1 and Jackson threw for 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the 33-17 loss. The 49ers enter Saturday's contest ranked 21st in pass defense, allowing 240 yards per game. San Francisco has surrendered 18 touchdowns through the air and are allowing an average of 15 Fantasy points to opposing QBs on the season. While he appears to finally be getting over his lingering pectoral injury, owners should consider Jackson merely a No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into Week 16.
News: While RB Marshawn Lynch has been getting all the accolades of late, QB Tarvaris Jackson has very quietly put together a solid string of games of late. Jackson has thrown for 641 yards and three touchdowns during Seattle's three-game win streak and is completing 67.1 percent of his passes over that stretch. He has only thrown one interception over his last four contests and now will look to keep things rolling in Week 16 against the 49ers.
Analysis: Jackson doesn't have a ton of history against San Francisco as he has only faced them twice in his career. One of those meetings came back in Week 1 and Jackson threw for 197 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the 33-17 loss. The 49ers enter Saturday's contest ranked 21st in pass defense, allowing 240 yards per game. San Francisco has surrendered 18 touchdowns through the air and are allowing an average of 15 Fantasy points to opposing QBs on the season. While he appears to finally be getting over his lingering pectoral injury, owners should consider Jackson merely a No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into Week 16.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson, who threw for 224 yards against the Rams last week, was even more productive Week 15 at Chicago, completing 19 of 31 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown, which came on a 2-yard toss to RB Michael Robinson in the fourth quarter. Jackson's day didn't start out so well, though. He had only four completions for 51 yards in the first half. But as the Seahawks defense stepped up in the second half, returning two Caleb Hanie interceptions for scores, Jackson found his form, looking confident and poised as he led his team to 31 second half points and a 38-14 victory.
Analysis: Jackson did commit a turnover in the game, losing a fumble on a Julius Peppers sack in the end zone, which led to the first of the Bears' two touchdowns, but he looked comfortable for the most part, taking advantage of a defense that entered the game ranked 28th against the pass. Though the back-to-back games with 220-plus passing yards are encouraging, keep in mind Jackson threw for less than 200 in each of his previous three. He's more of a game manager in an offense led by RB Marshawn Lynch and will rarely be a high-end contributor in Fantasy. With a tough matchup Week 16 against the 49ers, he's just a low-end play even in two-quarterback leagues.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) is active and starting Week 15 at Chicago. He was probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Jackson has been dealing with this pectoral injury for all of the second half, but he continues to play through it. Coach Pete Carroll actually said this week that Jackson probably has looked his best in weeks. But that's still not enough to consider him more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: QB Tarvaris Jackson has done an adequate job leading the Seahawks offense during the team's late-season surge, throwing at least one touchdown pass in four straight games. But he's averaging just 176.5 passing yards during that stretch, taking a back seat to RB Marshawn Lynch, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in five of his last six games. Jackson again might not need to pass much Week 15 at Chicago. The Bears rank only 28th against the pass, allowing 256.5 yards per game, but they likely won't be able to muster much offensively with QB Jay Cutler (thumb) and RB Matt Forte (knee) expected to be inactive. The Bears have averaged 6.5 points and 213.0 yards in two games without that duo.
Analysis: If the Bears can't pull away offensively, then the Seahawks will have no reason to stray from their usual game plan. They'll just give the ball to Lynch and, as long as he has moderate success, they'll continue to give the ball to him. That's been the formula during the Seahawks' hot streak. Of course, it has come at the expense of Jackson's numbers, but he wasn't much of a Fantasy option even when he was throwing more. Treat him as just a last resort at QB.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson did a solid job of managing the game in Week 14 against the Rams. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 224 yards with a touchdown in the 30-13 win. It also marked the second straight contest in which he did not throw an interception. His scoring strike came in the third quarter when he found WR Doug Baldwin from 29 yards out. Jackson, who was charged with a lost fumble on a botched handoff, also gained 4 yards on five carries in the victory.
Analysis: Jackson has been playing more efficient in recent weeks with a 4-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his last three games. He is also completing 61 percent of his passes over that span and has led Seattle to the win in each of the last two contests. While he can be a serviceable option in Fantasy at times, the 28-year-old is still too inconsistent to trust in the majority of formats so consider Jackson as more of a No. 2 QB for Week 15 against the Bears.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson has officially been ruled active for Week 14 against the Rams. Jackson was able to practice in full all week for the first time since suffering a pectoral injury two months ago. The Rams enter Monday night's contest allowing an average of 16 Fantasy points to opposing QBs thus far.
Analysis: Despite having a favorable matchup this week, Jackson is not a recommended Fantasy QB option. He's been held under 200 yards passing seven times this season and has gone over 300 yards twice in his 11 games. Only owners desperate for a QB should consider starting Jackson against the Rams.
News: For the first time since suffering a pectoral injury two months ago, Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson was able to participate fully in practice for an entire week. "It seems like a real gift," Seahawks Pete Carroll said. "We just have not had him at all. ... Hopefully this will help his performance." Jackson is listed as probable on the team's injury report for Week 14 against St. Louis on Monday night.
Analysis: Jackson has been held under 200 yards passing seven times this season and surpassed 300 yards only twice in his 11 games. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 16 Fantasy points per contest against St. Louis this year and the Rams have allowed 18 passing touchdowns. They are also giving up an average of 208.4 passing yards per outing. However, despite the favorable matchup this week, Jackson is not a recommended Fantasy QB option in the majority of formats for Week 14.
News: According to the News Tribune, Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson said that he's able to throw with authority and confidence again after dealing with a pectoral injury for weeks. “I got more confidence now in it, honestly. My confidence kind of wavered in early, knowing maybe, ‘Okay, I maybe I can’t make that throw.,’ or worrying about if I was going to feel it if I made that throw, or would it take me out of the game," Jackson said on Friday. “I’m not feeling it when I throw. I feel like I got all my arm strength back, so that gives you more confidence. Like I was saying when I first got hurt, to see other guys throw the ball, you kind of take it for granted to be able to throw the ball hard, and I couldn’t really do it. So it feels good to have it back."
Analysis: The Seahawks face the Rams on Monday night in Week 14. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 16.00 Fantasy points per contest against St. Louis this year. The Rams have allowed 18 passing touchdowns in 12 games this season. They are also giving up an average of 208.4 passing yards per outing. Despite having a favorable matchup this week, Jackson is not a recommended Fantasy QB option. He's been held under 200 yards passing seven times this season and has gone over 300 yards twice in his 11 games.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson practiced in full on Thursday. He's been battling a pectoral injury for a few weeks now, which has limited in practices in past weeks. The Seahawks face the Rams on Monday night. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging 16.00 Fantasy points per contest against St. Louis this year. The Rams have allowed 18 passing touchdowns in 12 games this season. They are also giving up an average of 208.4 passing yards per outing.
Analysis: Despite having a favorable matchup this week, Jackson is not a recommended Fantasy QB option. He's been held under 200 yards passing seven times this season and has gone over 300 yards twice in his 11 games.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't make any mistakes in Week 13 against Philadelphia and led his team to a 31-14 victory. He finished the game completing 13 of 16 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown pass was placed where only his receiver, Golden Tate, could make a play on it. Tate managed to keep both feet in bounds after making a leaping catch at the back of the end zone for the score. At halftime Jackson had 143 passing yards -- he threw for 144 yards in Week 12 against the Redskins. Jackson also had one run for 5 yards.
Analysis: Jackson continues to play through a pectoral injury. While his numbers haven't been overly impressive, Jackson managed not to throw an interception in a game for the third time this season. With Marshawn Lynch carrying the load, all Jackson has to do is limit mistakes and help control the clock. In Week 14 the Seahawks face the Rams on Monday night. St. Louis has given up 16 passing touchdowns and has allowed 205 passing yards per contest. Despite a favorable matchup, Jackson remains more of a No. 2 QB option.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson was active for Week 13 versus Philadelphia. He continues to deal with a pectoral injury, but is making progress. Jackson, who has never faced the Eagles, will be starting against a team that is allowing the seventh-most Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season (20.0 ppg). Philadelphia has given up seven touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions the last three weeks.
Analysis: Jackson has a decent matchup upcoming Week 13 on Thursday against the Eagles. He's been as tough as they come, yes, but Jackson's injury is causing less-than-stellar play from the QB. Jackson went 14 for 30 for a season-low 144 yards last week against Washington. He threw two touchdown passes with one pick in that game. Despite being active, Jackson should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 QB option for Week 13.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson, despite the short week, is progressing well from his pectoral injury, coach Pete Carroll said. “Tarvaris had his best day he’s had (on Wednesday)," Carroll said. "He’s turned a corner for us, it looks like.” Seattle hosts Philadelphia on Thursday night. Jackson, who has never faced the Eagles, will be starting against a team that is allowing the seventh-most Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season (20.0 ppg). Philadelphia has given up seven touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions the last three weeks.
Analysis: Jackson has a decent matchup upcoming Week 13 on Thursday against the Eagles. He's been as tough as they come, yes, but Jackson's injury is causing less-than-stellar play from the QB. Jackson went 14 for 30 for a season-low 144 yards last week against Washington. He threw two touchdown passes with one pick in that game and that was incredibly his best performance Fantasy-wise since Week 4 of the season. Jackson hasn't topped 225 passing yards since Week 8 and has only done that twice this season. Jackson is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, at best, for Week 13.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson has been about as tough as anyone could ask of their quarterback this season. Jackson continues to play through a painful pectoral injury that isn't going away. That said, despite being limited in practice, Jackson isn't a threat to miss the Week 13 game against the Eagles on Thursday. Jackson, who has never faced the Eagles, will be meeting a team that is allowing the 11th-most Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season. Philadelphia has given up seven touchdown passes compared to just three interceptions the last three weeks.
Analysis: Jackson has a decent matchup upcoming Week 13 on Thursday against the Eagles. He's been as tough as they come, yes, but Jackson's injury is causing less-than-stellar play from the QB. Jackson went 14 for 30 for a season-low 144 yards last week against Washington. He threw two touchdown passes with one pick in that game and that was incredibly his best performance Fantasy-wise since Week 4 of the season. Jackson hasn't topped 225 passing yards since Week 8 and has only done that twice this season. Jackson is a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB, at best, for Week 13.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson, who continues to play at a high level through a torn pectoral muscle, couldn't get his team over the hump on Sunday of Week 12 at home against the Redskins. Jackson went 14 for 30 in the game for 144 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception. Jackson, who did not run in the game, found Marshawn Lynch for a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter and later hit Golden Tate from 15 yards out in the fourth.
Analysis: Jackson is playing tough for the Seahawks, but the two touchdowns he recorded on Sunday were the most he's had in a game since throwing three against Atlanta way back in Week 4. Jackson has been consistently mediocre in terms of Fantasy production and has been right around 10 Fantasy points or fewer in six straight games for Seattle. Assuming nothing happens in practice that would change his status, he'll keep starting heading into Week 13 against Philadelphia. Fantasy owners should find more suitable options to start, however, as Jackson is just a low-end Fantasy QB option, at best, against the Eagles Week 13.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson is active for Sunday's Week 12 game versus the Redskins. He's been dealing with a pectoral injury, but has been able to play through it. Coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Wednesday that Jackson is feeling better. Jackson threw a touchdown pass against the Rams last weekend, but also threw two interceptions. Jackson failed to throw for a touchdown in his previous three games and had four picks over that span.
Analysis: The good news for the Seahawks is that Jackson is feeling better. The bad news is, Seattle's offense has not been putting up huge numbers. The last time Jackson faced Washington, back in 2007, he went 25 of 41 for 220 passing yards, 44 rushing yards and three touchdowns (two rushing). Granted he was a member of the Vikings then, but he still had his go-to receiver in Sidney Rice. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on a big performance though, which is why Jackson should be considered a No. 2 QB option for Week 12. The Redskins are yielding 15.8 Fantasy points per week to QBs.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson was listed as probable for Sunday's game versus the Redskins. He's been dealing with a pectoral injury, but has been able to play through it. Coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Wednesday that Jackson is feeling better and is expected to start in Week 12. Jackson threw a touchdown pass against the Rams last weekend, but also threw two interceptions. Jackson failed to throw for a touchdown in his previous three games and had four picks over that span.
Analysis: The good news for the Seahawks is that Jackson is feeling better. The bad news is, Seattle's offense has not been putting up huge numbers. The last time Jackson faced Washington, back in 2007, he went 25 of 41 for 220 passing yards, 44 rushing yards and three touchdowns (two rushing). Granted he was a member of the Vikings then, but he still has his go-to receiver in Sidney Rice. Fantasy owners shouldn't count on a big performance though, which is why Jackson should be considered a No. 2 QB option for Week 12. The Redskins are yielding 15.8 Fantasy points per week to QBs.
News: Although Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson was restricted from throwing Wednesday as he continues to deal with a lingering pectoral injury, coach Pete Carroll said he is feeling better than he has at this time in previous weeks. Jackson is expected to start Week 12 vs. Washington. Jackson managed a TD pass last week at St. Louis, as he went 14 of 24 for 148 yards with two interceptions. Jackson failed to throw for a touchdown in his previous three games and had four picks over that span.
Analysis: Perhaps this pectoral injury has contributed to Jackson's poor performance as of late, but it's not like he was lighting up scoreboards before getting hurt in Week 6. The Redskins are yielding 15.8 Fantasy points per week to QBs. The last time Jackson faced Washington, back in 2007, he went 25 of 41 for 220 passing yards, 44 rushing yards and three touchdowns (two rushing). We doubt he'll come close to that production this time around, though, and consider him just a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 12.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson will be looking to record touchdown passes in back-to-back games for the first time since Weeks 4 and 5 on Sunday of Week 12 against Washington. Jackson managed a TD pass last week at St. Louis as he went 14 of 24 for 148 yards with a TD and two interceptions. Jackson failed to throw for a touchdown in his previous three games and had four picks over that span. He did record a rushing TD in that grouping.
Analysis: Jackson will be facing a Redskins team that has allowed plenty of yardage through the air at home in Week 12. For the year, Washington has been pretty good at limiting the Fantasy production of opposing quarterbacks. That said, things have changed recent weeks and Tony Romo threw for three touchdowns with no picks against them just last game. Plus, the last time Jackson faced Washington, back in 2007, he went 25 of 41 for 220 yards with a passing touchdown and two on the ground with 44 yards rushing. We doubt he'll come close to that production this time around, though, and consider him just a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 12.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 14 of his 24 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown during the Seahawks' 27-7 victory over St. Louis in Week 11. Jackson, who was listed as probable for the game with a pectoral injury, also threw two interceptions. It marked the fourth time in nine outings this season he has recorded more interceptions than touchdown passes. His lone touchdown pass came on a 14-yard strike to Sidney Rice during the second quarter that tied the game -- his first since Week 5 against the Giants.
Analysis: Jackson continues to be one of the least effective quarterbacks in the league as he finished with less than 200 passing yards for the fifth time this season. He completed a decent 58.3 percent of his passes but his 24 attempts marked his second-lowest total of the year. The 28-year-old said he would continue to play through the pain stemming from the pectoral injury, but he should not be relied on as a Fantasy starter. Consider him a low-end QB option against Washington in Week 12.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson is active for Week 11 despite continuing to deal with a nagging pectoral injury. Jackson was limited in practice last Friday and listed as probable on the team's injury report.
Analysis: Jackson said he will continue to play through the pain stemming from the injury. Still, he hasn't been a Fantasy force this season and has registered nine interceptions and just six touchdown passes. Consider Jackson a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 11.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson was limited in practice Friday as the team continues to monitor his pectoral injury. Jackson is officially listed as probable on the team's injury report, but he is expected to start in Week 11 at St. Louis for the third straight game. Jackson has been held without a touchdown pass in each of his past three outings while completing just 56.7 percent of his passes over that span (55 of 97).
Analysis: Jackson said he will continue to play through the pain stemming from the injury. He was limited in practice only to rest his pectoral muscle leading up to Sunday's game. “Tarvaris did very well in practice [Thursday[ and couldn’t throw today,” coach Pete Carroll told the Tacoma News Tribune. Jackson hasn't been a Fantasy force this season and has registered nine interceptions and just six touchdown passes. The Rams are allowing an average of 18.2 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks. Consider Jackson a No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 11.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson had no limitations during Thursday's practice. He's been dealing with a pectoral injury, but has been able to play through it. Jackson threw a 50-yard pass to Doug Baldwin last Sunday against Baltimore which Carroll called "phenomenal." That said, Jackson felt the pain on the throw. "I don't know if you watched him, but he didn't go without pain on that throw," the coach said of Jackson.
Analysis: Jackson will continue fighting through the pain and by all indication is going to suit up and start on Sunday against the Rams. Unfortunately, Jackson hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in three straight games, with four interceptions over that span. St. Louis is allowing opposing team's quarterbacks to average 18.22 Fantasy points per contest this season. Even still, Jackson won't be 100 percent and is nothing but a low-end QB option for Week 11. Keep him reserved if you can.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson continued to be limited at practice on Wednesday in preparation to start Week 11 at St. Louis. Jackson continues to deal with a painful pectoral injury and he's expected to keep playing through the pain, reports the Seattle Times. "Unfortunately he just can't practice very much," said coach Pete Carroll, "and when he does, he's holding back." Jackson threw a 50-yard pass to Doug Baldwin last Sunday against Baltimore which Carroll called "phenomenal." That said, Jackson felt the pain on the throw. "I don't know if you watched him, but he didn't go without pain on that throw," the coach said of Jackson.
Analysis: Jackson will continue fighting through the pain and by all indication is going to suit up and start on Sunday against the Rams. Unfortunately, Jackson hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in three straight games, with four interceptions over that span. We feel he could have a much better game against the lowly Rams, but Jackson is still too low-end to recommend starting in Week 11, healthy or not.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't throw an interception on Sunday against Baltimore, just the second time he's done that this season. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 217 yards. Jackson did not throw a touchdown pass either. He had five carries for 3 yards, but was able to lead his team to a 22-17 victory.
Analysis: Jackson has been dealing with a pectoral injury and took a few big hits in the game. While he's getting better, Fantasy owners shouldn't get too excited. The Seahawks face the Rams in Week 11, but Jackson is not a recommended QB option for owners.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson was active on Sunday as Seattle hosted Baltimore. Jackson has been dealing with a pectoral injury, but the injury is getting better.
Analysis: Jackson has played the last two games despite the injury, and the fact he's getting better is reassuring. Despite being active, Fantasy owners should not be starting Jackson against the aggressive Baltimore defense.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) was a full participant in practice Friday and is listed as probable for Week 10 vs. Baltimore. Jackson told reporters on Thursday that his pectoral injury is getting better, but he is unsure from day-to-day how it will respond. “You don’t really know exactly how you’re going to feel each day," Jackson said. "It’s kind of got like a mind of its own, sometimes it feels good and I wake up the next day without doing anything and it’s sore. So I just come in every day and try to do what I can each day."
Analysis: Jackson has played the last two games despite the injury, so he should be good to go Sunday barring a setback. Although, he is facing a tough matchup in Week 10, so Fantasy owners will want to look to more favorable options.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson told reporters on Thursday that his pectoral injury is getting better, but he is unsure from day-to-day how it will respond. “You don’t really know exactly how you’re going to feel each day," Jackson said. "It’s kind of got like a mind of its own, sometimes it feels good and I wake up the next day without doing anything and it’s sore. So I just come in every day and try to do what I can each day.” Coach Pete Carroll said Jackson will be monitored closely this week, despite the fact he has played in the last two games with his injury. He practiced in full Thursday after limited reps Wednesday. Seattle hosts the Ravens in Week 10.
Analysis: Jackson continues to be limited in practice by his injury, but he says it is starting to improve. However, he could still end up sitting out on Sunday because of it, so Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status throughout the week. Still, even if Jackson winds up playing, he looks to have an extremely tough matchup in Week 10. Baltimore is only allowing an average of nine Fantasy points to opposing QBs thus far, so we would not recommend starting him against the Ravens.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said QB Tarvaris Jackson will be closely monitored in practice this week despite the fact he has played in the last two games with a lingering pectoral injury. "We're not out of the woods yet," Carroll said of the injury. Seattle hosts Baltimore in Week 10. The Ravens have been allowing just 9 Fantasy points per contest to opposing team's quarterbacks.
Analysis: Even if Jackson were 100 percent, he still wouldn't be a recommended Fantasy option going up against one of the best defenses in the NFL. Jackson struggled mightily in Week 9 against Dallas and can't shake this pectoral injury, so definitely look to other Fantasy options in Week 10.
News: QB Tarvaris Jackson had his worst game of the season in Week 9, as his Seahawks fell to the Cowboys, 23-13. Jackson did complete 17 of his 30 passes for 221 yards, but he was picked off three times and did not throw a single touchdown pass. He has now thrown at least one interception in each of his last five games, and Jackson has thrown a total of eight picks over that span, while throwing only four touchdown passes. Jackson also ran the ball twice against the Cowboys, gaining three yards.
Analysis: Things could go from bad to worse for Jackson, who is still battling a pectoral injury, as he will face the Ravens in Week 10. Baltimore has one of the league's stingiest passing defenses, so it could be yet another week of unimpressive production from the Seahawks' QB. He should be started in only the deepest of leagues.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) was not listed among the inactives for Week 9 at the Cowboys. He was a full participant in practice on Friday, and several sources have reported that he will start.
Analysis: Even at his best, Jackson is no more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB, and it is unlikely that the hobbled Jackson will be at his best this Sunday. He has a decent matchup in Week 9 against Dallas, but he is still a low-end bye-week replacement in standard leagues.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson practiced fully Friday and is listed as probable for Week 9 at Dallas. Coach Pete Carroll did not, however, say definitively that Jackson will be able to start over Charlie Whitehurst. “He made it through practice today and practiced the whole time," Carroll said. "So we go into the weekend thinking he’s got a chance to play for us. It would be nice to have him."
Analysis: Jackson said Thursday that he doesn't expect to be 100 percent for quite some time, but he will play as long as he can tolerate the pain. We expect him to start Sunday, but he is still nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB. QBs are averaging 17.9 Fantasy points per week vs. Dallas.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson has no doubts he will be the starter Week 9 against the Cowboys. That's different than last week, when he barely practiced because of a pectoral injury but ended up playing most of the game. “I feel a lot better. I know I’m going to play Sunday," he said. "Last Sunday it was like, ‘I think I’m going to play.’ But there was the chance that, coming in Sunday, my arm might not respond right." However, Jackson knows he won’t be 100 percent any time soon. “It’s going to be sore pretty much the whole season, I think, but the point is just to get in as much practice time as I can and get in as many reps as I can and be ready to play on Sundays," he said.
Analysis: Coach Pete Carroll said the plan is to get Jackson ready for Sunday, but the team will continue to monitor his progress. Jackson is definitely an upgrade over Charlie Whitehurst, but he still isn't a high-end Fantasy option. QBs are averaging 17.9 Fantasy points per week vs. Dallas, but Jackson is still at best a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that QB Tarvaris Jackson will take the majority of snaps with the first-team this week and is on track to start Week 9 against the Cowboys. "He'll still be on the injury list all week," Carroll said. "He's got to make it through the week, but it's much more encouraging at this time than it was at any of the last couple weeks. So that's a good deal."
Analysis: Jackson didn't start Week 8 because of a lingering pectoral injury, but he came off the bench to replace an ineffective Charlie Whitehurst and made it out of the game without suffering a setback. He might not be an All-Pro QB, but he still appears to be an upgrade over Whitehurst. If Jackson is under center Week 9, then he remains just a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that QB Tarvaris Jackson came out of Sunday's game against the Bengals as "OK." Carroll added that he is approaching Week 9 at Dallas with Jackson in mind as his starting QB. Jackson, who has been nursing a pectoral injury since Week 5, replaced Charlie Whitehurst against Cincinnati.
Analysis: Jackson didn't throw any touchdowns Week 8, but he came off the bench to throw for 323 yards. He might not be an All-Pro QB, but he still appears to be an upgrade over Whitehurst. If Jackson is under center Week 9, then he remains just a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson did not get the start in Week 8 against the Bengals but he ended up having a pretty productive outing. After missing the previous game due to a pectoral injury, he entered in the second quarter -- taking over for Charlie Whitehurst -- and completed 21 of 40 passes for a career-high 323 yards and an interception in the 34-12 loss. He also gained 2 yards on one carry but had to leave briefly in the fourth quarter due to an injury to his right leg. He would return shortly after and promptly threw an interception, which DB Reggie Nelson returned 75 yards for a touchdown.
Analysis: Jackson was able to move the ball through the air on Sunday and appears to have regained his role as starter in Seattle. His stats suffered a bit due to some bad drops but that should not hinder his performance going forward with some reliable receivers on the Seahawks. But since his inconsistencies don't make him the best Fantasy option, continue to view Jackson as a No. 2 QB for Week 9 against the Cowboys.
News: After sitting out the first quarter and the first drive of the second quarter of Week 8 against the Bengals, Tarvaris Jackson came in at quarterback to replace Charlie Whitehurst on Seattle’s second possession of the second quarter. Jackson missed the Seahawks' previous game due to a pectoral injury and did not start on Sunday.
Analysis: The offense was not moving with Whitehurst in the game so Seattle made the move to Jackson before halftime. It was a bit of a surprise that he did not start on Sunday but it looks as though he will be the No. 1 QB going forward. Keep an eye on his progress as he could always get benched for Whitehurst again with some poor play. But considering how much he has struggled so far this season, continue to view Jackson as a low-end Fantasy QB.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson has been ruled active for Week 8 but Charlie Whitehurst got the start against the Bengals. He missed Seattle's previous game due to a pectoral injury. Cincinnati ranks fifth in the league against the pass, giving up 189 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 12.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Jackson was healthy enough to return Sunday but the Seahawks chose to stick with Whitehurst. Owners should keep an eye on the situation going forward to see if anything changes. But considering how much he has struggled so far this season, continue to view Jackson as a low-end Fantasy QB.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson was able to practice for the third straight day on Friday as he continues to recover from a pectoral injury. "Tarvaris had his best day in a couple of weeks," coach Pete Carroll said. "It's a very good sign." However, Carroll added that Charlie Whitehurst took most of the first-team snaps in practice and is prepared to start Sunday. Seattle takes on Cincinnati in Week 8. The Bengals rank fifth in the league against the pass, giving up 189 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 12.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: Jackson was unable to play last week due to his injury and he is being considered questionable heading into Sunday. He has started all five games he has played in thus far so he could get the nod as long as he is healthy. Keep an eye on the situation going forward. But even if Jackson receives the start over Whitehurst, he should be considered a low-end Fantasy QB for Week 8.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson was limited in practice for a second straight day for the Seahawks as he continues to deal with a pectoral injury. Jackson sat out Week 7, giving Charlie Whitehurst the starting nod. Coach Pete Carroll added that Jackson will likely be a game-time decision Week 8 vs. Cincinnati. The Bengals rank fifth in the league against the pass, giving up 189 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 12.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: It seems as long as Jackson doesn't have a setback, then he is probably going to return to action Week 8. However, the fact he is a game-time decision means Fantasy owners should look to healthier alternatives. Jackson is a low-end Fantasy option -- healthy or not.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that QB Tarvaris Jackson, who sat out Week 7 with a pectoral injury, took the first-team reps during the team's walk-through and will share snaps with Charlie Whitehurst in practice all week. Carroll added that Jackson will likely be a game-time decision Week 8 vs. Cincinnati. The Bengals rank fifth in the league against the pass, giving up 189 yards per contest, and have allowed an average of 12.3 Fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Analysis: It seems as long as Jackson doesn't have a setback, then he is probably going to return to action Week 8. However, the fact he is a game-time decision means Fantasy owners should look to healthier alternatives. Jackson is a low-end Fantasy option -- healthy or not.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that QB Tarvaris Jackson, who sat out Week 7 with a pectoral injury, remains day to day, but he is on track to practice Wednesday. Carroll indicated after Sunday's loss that Jackson could be back in the lineup Week 8 vs. Cincinnati. “He threw the ball very well under the circumstances, but he’s not 100 percent,” Carroll said of Jackson's pregame routine. “And he was going to have to say, ‘I can go. I can do it. I don’t feel it.’ And really give us a real positive on it. It’s really up to him right now because he’s the one that’s feeling it. But we thought if he doesn’t go today, that he’ll have a chance to go next week. And if he did go, we didn’t know what would happen.”
Analysis: Luckily for Jackson is that his replacement, Charlie Whitehurst, was awful in a 6-3 loss, so Jackson is likely to start again as soon as he is healthy. But even if he is up in Week 8, he is not going to be more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB. You will probably look to start other Fantasy options in Week 8.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) was ruled inactive Week 7 against the Browns despite throwing the ball well in pregame warmups. After the game, coach Pete Carroll indicated Jackson could be back in the lineup Week 8 vs. Cincinnati. “He threw the ball very well under the circumstances, but he’s not 100 percent,” Carroll said. “And he was going to have to say, ‘I can go. I can do it. I don’t feel it.’ And really give us a real positive on it. It’s really up to him right now because he’s the one that’s feeling it. But we thought if he doesn’t go today, that he’ll have a chance to go next week. And if he did go, we didn’t know what would happen.”
Analysis: Luckily for Jackson is that his replacement, Charlie Whitehurst, was awful in a 6-3 loss, so Jackson is likely to start again as soon as he is healthy. But even if he is up in Week 8, he is not going to be more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB. You will probably look to start other Fantasy options in Week 8.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) is inactive for Week 7 at Cleveland. He was doubtful on the injury report. Charlie Whitehurst starts in his absence.
Analysis: The Seahawks hinted all week that Whitehurst was expected to start, so this news isn't shocking. Jackson just better hope Whitehurst doesn't perform well in his absence or he might be relegated to backup duty when healthy. Regardless, Jackson had minimal Fantasy appeal, so continue to look to other alternatives in Fantasy.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Friday that QB Charlie Whitehurst will start Week 7 at Cleveland "unless something turns with Tarvaris Jackson in next couple of days." However, that appears unlikely as Jackson is officially labeled doubtful for Sunday's game and will be a game-time decision to play. "We've prepared all week for Charlie to start and we're ready to do that," Carroll added Jackson has been battling a pectoral injury since getting hurt Week 5 against the Giants.
Analysis: This is not shocking news. Whitehurst has been getting the first-team reps since the bye week and is probably more effective than a less-than-100-percent Jackson. It's not like many Fantasy owners are hurt by this decision either since Jackson had very low-end Fantasy appeal to begin with. Look to healthier alternatives in Week 7.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) was again limited in practice Thursday as backup QB Charlie Whitehurst took the first-team reps. Jackson sustained the injury during Week 5 and he could be a game-time decision for Week 7 against Cleveland, according to coach Pete Carroll.
Analysis: Carroll added signs point to Whitehurst starting under center for Sunday's game as Jackson might not be able to pass accurately as the high-grade pectoral strain is located near his throwing arm. Even if Jackson is healthy enough to start, he has not be a viable Fantasy option during the season as he's tossed at least one interception in four of his five games this season. The Browns are also yielding an average of only 14.4 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this year. Leave him reserved for Week 7 -- healthy or not.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that injured QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) "will do some stuff" in practice, but that QB Charlie Whitehurst would get the first-team reps. "We'll see how far along (Jackson has) come, but we've got to get Charlie ready," Carroll said. Caroll added that he might go down to a game-time decision about who to start at quarterback in Week 7 at Cleveland.
Analysis: Whitehurst did pretty good after Jackson left in Week 5 against the Giants, so the team could have the confidence to start him and let Jackson recover. Even if Jackson is healthy he wouldn't be a great Fantasy option because he hasn't performed overly well and he will be facing a defense allowing just 14.4 Fantasy points per week to QBs, which is seventh lowest in the NFL.
News: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters on Monday that QB Tarvaris Jackson (pectoral) has started throwing and is “way ahead of any schedule anybody would have thought of at this point. We'll just see what happens, but he has a chance (to play Sunday). So with that we'll just take it day-to-day.” Jackson suffered a high-grade pectoral strain near his throwing arm in Week 5 against the Giants. Seattle plays the Browns in Cleveland in Week 7.
Analysis: There were reports that Jackson may need surgery, although it appears he has a chance to play this Sunday against the Browns. However, not has been set in stone just yet, so Fantasy owners should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. Charlie Whitehurst will take first-team snaps in practice for the time being. Jackson only had low-end Fantasy appeal, when healthy.
News: The Seattle Times reports on Tuesday that the Seahawks could be without quarterback Tarvaris Jackson in Week 7 at Cleveland when the team comes back from the bye Week 6. Jackson, who suffered a high-grade pectoral strain near his throwing arm, might need surgery. "We're not going to know for a while," coach Pete Carroll said when asked about his starter's status for Week 7.
Analysis: Jackson will not be throwing a football through the bye week and Fantasy owners should be assuming they are going to be without him in Week 7 against the Browns. His injury status is very much up in the air, but there is a very real possibility that his season could be over. Charlie Whitehurst will take first-team snaps in practice for the time being. Jackson only had low-end Fantasy appeal, when healthy.
News: An MRI on Monday confirmed that Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson sustained a high-grade strain of his right pectoral muscle in Week 5 against the Giants. Jackson was replaced in the win against New York by Charlie Whitehurst. Seattle is on a bye in Week 6, but Jackson isn't expected to practice this week. "He did rehab today. He felt better today than he did yesterday, but we're not going to know for a while (how long he will be out). We won't have him throw the ball for a little bit," Carrol said. Whitehurst will work with the first-unit offense, reports the Seattle Times.
Analysis: If Jackson suffered a torn pectoral, then his season might be in jeopardy. But there is always the chance he returns in 2011 as his injury is just a strain. As coach Pete Carroll said on Sunday that the team won't have to rush to a decision for Week 7 since they are on the bye this week. But even if Jackson is available against the Browns, he would be a very low-end Fantasy option.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson was removed from his Week 5 game at the Giants midway through the third quarter after suffering an injury to his pectoral muscle. He was replaced by Charlie Whitehurst. Jackson had thrown for 166 yards and a touchdown with an interception prior to getting hurt. After the game, coach Pete Carroll said Jackson was diagnosed with a strained pectoral muscle. "Fortunately, it's bye time," added Carroll.
Analysis: Jackson was hurt while getting tackled. He had completed 16 of 23 passes and left the game with his team tied at 14-14. Afterward, Whitehurst was able to help lead the Seahawks to a 36-25 win that included a late go-ahead touchdown pass. The severity of Jackson's injury will not be known until more tests can be conducted. However, Jackson was active in just three percent of CBSSports.com leagues and is not typically considered a viable Fantasy QB even when healthy. As Carroll mentioned, he'll have the benefit of a bye in Week 6 before the team returns to action in Week 7 at Cleveland.
News: Seahawks QB Tarvaris Jackson will face a Giants defense in Week 5 that 18th in the NFL against the pass. The Giants have allowed an average of 244.2 passing yards per game. However, they have allowed just three passing touchdowns through four games. They have intercepted four passes.
Analysis: They Giants have actually allowed the fifth fewest points in standard-scoring leagues to opposing QBs through the first month of the season. In Week 3, they held Michael Vick without a touchdown and forced three interceptions. In Week 4, they held Kevin Kolb without a touchdown as well. With Jackson being a very low-end Fantasy option to begin with, this potentially tough matchup in a game where he'll be traveling cross-country to play in a different time zone is not appealing for Fantasy purposes.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 25 of 38 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns during the Seahawks' 30-28 loss to Atlanta in Week 4 on Sunday. Jackson experienced a surge in the second half when Seattle switched to a no-huddle offense and threw for two scores en route to his first three-touchdown outing since 2008 with Minnesota. He was picked off twice as his interception total grew to four this season.
Analysis: Jackson turned in his best game with the Seahawks as he passed for more than 200 yards for the first time this year. However, he couldn't make up for a rugged first half offensively, when Seattle managed just five yards rushing. The struggling signal-caller nearly helped the team claim its second straight win, but Steven Hauschka's 61-yard field-goal attempt was short and the Falcons escaped. Despite the strong showing Sunday, Jackson remains a risky Fantasy option heading into Week 5 against the Giants.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson extended one streak while halting another during the Seahawks' victory over Arizona in Week 3 last Sunday. Jackson helped Seattle stop a two-game losing streak to begin the season despite failing to top 200 yards for the third straight outing. Jackson finished with 171 yards passing against the Cardinals and has 527 total yards as the Seahawks' pass game ranks 30th in NFL.
Analysis: Jackson could have a difficult time reaching the elusive 200-yard mark in Seattle's next matchup against Atlanta in Week 4. In his previous start against the Falcons, Jackson racked up only 233 yards with two touchdown passes in 2008, while with Minnesota. This season, Jackson has completed just 60.8 percent of his passes. Atlanta is yielding an average of 18.8 Fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks this season, but Jackson remains a marginal option in all formats for Week 4.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson showed off his versatility in Week 3 against Arizona as he scampered for an 11-yard touchdown run. He finished the day carrying the ball four times for 20 yards and going 18 for 31 under center. He threw for 171 yards and an interception, but managed the game well enough for the Seahawks to win, 13-10. The majority of his passing yards (109) went to his old friend from Minnesota, Sidney Rice.
Analysis: Jackson didn't have a very good day throwing the ball on Sunday, but the good news is that he has his main target back -- Sidney Rice. This connection could have another good day as the Seahawks host the Falcons in Week 4. Atlanta is not good against the pass, so Jackson and Rice have the potential to post solid numbers. Even still, Jackson has not proven his worth to Fantasy owners and should be viewed as a marginal Fantasy QB option next week.
News: Despite not topping 200 passing yards in a game this season, Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson has been keen on targeting several receivers in his outings. Last week against Pittsburgh, Jackson completed 20 passes to 11 different players but the Seahawks suffered a 24-0 loss. Jackson could look to another receiver in Week 3 against Arizona after Sidney Rice (shoulder) participated fully in practice for the second straight day.
Analysis: Rice's return would be a big boost for Seattle's struggling offense that has produced a total of 17 points in two games. “If they double him then other guys are going to be open, and (it will also) create extra life for the running game,” Jackson said. In his only start against the Cardinals, Jackson completed 11 of his 17 passes for 163 yards with a career-high four touchdowns while with Minnesota in 2008. Arizona has allowed an average of 26.9 Fantasy points per game this season and Jackson should be viewed as a marginal Fantasy QB for Week 3.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson had a rough game Sunday at Pittsburgh. Jackson was 20 of 29 passing for 159 yards and had three carries for 12 yards. He did not commit a turnover, and he led the Seahawks in rushing.
Analysis: The Seahawks were overwhelmed offensively by the Steelers in this matchup, and Jackson is not a good Fantasy option to begin with. He is not worth using in any leagues and should not be counted on in Week 3 against Arizona.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't have a stellar debut with his new team in Week 1 against San Francisco, but he did have a good showing. Jackson threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns in the Seahawks 33-17 loss to the 49ers. He also threw more yards in the third quarter than he did in the entire first half. Jackson scrambled four times for 13 yards, which was second on the team behind Marshawn Lynch. He also threw an interception and fumbled three times (losing two of them) in the contest.
Analysis: Jackson didn't have all his weapons at his disposal but found a nice option in rookie WR Doug Baldwin, who he targeted six times. Heading into Week 2, the Seahawks and Jackson face a Steelers defense that got picked apart by the Ravens on Sunday. Despite a nice game, Jackson isn't worth starting in Fantasy leagues just yet.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson has faced San Francisco once in his career and won. Granted that game was with Minnesota back in 2007, but it's a win. He completed 16 of 25 passes (64 percent) for 163 yards and one touchdown in that game. Jackson did not throw an interception and had a 95.9 rating. When Jackson starts and has a 75 or higher quarterback rating, his teams are 7-2.
Analysis: Jackson didn't play awful in the preseason, but he left a lot to be desired as well. When his weapons are healthy Jackson has a nice arsenal at his disposal. Unfortunately he won't have everyone available for Week 1 against the 49ers. Fantasy owners shouldn't pay too much attention to Jackson right now, but if he shocks the world and performs well, he may be worth adding down the road.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson had a decent outing in the third preseason game at Denver. Jackson was 13 of 22 passing for 93 yards and a touchdown. He did not turn the ball over.
Analysis: Jackson continues to struggle as he tries to prove he should be the starter for the Seahawks. Even though Jackson has some quality targets at his disposal he still has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't have an ideal debut with his new team in Thursday's preseason opener against the Chargers. He completed his first two passes and converted for a first down on the run during the first drive of the game, but he didn't do much else. Jackson played the entire first quarter, completing 3 of 5 passed for 13 yards to go along with a pair of rushes for 12 yards in the process.
Analysis: Jackson didn't make many plays, but the Seahawks didn't as a team neither. Charlie Whitehurst came in and out-performed him on the way to 115 yards through the air on 14 completions. Jackson still figures to be the No. 1 QB going forward, but repeat performances by both signal-callers may result in a change once the season starts. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on the battle, though both Jackson and Whitehurst are nothing more than late-round fliers on Draft Day for now.
News: Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll announced that Tarvaris Jackson would start the team's first preseason game at San Diego on Thursday. Jackson had been considered the team's top passer since he came to town as a free agent earlier this offseason. He's competing with Charlie Whitehurst for the starting job. "He’s going to start in this game and play a little bit and get going, just so we can start the process," Carroll said. "I don’t want to wait a whole other cycle to get the process started. He’ll get out there for just a handful of plays."
Analysis: Jackson never really panned out as a starter with the Vikings and will have to battle for the job in Seattle. But with Whitehurst being the only competition right now, Jackson has a real good shot to start. Jackson still will be nothing more than a late-round Fantasy flier in two-QB and deep seasonal leagues on Draft Day.
News: Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson comes into camp as the No. 1 option for coach Pete Carroll. Jackson opens camp considered the Seahawks' starting quarterback.
Analysis: Jackson never really panned out as a starter with the Vikings and will have to battle for the job in Seattle, regardless of what he's labeled entering camp. He still has some work to do with Charlie Whitehurst being the only competition right now. Jackson still will be nothing more than a late-round Fantasy flier in two-QB and deep seasonal leagues on Draft Day.
News: The Everett Herald reports a league source has confirmed that the Seahawks have agreed to terms with QB Tarvaris Jackson, who is expected to sign Friday.
Analysis: The Seahawks appear to be putting some pieces in place if they can't re-sign Matt Hasselbeck. But Jackson never really panned out as a starter with the Vikings and will have to battle for the job in Seattle, with Charlie Whitehurst being the only competition right now. Jackson still will be nothing more than a late-round Fantasy flier on Draft Day.
News:Tarvaris Jackson is expected to end up with the Seahawks, according to ESPN. Jackson will battle for a spot along the team's depth chart once he signs there. The signing could very well mean that Matt Hasselbeck's time in Seattle is over.
Analysis: Jackson was very iffy in Minnesota as Brad Childress' pet project, and there's still a sense that he'll be a project for Pete Carroll (a friend of Childress') in Seattle. We doubt he'll lead the Seahawks the same way Matt Hasselbeck did, and so Fantasy owners shouldn't consider Jackson unless in very deep two-QB leagues. We'll keep you posted.
News: The Sports Xchange reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson expects to move on from the team once the lockout ends. Jackson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "It's probably time for a change. I'm grateful for the opportunity to play up here the last five years. (But) I'm not trying to be a backup. I'm trying to go somewhere where I have a chance, and I don't feel like I'd get that chance here. It's time to move on. No hard feelings or anything. It's a business." The Vikings selected rookie QB Christian Ponder with the 12th overall choice in April's draft, a move that took many by surprise, including the team's fans. Jackson told the paper he was never accepted by the fan base. "Since Day 1, I don't really think I was really welcome here anyways, because nobody really knew who I was, being from a smaller school (Alabama State)," said Jackson. "A lot more things probably play into it, too. It's just the way things are. I can't help that. Just the way things happened, like the way I was thrown into there, the way where it was me or Brett (Favre) or all this stuff. Just a lot of different things played into it that kind of soured our relationship. Fans are going to be fans."
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Jackson lands, but he has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports QB Tarvaris Jackson said that he doubts he'll be tagged with a restricted free agent tender. Jackson is one of nine Vikings free agents with less than six years of service, which means the Vikings can tag them with a one-year tender by 3 p.m. on Thursday. That might mean nothing, of course, in light of what the new Collective Bargaining Agreement will look like after Thursday night. Jackson has acknowledged in the past that his future with Minnesota is uncertain at best.
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Jackson ends up, but he has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues in 2011. His Fantasy value could improve if he's named a starter somewhere, but we don't expect that to happen.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson does not expect to return to Minnesota in 2011. Jackson, who made one start in 2010 before a toe injury caused him to miss the last three regular season games, is an unrestricted free agent at a time when the Vikings appear to be rebuilding. Despite glimpses of potential early in his career, Jackson did not show enough consistency in five seasons. In three appearances in 2010, Jackson completed 34 of 58 passes (58.6 percent) for 341 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. "The grass isn't always greener on the other side, but it wasn't pretty green on this side either," Jackson said. "With the guys we have on offense, I would love come and play with these guys. We already know how it is. A fresh start might be good. Who knows. I'm just looking forward to my career in the future. I feel I've gotten a lot better these last couple of years."
Analysis: Keep an eye on where Jackson ends up, but he has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues in 2011.
News: The Vikings placed QB Tarvaris Jackson (turf toe) on injured reserve Thursday.
Analysis: Jackson would likely have been the starter again in Week 15 against the Bears if he had been healthy, as Brett Favre (shoulder) might not be able to return in time for that game. Jackson didn't look bad last Sunday, but he can obviously now be dropped in Fantasy play.
News: Vikings interim head coach Leslie Frazier said Tuesday that QB Tarvaris Jackson suffered a turf toe injury in the loss to the Giants on Monday night in Week 14, and his status for Week 15 against the Bears is in doubt. If Jackson is out, the Vikings could turn to Joe Webb or even Brett Favre, who was out for the Giants game with a shoulder injury. Favre had a golf-ball-sized welt on his injured shoulder and had to sit out his first game since his streak began in 1992. Reports out of Minnesota indicated previously that Favre's season might be over as a result, but Frazier said Favre could return. "It looks like there is a chance we can get him back at some point this week," Frazier said of Favre. "He wanted to play last night, and he wants to help this team win."
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Jackson and Favre to see who starts for the Vikings against the Bears. We still anticipate Jackson starting in Week 15, but he has minimal Fantasy value when healthy. If he's playing at less than 100 percent that would further limit his production in a tough matchup with Chicago.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson got the start against the Giants in Week 14 with Brett Favre (shoulder) inactive, but he did not have a good outing. He was forced from the game three times with a knee injury and could not lead Minnesota on a single touchdown drive in the 21-3 loss. He completed just 15 of 30 passes for 118 yards and one interception while getting sacked numerous times by an aggressive New York pass rush. He also carried the ball four times for 8 yards. Jackson was picked off by LB Keith Bulluck in the third quarter and had to be replaced by Joe Webb in the defeat.
Analysis: Jackson received his first start in nearly two years on Monday night but he could could not get much of anything going against the Giants. He had little time in the pocket and could not get into a rhythm while New York kept applying the pressure. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his healthy status, as well as Favre's, to see who will be the starter for Week 15 against the Bears. Jackson has done little to so show he is a viable Fantasy option so leave him on waivers, healthy or not.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson received his first start in nearly two years in Week 14 against the Giants but left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. After missing one play earlier in the game due to the same ailment, he re-injured his knee after being sacked by Giants DL Dave Tollefson. He was replaced by Joe Webb. Jackson went 12 of 21 for 98 yards and one interception before being forced from the game.
Analysis: Jackson got the start on Monday night with Brett Favre (shoulder) inactive, but he did not have his best showing. He felt constant pressure from the Giants stout pass rush and could not get much of anything going. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his status throughout the week to see if he will be able to play next Sunday against the Bears. Even when healthy, Jackson should be considered a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was named the starter for the Week 14 matchup against the Giants after Brett Favre (shoulder) was listed among the inactives, breaking his streak of 297 consecutive starts. Jackson, who relieved Favre a week ago, went up against New York's second-ranked pass defense.
Analysis: Jackson did well after coming off the bench in Week 13 against the Bills, but the Giants are not Buffalo. Jackson should be considered no better than a last-ditch QB option for Week 14.
News:USA Today reports the paper received a text from Vikings QB Brett Favre, who is batting a shoulder injury, stating that the veteran quarterback doesn't believe he will play in Week 14 against the Giants, even though the game was moved back to Monday because of the Metrodome roof collapsing. "I doubt it, but it does buy a little time,'' Favre texted. "This is unbelievable!'' Favre also added: "U know what ... I kinda look forward to just chillin for a change." The game has been moved to Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is at 7:20 p.m. ET. If Favre can't play, then Tarvaris Jackson, who led Minnesota to a Week 13 win, will get the start.
Analysis: Jackson better get prepared to face the second-best pass defense in the NFL since it sounds doubtful that Favre will play on Monday. However, stranger things have happened, so we can't crown Jackson the starter until inactives come in. Jackson did well after coming off the bench in Week 13 against the Bills, but the Giants are not Buffalo. Jackson would be no better than a last-ditch QB option for Week 14, if he ends up starting over Favre.
News: Now that the Vikings Week 14 game against the Giants has been shifted from Sunday afternoon to Monday night, Tarvaris Jackson's chances of starting take a dip because it gives him an extra day to rest his injuries. Still, starting QB Brett Favre is unsure if he can extend his NFL-record consecutive games streak on Monday. "I'm probably as confused as I've ever been about whether I should play,'' Favre told ESPN. "I really don't know. Of all the games I've played during the streak where I've been injured, this is probably the most indecisive I've been.'' Jackson -- who threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions in relief of Favre last week -- said he's ready to go no matter if Favre starts or not.
Analysis: Jackson wasn't great last week and would be no better than a last-ditch QB option for Week 14 if he ends up starting over Favre. Don't count on him if you can help it. We'll be first to know whether or not Favre will be active Monday night about 90 minutes before kickoff. Check back with us.
News:Brett Favre took snaps in Minnesota Vikings practice for the first time all week. He missed the first two days of practice with a sprained joint in his right throwing shoulder. He made a few very light tosses in warmups Friday, then took four snaps during the brief portion that was open to the media. Favre handed off with his left hand twice and then took two dropbacks, but did not throw. Coach Leslie Frazier said Thursday he thought it would be a game-time decision on whether he plays against the Giants and their fearsome pass rush on Sunday. Tarvaris Jackson would start if Favre isn't up to it. The 41-year-old quarterback has started an NFL-record 297 consecutive regular-season games but was injured on a hit by Bills linebacker Arthur Moats on the third play of the game last weekend.
Analysis: Jackson wasn't great last week and would be no better than a last-ditch QB option for Week 14 if he ends up starting over Favre. Don't count on him if you can help it. We'll be first to know whether or not Favre will be active this Sunday on Fantasy Football Today, 11 a.m. ET here on CBSSports.com.
News: Interim coach Leslie Frazier said Monday that Brett Favre will be under "constant evaluation" and is considered day to day with a shoulder sprain that sent him off the field early on vs. the Bills in Week 13. Frazier added that Favre's consecutive games played streak will hold no bearing on if the 41-year-old quarterback will start Sunday. If Favre is healthy, he'll play; if not, it will be QB Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson completed 15 of 22 passes for 187 yards and connected with WR Sidney Rice for two passing touchdowns. He was also intercepted three times.
Analysis: Fantasy owners might prefer to see Jackson play after he connected with Rice, but the matchup will be difficult whether it's Favre or Jackson. Either way, Jackson's worth claiming off waivers if quarterbacks are thin in your league or if you're relying on Favre. We'll keep you posted on this.
News: With Brett Favre (shoulder) getting knocked out of the game in the first series, QB Tarvaris Jackson stepped in and led the Vikings to a 38-14 trouncing of Buffalo in Week 13. Jackson completed 15 of 22 passes for 187 yards and connected with WR Sidney Rice for two passing touchdowns. He was also intercepted three times in the game and came close to a fourth when a pass to Rice just short of the end zone was grabbed by both Rice and Bills DB Leodis McKelvin. Rice held onto the ball while lurching towards the end zone, and the Vikings had their first of five touchdowns. Jackson also rushed for 22 yards on two carries.
Analysis: Jackson took advantage of a suspect Bills defense and was able to get away with several picks, as Buffalo's offense couldn't get much done. Vikings interim coach Leslie Frazier has stated that Favre will start in Week 14 against the Giants as long as he is healthy enough to play, so Jackson may not be a viable Fantasy start despite a decent performance this week. Keep tabs on Favre's status, as Jackson may be worth starting in deeper leagues.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson saw his first action of the season in Week 8 against the Patriots. Jackson came on in relief of Bret Favre, who was knocked out of the game after taking a vicious hit on the chin, and threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Naufahu Tahi on his first play of the season. He then hit Percy Harvin on a two-point conversion, but didn't get the ball back until there were under two minutes left down down, with no timeouts. Jackson finished 4 of 6 for 36 yards and a touchdown in the 28-18 loss. He also had 33 yards rushing on one attempt.
Analysis: It was nice not only to see Jackson play on Sunday, but play well in his limited snaps. He again will have to play the waiting game this week as Favre's status for Sunday's game will remain unknown until the latter stages of the week. Jackson will get the start if Favre can't go next week, so he will most likely prepare as if he were the starter for Week 9 against the Cardinals. However, Jackson is a mobile quarterback with just a so-so arm and should be considered nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB if he does play. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor the status of Favre heading into Week 9.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will again be reduced a backup role as Brett Favre has offically been ruled active and the starter for Week 8 against the Patriots. Reports surfaced on Friday saying Jackson would be the starter this week, however, Favre said on Saturday his ankle feels better and he would play.
Analysis: Jackson could see some action if Favre's ankle doesn't hold up. However, he won't have any Fantasy value going into Sunday. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor how Favre's holds up in the coming days. If he can't play at any point, Jackson would step right in as the starter.
News: The Vikings are leaning toward sitting Brett Favre at New England on Sunday and starting Tarvaris Jackson, a Minneapolis Star Tribune report said early Friday. Citing an NFL source, head coach Brad Childress is considering letting Favre rest his fractured left ankle, which would end his regular-season consecutive-games started streak at 291. Additionally, NFL Network reported Thursday that Favre has "confided" in some close to him that he doesn't know for sure if Childress will let him play. Favre has yet to practice this week.
Analysis: Even though the matchup is a good one for the Vikings as the Patriots' pass defense is statistically among the worst in the league (282.0 pass yards per game allowed on average; 12 passing touchdowns allowed), the reality is that unless the Vikings give a definitive answer on who will start and play on Sunday, no Vikings QB is worth starting in Fantasy. Be prepared to pick up Tarvaris Jackson if you're in a pinch, but don't count on him to play a full game (or play incredibly well) at this point in time. We'll keep you posted on the latest, including whether or not Favre practices on Friday.
News: Vikings QB Brett Favre didn't practice on Wednesday as he rested his fractured left ankle, meaning that Tarvaris Jackson saw more time with the first-team offense. Head coach Brad Childress told reporters in New England about his quarterback's status but wouldn't say whether or not Favre would start on Sunday against the Patriots, only calling him day to day. There's a chance that Jackson will start on Sunday, something Childress is fine with. Childress said Jackson is "as ready as he will ever be" for the game and has emphasized all season that Jackson gets more reps than most backup quarterbacks in practice because of the unique situation with Brett Favre.
Analysis: If Favre's out, Jackson will start against one of the league's bottom-ranked pass defenses (30th) in the Patriots. If Favre's in, Jackson will carry the clipboard. The reality is that Jackson, a mobile threat with a so-so arm, would be running an offense loaded with talent, so we'd actually call Jackson a solid one-week replacement option if it was made clear that he'd start against the Patriots. That remains to be seen -- we'll keep you posted.
News:Tarvaris Jackson's time as Minnesota's starting QB has already come and gone twice, a performance unimpressive enough that it prompted the Vikings to start planning recruiting trips to Mississippi. If this week leads to another opportunity, Jackson is insistent he's far better for it. "I've been working hard throughout this whole process, and I'll continue to work hard," said Jackson, suddenly the subject of interviews again with Brett Favre's status uncertain for Sunday's game at New England. "Now it's about continuing to go out there and make plays." Can a quarterback actually improve when all he's doing on the weekends is watching? "Oh, yeah," Jackson said Monday after Minnesota revealed Favre has two fractures in his left ankle that could keep him on the sideline for the first time since 1992. "I feel like I've improved a lot in the last year-and-a-half watching Brett. I feel like I've like I've come a long way, probably the farthest I've come from year to year, even though I didn't play a whole lot."
Analysis: After two starts as a rookie 2006, Jackson was given the job in 2007. Even with the emergence of a certain rookie RB named Adrian Peterson to help keep defenses from focusing only on the passing game, Jackson often looked erratic and overwhelmed. Despite an 8-4 record as a starter that year, missing four games due to a variety of injuries, he threw only nine touchdown passes and never cracked the 250-yard mark. Without any other appealing options, the Vikings kept Jackson as the starter in 2008 until an ugly performance in a home loss to Indianapolis brought boos from the Metrodome crowd and a switch by Childress to veteran Gus Frerotte the following week. Jackson took the job back later that year after Frerotte was hurt, but after a solid stretch in December he was harassed by blitz-happy Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs, a defeat that ultimately triggered the first pursuit of Favre. If Favre doesn't play against the Patriots we would consider Jackson a No. 2 Fantasy QB. He has great weapons in Randy Moss and Percy Harvin, but he's also a risky option in the majority of leagues.
News: Vikings head coach Brad Childress said Monday that QB Brett Favre has two fractures in his surgically repaired left ankle and is in a walking boot. The coach has not ruled him out for Week 8 against the Patriots, but added that he doesn't want his quarterback to be in serious danger against an opportunistic defense. Childress called Favre "day-to-day." If Favre isn't healthy enough to play at New England on Sunday, Tarvaris Jackson would get a chance to work with the offense against one of the weaker secondaries in the league, albeit on the road. Jackson says his confidence has greatly improved and feels he will be ready to play Sunday if needed. "(This is the) best I've ever felt (in my career). Hopefully it translates to the field but this is the best I've ever felt," Jackson said.
Analysis: Jackson is only worth picking up by those owners who are desperate for a potential replacement option in Week 8, or counting on Favre (or by those owners scheduled to play against someone who is counting on Favre and wants to prevent them from getting a good replacement). The reality is that Jackson, a mobile threat with a so-so arm, would be running an offense loaded with talent against a pass defense that's giving up on average two passing scores and 292 yards per game. Because of these factors, we'd actually call Jackson a solid one-week replacement option if it was made clear that he'd start against the Patriots. That remains to be seen -- we'll be all over the Favre news this week and since it will impact Jackson, we'll keep you posted.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress doesn't think elbow tendinitis is to blame for QB Brett Favre completing just 14 of 34 passes in Week 5 against the Jets. "I don’t think he is going to put it off as a tendonitis thing. He missed some throws that he generally makes," Childress said. Childress says QB Tarvaris Jackson is ready to step in if Favre has to sit out because of elbow tendinitis or a suspension. The NFL is looking into an off-the-field matter regarding Favre. "(Jackson) takes more practice snaps than anybody imagines a number 2 would take," Childress said.
Analysis: Favre hasn't missed an NFL game for a very long time, so as long as he can tolerate the pain, he will be under center. If not, Jackson gets the call. However, he doesn't have a very good track record as a starter in the NFL, so he clearly wouldn't hold the same Fantasy value as Favre. In fact, he might only be a sleeper Fantasy start because of a favorable matchup. He is nothing more than a handcuff option for Favre owners until further notice.
News: Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress is staunchly defending his decision to keep Tarvaris Jackson as Brett Favre's backup over Sage Rosenfels. Childress discussed the roster moves on Sunday, two days after the Vikings traded Rosenfels to the New York Giants. "I’m done with it. You guys, if that’s all you’ve got to write -- good Lord," Childress said.
Analysis: Rosenfels had the better statistics in the preseason, but Childress says Jackson has been better in practice and is the guy who would give the Vikings the best chance to win if Favre went down. Regardless, Jackson is pretty much just a handcuff option for Favre owners until further notice.
News:Tarvaris Jackson is entrenched as Minnesota's backup to quarterback Brett Favre, despite sharp play in exhibition games this month by Sage Rosenfels. Coach Brad Childress confirmed Monday that Jackson remains No. 2 and Rosenfels is still No. 3. Childress said he's seen "an evolution" and "a growth" in Jackson since the beginning of training camp. Asked if the depth chart could change, Childress said "it would probably be hard for it to change."
Analysis: This is good to know in case something happens to Brett Favre this season, which is possible given his age and his ankle. Jackson is worth a late-round pick in leagues that start multiple quarterbacks, especially as an insurance policy for those owners who draft Favre in those formats.
News: Minnesota QB Tarvaris Jackson took over for starter Brett Favre on the second series of Sunday's preseason game against San Francisco. With Favre returning to the Vikings, Jackson is once again taking the backseat to the veteran. Jackson did get some time with the first-team offense as he played until halftime. Jackson made some difficult passes as he felt pressure through most of his action. He was 7 of 11 for 43 yards, one of the passes coming when he was almost wrapped up by a defender but managed to toss the ball to Adrian Peterson. Jackson also had two scrambles for 18 yards.
Analysis: While Jackson doesn't have the starting job in Minnesota, his time will come. In the meantime he just has to continue progressing as a quarterback and making smart decisions. Getting a few series with the first-team is good, because if something does happen to Favre, who is coming off ankle surgery, Jackson will be able to step in there. Right now that is the only way Jackson will make a ripple in Fantasy leagues this year.
News: With Brett Favre officially returning to the Vikings this season, Tarvaris Jackson will revert to being a backup passer. Jackson had been getting the first-team reps in training camp until Favre's decision was made up. He played one possession with the starters in the team's first preseason game.
Analysis: Jackson might play here and there for the Vikings, but unless Favre misses significant playing time, he won't have the chance to put up enough stats to warrant Fantasy use -- and that's if he remains second on the depth chart ahead of Sage Rosenfels.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson wasn't sharp during limited action in Saturday's win over the Rams. He started the game, but Minnesota's opening drive stalled after he threw consecutive incompletions, forcing a punt. He was replaced by Sage Rosenfels on the next possession. Jackson finished 2 of 4 for 11 yards.
Analysis: Jackson is battling with Rosenfels to be Brett Favre's replacement, should he decide to call it quits this season. Jackson led the Vikings to the playoffs before Favre showed up, but hasn't proved he's got what it takes to be an effective Fantasy QB. Should he end up Minnesota's starter, we would consider him a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option.
News: Vikings offensive coordinator Derrell Bevell believes QB Tarvaris Jackson is ready to be a starter. "I think he's grown up a lot," Bevell said. "I think last year was a great year for him just to sit back and see exactly what this offense can do."
Analysis: Jackson would end up starting if Brett Favre decides to retire. We still expect Favre to return, so Jackson has minimal Fantasy value. If Favre does call it quits then consider Jackson a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. He would only be worth a late-round pick in deep leagues.
News: Multiple sources are reporting that Brett Favre has begun telling the Vikings that he's not playing this season. If that's the case, Tarvaris Jackson would become the starting QB for the Vikings in 2010. Jackson said Tuesday he is just in wait-and-see mode like everyone else. "It's his decision," Jackson said. "He deserves however long he needs to make a decision. It's on him. I am just going to come out here and try to get better." Jackson said he's approached this offseason as if he would be starting in 2010, and since Favre has not been with the team, Jackson has gotten the majority of first-team reps. "You always approach it regardless of who's here and the situation, just try to get better at my craft," he said.
Analysis: Jackson would have increased Fantasy value if Favre surprises us and retires. He would be elevated to a No. 2 QB and should benefit from throwing to an improved Sidney Rice, the developing Percy Harvin, the healthy Bernard Berrian and the reliable Visanthe Shiancoe. Jackson would be a good backup QB in the majority of Fantasy leagues and worth a late-round pick on Draft Day.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Vikings QB Sage Rosenfels could be on the trading block. Rosenfels did not take part in much work during minicamp this past weekend, and that was with Brett Favre not with the team. Tarvaris Jackson ran the first team and rookie Joe Webb ran the second team. R.J. Archer got the few third-team snaps that were available. Asked what was going on, Vikings coach Brad Childress said: "Just rotating him around a little bit. We try to expose all those guys to all situations and it wouldn't be uncommon for you to see here [at Winter Park] or in training camp where you're trying to expose two quarterbacks and shutting [another] guy down for a day. I really wouldn't make anything of that other than we were tryng to expose those other three quarterbacks to some of that red area stuff and some of that blitz stuff yesterday."
Analysis: Childress confirmed that Jackson is his top quarterback right now -- in other words without Favre -- and that comes as no surprise. "He was one coming out of last year," Childress said, actually meaning that Jackson was the top backup to Favre. "He really hasn't done anything to move himself back. That's what training camp is for. My expectation is that all those guys will come in and compete and really the proof is what you put out on the field." Jackson could have increased value if Favre surprises us and retires, but we expect Favre to return. That means Jackson should not be drafted in the majority of leagues. If Favre does retire then Jackson's value would rise, making him a No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson said he never requested a trade after Brett Favre joined the Vikings last August. Jackson remains content as the backup if Favre returns as expected. But Jackson and Sage Rosenfels find themselves in a difficult situation again this offseason. Many assume that Favre will return in 2010, despite last week's report that he needs ankle surgery. However, if he doesn't come back then Jackson and Rosenfels likely will battle for the starting job. Vikings coach Brad Childress indicated that Jackson would have the edge in that competition. That means Jackson must prepare as if he's going to be the starter, knowing full well he probably won't be in that role on Sept. 9 when the Vikings open the regular season at New Orleans.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Favre but plan on Jackson being the No. 2 QB in Minnesota. That means he has minimal Fantasy value since Favre will see the majority of snaps for the Vikings this year. In the unlikely event that Favre retires and Jackson is the starter then he would be considered a No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick in all leagues.
News: The Vikings have re-signed restricted free agent QB Tarvaris Jackson, it was announced Monday. Jackson, who served in a backup role with the addition of Brett Favre in 2009, appeared in eight games. Jackson has 19 career starts with 21 career passing TDs and four rushing TDs.
Analysis: Jackson will again be the No. 2 QB in Minnesota once Favre announces he will return for 2010. If Favre does retire then Jackson will have the chance to compete for the starting job, but Jackson has minimal Fantasy value heading into this season. Don't plan on drafting him in any leagues unless Favre retires.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson came on for Brett Favre midway through the third quarter of the team's Week 17 route of the Giants. He completed 4 of 6 passes for 42 yards.
Analysis: Jackson had an eventful preseason leading into the year with all the Brett Favre drama and he'll head into this offseason as a restricted free agent. Favre does have another year left on his contract so his value will once again rely on what happens with Favre or if another team decides to take a chance on him as their starter. Obviously, as a backup he would have no Fantasy appeal next fall.
News: Minnesota had three active players fail to stat in the Week 16 Monday night overtime loss to the Bears. Those players were: RB Naufahu Tahi, RB Albert Young and backup QB Tarvaris Jackson.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of leagues. Ignore them all in Week 17 against the Giants.
News: Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Darius Reynaud, FB Naufahu Tahi, TE Jeff Dugan and WR Greg Lewis all dressed in Minnesota's Week 15 loss at Carolina but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in the majority of leagues. Ignore them all in Week 16 at Chicago.
News: In the Vikings' Week 14 win vs. the Bengals, backup QB Tarvaris Jackson had two carries for minus-1 yard.
Analysis: He doesn't touch the ball enough to warrant Fantasy use. Keep him off of rosters. The Vikings play at the Panthers in Week 15.
News: Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Darius Reynaud, FB Naufahu Tahi, TE Jeff Dugan, TE Jim Kleinsasser and WR Greg Lewis all dressed in Minnesota's Week 13 loss over the Cardinals, but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value. The Vikings host the Bengals in Week 14.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson had three carries for minus-4 yards Week 12 against the Cardinals, kneeling out the clock late in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Jackson won't make any sort of contribution in Fantasy unless something happens to starter Brett Favre. Leave him on waivers.
News: After Vikings starter Brett Favre threw four touchdowns in three quarters, QB Tarvaris Jackson played the entire fourth quarter and did well, completing 6 of 8 passes for 77 yards with a touchdown to Sidney Rice. He also had 5 rush yards.
Analysis: Jackson will only carry value as an insurance policy for those owners who have Brett Favre and are worried about him sitting out late in the season once the Vikings have their postseason spot clinched. For that role you can afford to add him to rosters later on. The Vikings host the Bears in Week 12.
News: Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson came on late in Sunday's game against Detroit to replace Brett Favre in garbage time. He was 0 of 2 passing and had three carries for minus-3 yards.
Analysis: Jackson has minimal Fantasy value in all leagues and should not be used in any formats in Week 11 against Seattle.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Jaymar Johnson and WR Greg Lewis all dressed in Minnesota's Week 8 win over the Packers, but failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value. The Vikings are off in Week 9.
News: Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson dressed for Minnesota's Week 7 game at Pittsburgh but failed to record an offensive statistic.
Analysis: Jackson doesn't play unless Brett Favre gets hurt or is part of a blowout loss. He doesn't warrant use in Fantasy play.
News: Vikings WR Jaymar Johnson, RB Jeff Dugan, WR Greg Lewis and QB Tarvaris Jackson all dressed for Minnesota's Week 6 win over the Rvens but failed to record an offensive statistic.
Analysis: None of these players are worth using in Week 7 at Pittsburgh. Keep them reserved in all leagues.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed all three of his pass attempts for 68 yards as he got some mop-up duty in a Week 5 rout of the Rams.
Analysis: Jackson continues to back up Brett Favre in Minnesota, but is barely worth owning in Fantasy play right now. Ignore him in all leagues for Week 6 vs. Baltimore.
News: Minnesota backup QB Tarvaris Jackson did not play on Monday night as Brett Favre handled the QB duties in a win over Green Bay Week 4. Running back Albert Young and WR Greg Lewis played in the game but did not record any stats.
Analysis: All of these players hardly see statistical production. It's safe to ignore them in Fantasy heading into Week 5 at the Rams.
News: Vikings RB Albert Young, WR Darius Reynaud, TE Jim Kleinsasser, TE Jeff Dugan, FB Naufahu Tahi and backup QB Tarvaris Jackson all dressed but failed to record an offensive stat Week 3 against the 49ers.
Analysis: All of these players hardly see statistical production. It's safe to ignore them in Fantasy heading into Week 4 against the Packers.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson got some mop-up duty during a 27-13 win over the Lions in Week 2. Jackson appeared on the last drive of the game, completing one pass for 14 yards. He also took three kneel downs and finished with minus-3 rushing yards.
Analysis: As long as Brett Favre is healthy, Jackson will remain on the sidelines as a backup quarterback. He has no Fantasy value until that changes. The Vikings play the 49ers in Week 3.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson attempted one pass in Week 1 at Cleveland. It was incomplete.
Analysis: Jackson saw Brett Favre throw for just 110 yards in the openers, but there is no question he will be the team's starter as long as he is healthy and Jackson should not be owned in Fantasy leagues as a result.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the Vikings have called teams to see what they would be willing to offer in exchange for backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, citing a league source. Jackson has been the subject of trade rumors since Brett Favre arrived.
Analysis: The Vikings have four quarterbacks on their roster, which must be trimmed to 53 players by Saturday. Coach Brad Childress said recently the team possibly could keep four quarterbacks, but it seems more likely that it will trade or release one. It remains unclear which direction the Vikings will go if they are unable to trade Jackson. Jackson will likely be a backup wherever he ends up this season, but so long as he's with a team that runs a version of the West Coast offense, he shouldn't be too far behind in learning the playbook. Ultimately, Jackson won't matter in Minnesota unless starter Brett Favre goes down with an injury.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is being offered in trades and is "a good bet" to be the odd man out of the team's quarterback corps. Jackson completed the two passes he attempted at Houston in preseason action for 22 yards.
Analysis: Jackson will likely be a backup wherever he ends up this season, but so long as he's with a team that runs a version of the West Coast offense, he shouldn't be too far behind in learning the playbook. Also, the author of this article for the Pioneer Press is known for shooting from the hip and doesn't cite any source for this statement. Ultimately, Jackson won't matter in Minnesota unless starter Brett Favre goes down with an injury.
News: With Brett Favre making his Vikings debut in Friday's preseason win over the Chiefs, new backup Tarvaris Jackson wasn't that bad. Jackson was the more polished quarterback for Minnesota on Friday: 12 for 15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns. With Sage Rosenfels sitting out because of a sprained ankle suffered in a solid game last week at Indianapolis, Jackson played the equivalent of two full quarters. He had quite the touch, just what the Vikings haven't seen enough from him over his first three seasons - prompting the persistent pursuit of Favre throughout the summer. Jackson, who prompted mild booing when he jogged to the huddle because that meant Favre was done, evaded a blitz on third-and-8 in the second quarter and found Visanthe Shiancoe for a 13-yard score. In the third, Jackson hit Darius Reynaud on a post pattern for a 64-yard touchdown to put Minnesota in front 14-13. "Whenever you play well, you always feel good," Jackson said. "Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, it felt good. It was a long week for me. It just shows that if you just stay focused, you'll be fine."
Analysis: There were reports on Friday that linked Jackson with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL and yet he still managed to come out in the game and prove he belongs in the NFL. Unfortunately, he won't be starting for the Vikings this season unless Favre gets hurt. It is as simple as that and no amount of solid preseason play is going to change that. The arrival of Brett Favre in Minnesota has made Jackson a Fantasy afterthought and heading to Canada wouldn't change much in all honesty. This is Brett Favre's team until his next "retirement."
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL have added Tarvaris Jackson to the team's negotiation list giving the Blue Bombers exclusive rights to the player should he be released by the Vikings.
Analysis: The report adds that according to Sportsnet.ca, most of the players on CFL teams' negotiation lists are future prospects from U.S. colleges, Arena League and NFL teams in the U.S. The majority of the players that make the negotiation lists are either imports or unsigned, undrafted non-imports. The arrival of Brett Favre in Minnesota has made Jackson a Fantasy afterthought and heading to Canada wouldn't change much in all honesty. This is Brett Favre's team until his next "retirement."
News: With Brett Favre agreeing to a deal with the Vikings to be their starting quarterback, Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson will take their preseason battle to start and make it one for the right to be the backup.
Analysis: While a plan might come along to give Favre some rest during the season, it's expected that as long as the three-time MVP is healthy, neither Rosenfels nor Jackson will play much. As such, neither one should be on a Fantasy roster at this point.
News: The Vikings have returned to practice, their QB competition creeping closer to resolution. Sage Rosenfels shined with the first team offense in the first preseason game at Indianapolis, though coach Brad Childress is keeping the performance in perspective. The coach is also making sure not to put Tarvaris Jackson's struggles in too strong of a light. Jackson will get his chance to start this week, when the Vikings play Kansas City. Rosenfels was held out of Sunday's practice. Childress said he was doing some running in the pool. Rosenfels suffered a slight ankle injury in Friday's game, but he played through it and said he was all right.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Rosenfels and hope he is OK. We'll find out who wins the QB job, but we like Rosenfels slightly better than Jackson. Both QBs fit in as late-round picks in Fantasy leagues, but we'd take Rosenfels ahead of Jackson as long as Rosenfels is 100 percent healthy.
News: QB Sage Rosenfels looked sharp Friday night, leading the Vikings to scores on their first two series and a 13-3 preseason victory over Indianapolis. The longtime backup took the early lead in Minnesota's quarterback derby as last year's starter, Tarvaris Jackson, produced just one field goal in two quarters. Rosenfels, who was off to a miserable start in training camp, finished 10 of 13 for 91 yards in a little more than a quarter with no big mistakes. He also had a 5-yard rush. Jackson wasn't bad, completing seven of 15 passes for 39 yards, but didn't get Minnesota into the end zone. He played nearly twice as long as Rosenfels. "I thought he had a decent rhythm. I thought he knew where he was looking. He got the football up the field, checked it down a little bit, had a good command," coach Brad Childress said. "So he started off this week, and Tarvaris will kick it off next week against Kansas City."
Analysis: We're feeling better about our hunch that Rosenfels will win the battle despite the hot start by Jackson, who did sprain his knee in camp. Remember, the Vikings knew what they had (and still have) in Jackson, and they knew it when they traded for Rosenfels and courted Brett Favre this summer. Rosenfels has been more accurate in the past and has the better head for the position than Jackson, he just needs to show more consistency like he did in this game. Both QBs fit in as late-round picks in drafts, but we'd take Rosenfels ahead of Jackson.
News:Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels have each shown ups and downs during their auditions for the Vikings starting quarterback job over the past two weeks. Full-team drills in Wednesday's workout exposed more of the downs. Madieu Williams intercepted a pass by Jackson over the middle, and Antoine Winfield nearly did the same on Jackson's next throw, which he dropped. Rosenfels later hit a defensive lineman's helmet with one of his passes, and Erin Henderson picked it off. Conclusions can't fairly be drawn from practice performance, but this was clearly not a good day for the offense. The Vikings play their first exhibition game at Indianapolis on Friday, but Childress said he hasn't decided who will start against the Colts. He has downplayed the significance of that decision, however, with his plan to start the other one in the next contest.
Analysis: Assuming no future Hall of Famers drop in on the Vikings this summer, this is a noteworthy battle since the winner could be as much as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. Our hunch is that Rosenfels wins the battle despite the hot start by Jackson, who did sprain his knee in camp. Remember, the Vikings know what they have in Jackson, and they knew it when they traded for Rosenfels and courted Favre. Rosenfels has been more accurate in the past and has the better head for the position than Jackson, he just needs to show more consistency. Both fit in as late-round picks in drafts.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, who has a sprained left MCL, was fine during Monday's practice. "It's doing a lot better," he said. "We got a day off (Sunday) so I was able to rest it." Still, Jackson continues to wear a brace on his left knee. "It's stiff a little bit," he said. "The brace doesn't give me my full range of motion." When asked how long he has to wear the brace, he said he has no idea.
Analysis: Jackson is competing with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job, so hopefully his knee will be OK throughout training camp. Keep an eye on who wins the starting job, but the Vikings starter would only be a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has worked hard to return to practice quickly after missing some time with a left knee injury to ensure he doesn't fall behind in the competition for the starting job. On Friday night under the lights, Jackson said he may have tried to do a little too much. He came up gimpy after planting in the pocket and limped around for several minutes before returning to action. Jackson said afterward that he is still working the kinks out from a sprained MCL in his left knee that he suffered last weekend. "I was fine. I guess I just wasn't ready for that right now," Jackson said after practice. "But it's fine. It's not bothering me still. It was awkward for me. I think it was just some scar tissue."
Analysis: Jackson is in a competition with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job. The players split snaps with the first team during two practices on Friday. Jackson was first injured on Aug. 1 and missed three days of practice while working his way back. He has moved around well the last few days, but said he "felt something very uncomfortable" during the sequence on Friday night. "I just felt something pop for a quick second," Jackson said. "But after I walked to the sideline it was pretty much OK. It's fine." Coach Brad Childress said on Thursday that the passing game had much to improve upon as training camp wears on. There were more struggles in the evening practice on Friday night, but Childress said that was because they were practicing third-and-long scenarios, a difficult position for the offense to be in. Childress said he wasn't ready to "slap a grade on" the quarterback competition one week into training camp. "Obviously (Jackson) has missed time, so it wouldn't be fair to sit there and say, 'This guy's ahead by virtue he had five more practices,"' Childress said. "It's a good competition. It's all headed toward cumulative work here during practice and then I want to watch them compete with the lights on." If Jackson wins the Vikings' starting QB job, he will still be nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy option to begin the season.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, who continues to wear a sleeve over his left knee, is trying to play through the pain of his recent injury. "Workin my way back," Jackson said Thursda. "I'm not 100 percent. I'm not thinking about where I'm at. It's not really bothering me right now. I'm just trying to get back into the groove of it." Jackson took part in every part of practice, and coach Brad Childress said "he doesn't appear to have any ill-effects." Jackson was asked if he's limited at all. "Mobility, certain throws, stepping in (to the throw) might stretch it a little, but nothing real serious," he said.
Analysis: Jackson is competing with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job, so hopefully his knee will be OK throughout training camp. Keep an eye on who wins the starting job, but the Vikings starter would only be a No. 2 Fantasy option at best.
News: The Vikings welcomed back QB Tarvaris Jackson to practice on Wednesday, just four days and five practices after he suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his left knee. He wore a sleeve over the knee and continued working with the first-team offense as part of a rotation with Sage Rosenfels. Both passers are competing for the starting job.
Analysis: Jackson got off to a great start in camp while Rosenfels struggled early, giving the third-year passer a slight lead in the race. But regardless of who wins the starting job, no Vikings QB is worth anything more than a middle-end No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick in drafts.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't practice with the team again on Tuesday, marking his third day of resting the sprained MCL in his left knee. However, Jackson did work on a side field after practice playing catch with TE Visanthe Shiancoe, who said he's throwing as hard as ever. Jackson hopes to return soon. "[Returning isn't] a certain goal, just as soon as possible," he said. "I feel a lot better the last couple days and trying to do whatever I can do to get back here."
Analysis: Jackson added that he doesn't feel like he's losing ground in the starting QB race to Sage Rosenfels, who has begun to show signs of improvement after a dismal start to camp. We will continue to keep close tabs on Jackson's injury over the next couple of days, but he appears to be fine. Assuming that is the case, Jackson won't miss a ton of time and he'll remain a candidate to start and be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB this season.
News: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson missed both practices again on Monday while doing rehab work on his injured left knee. Jackson joined his teammates outside for the first time since spraining his MCL on Saturday. But he was only able to ride a bicycle, do some light jogging and watch practice. Coach Brad Childress said he does not have a timetable for Jackson's return but is confident he will be just fine. Childress said Jackson will return "when he can protect himself."
Analysis: Jackson is in a competition with Sage Rosenfels for the starting job. After looking shaky in the first three days of camp, Rosenfels had his best practice of the day on Monday as he continues to get familiar with the offense. That means Jackson needs to get back on the field if he wants to be the starter. We will continue to keep close tabs on Jackson's injury over the next couple of days, but he appears to be fine. Assuming that is the case, Jackson won't miss a ton of time and he'll remain a candidate to start and be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB this season.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson has a sprained left MCL following an accident during a team drill in camp on Saturday. Jackson was sacked and had his leg rolled up when DT Letroy Guion fell on him, causing Jackson to scream in pain. According to the report, Jackson's sprain might be Grade 1, which could make him day-to-day. He also sprained the MCL in his right knee last season. Jackson, who was impressive early on in training camp, is in a battle with Sage Rosenfels for the starting quarterback job.
Analysis: We will continue to keep close tabs on Jackson's injury over the next couple of days, but he appears to be fine. Assuming that is the case, Jackson won't miss a ton of time and he'll remain a candidate to start and be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB this season.
News:Tarvaris Jackson took the field for Minnesota's first training camp practice and was the first quarterback under center with the first-team offense on Friday. Sage Rosenfels followed him and saw reps with the starters too. And so it begins for both passers, battling for control of the Vikings' offense. Jackson says he doesn't see this as his job to lose, calling the contest "50-50." He finished last season as the starter, playing well in December but struggling in a first-round playoff loss. Rosenfels is equally confident after Minnesota traded for him. How did Day 1 go? Jackson was reportedly better, connecting on a 55-yard TD with Sidney Rice and adding long completions to Bernard Berrian, Glenn Holt and Jaymar Johnson. Rosenfels meanwhile had one noteworthy connection to TE Visanthe Shiancoe.
Analysis: Assuming no future Hall of Famers drop in on the Vikings this summer, this is a noteworthy battle since the winner could be as much as a No. 2 Fantasy QB. Our hunch is that Rosenfels wins the battle despite the hot start by Jackson. Remember, the Vikings know what they have in Jackson, and they knew it when they traded for Rosenfels and courted Favre. Rosenfels has been more accurate in the past and has the better head for the position than Jackson. Both fit in as late-round picks in drafts.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress told The Minneapolis Star Tribune that Brett Favre will not be coming out of retirement. In a report posted on the newspapers' Web site on Tuesday, Childress said Favre did not want to put himself through the grind of another football season. Favre retired for a second time after playing for the Jets last season, posting decent but not overwhelming totals. He had surgery in May to alleviate a torn biceps tendon and was believed to be on the track back to return with Minnesota. NFL Network is also confirming the retirement.
Analysis: With Favre, who can say for sure that he'll stay retired? Until Favre says something definitive and enough time passes, he still has to be considered a longshot to return to the league with Minnesota. This story will develop further, but for now let's just take it at face value and go with the perception that Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson are back in line as the potential starters for the Vikings. Rosenfels is far more appealing to us as he's had a good history of throwing the ball deep and should have a good grasp of the Vikings' offense by now. No Vikings QB is any better than a No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick in drafts.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress said he's not concerned about the will-he-or-won't-he saga surrounding his team's interest in Brett Favre souring the outlook of Vikings quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. "I talked with Sage and Tarvaris. They are competitors. Do they like any of the conversation? Absolutely not," Childress said. "But they know this. I'm charged with adding and subtracting players from this team to make us better. Every day when I walk in this office there's not a day that I don't try to look and see if we can get better at some position. And if this is going to make us better down the road and it's got a chance to happen I'm going to take care of the Minnesota Vikings."
Analysis: Currently, Rosenfels and Jackson are battling for the starting job, both looking over their shoulders in case No. 4 comes back to the NFL. Frankly, we think Rosenfels isn't a bad choice to start for Minnesota and would like to see him get a starting gig. We'll see how it plays out, but expect the winner of the competition to be considered a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best.
News: The Star Tribune reports at the Vikings recent minicamp, the QB competition between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson heated up as coach Brad Childress said both quarterbacks had bright moments over the weekend. The report states "it's hard to tell if one moved ahead of the other, but Rosenfels had a very good practice (Sunday). He looked sharp throwing the ball, particularly in team drills. He threw a perfect ball to Bernard Berrian over two defenders for a touchdown and he connected with Percy Harvin on a superb touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone." Both Jackson and Rosenfels seemed to get equal reps with the first team.
Analysis: As we've said all along, barring a Brett Favre signing, the competition with Rosenfels and Jackson will be decided in training camp and the preseason games. We still like Rosenfels to win the job and be the better Fantasy option, but we'll see how it plays out. The winner of the competition should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best.
News: The Star-Tribune reports Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson said the competition between himself and Sage Rosenfels is "50-50" at this point. "I don't think they're going to show me any favoritism just because I ended the year as a starter," Jackson said. "I just think it's 50-50 and we're going to fight for it as hard as we can." Jackson, who threw nine touchdown passes with two interceptions last season, said his goal is to eliminate "that big mistake." He also said he still believes he is the Vikings QB of the future. "I really feel like that and I've just got to go out there and prove it week in and week out," he said. "I talk about it all the time or say it all the time, but I've just got to be more consistent."
Analysis: We still expect Rosenfels to win the job, but it's worth watching this offseason as long as Brett Favre remains retired. Whoever is the starter in Minnesota will be a No. 2 Fantasy QB, but they do have some weapons in Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe.
News:Tarvaris Jackson has tried to tune out all the chatter about Minnesota's quarterback situation this offseason, but he can't make a clean escape. The latest opinion came from teammate and defensive tackle Pat Williams, who in a recent radio interview urged Jackson to work harder - reiterating a challenge he's issued to him often. Asked about that after a community outreach event on Wednesday afternoon, Jackson expressed disappointment in the publicity. He defended his work ethic, but also acknowledged that he'll "try to turn it up a notch" this summer. "Like he said, maybe I do have to put extra time in," Jackson said. "I guess when you're not doing as well, you've got to put the extra time in. But I feel like I'm working hard. I've always been a hard worker."
Analysis: Jackson's productive performance at the end of the 2008 season was negated by a shaky showing in Minnesota's first-round playoff loss at home to Philadelphia. The Vikings traded for Sage Rosenfels to create a two-way competition, then began talking to Brett Favre about his interest in un-retiring again. Favre's status is still uncertain, leaving Jackson - and Rosenfels - without clarity. Jackson split first-team reps with Rosenfels during the club's recent offseason minicamp and should continue to so long as Favre doesn't join the Vikings. Ultimately, the Vikings won't boast a No. 1 Fantasy QB this season, but for the sake of giving an informed opinion, we like Rosenfels more than the shaky Jackson, and Favre would trump both of them if he came back.
News: The Star-Tribune reports Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels split reps during Thursday's OTA practice. Rosenfels was acquired from Houston in February for a fourth-round draft pick and is expected to compete with Jackson for the starting job. That, of course, is working under the assumption that Brett Favre doesn't sign this summer. Rosenfels and Jackson both said they have not been kept up to date on the Favre situation but neither seemed especially bothered by that fact.
Analysis: We expect Rosenfels to win this job unless Favre signs, but Rosenfels has the potential to be a decent No. 2 Fantasy QB and is worth a late-round pick. You'll have to wait on what happens with Favre before making a decision, and Jackson could still earn the spot. If that happens, ignore Jackson in all leagues.
News: We may not know who will be the Vikings' starting quarterback in 2009 (though our guess is Sage Rosenfels), but whomever it is will enjoy having Percy Harvin at his disposal after the club made the Florida Gator their first-round pick in the 2009 draft. Harvin is a versatile home-run threat type of receiver who the Vikings coveted and should use fairly often as a rookie. He had 17 touchdowns for the Gators last year.
Analysis: Harvin will be just another option for the Vikings' passers to use, along with Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. No doubt, Harvin will help since he will likely take a couple of short passes to the house in 2009. We like Rosenfels better than Tarvaris Jackson and consider Rosenfels a decent No. 2 Fantasy QB worth a late-round pick in drafts this summer. Jackson isn't worth drafting unless he bests Rosenfels in camp this summer.
News: The Texans have traded QB Sage Rosenfels to the Vikings in exchange for a fourth-round pick, marking the first trade of the 2009 season. He is expected to compete for and likely win the starting quarterback job with the club (Tarvaris Jackson will be his main competition). Rosenfels was rumored to be in a trade with the Vikings last year but the two sides couldn't agree on compensation, but he's there now and could unseat Jackson for the starting gig.
Analysis: In six games (five starts), Jackson completed 88-of-149 passes (59.1 pct.) for 1,056 yards (7.09 yards per attempt) with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions, his best ratio by far in his three-year career (a four-TD game at Arizona helped). Jackson also rushed 26 times for 145 yards (5.6 avg.) and fumbled the ball away three times. Chances are that he'll be on the bench in Minnesota in 2009, so don't plan on drafting him unless he has an outstanding training camp and preseason.
News: The quarterback for the 2009 Minnesota Vikings? It's not exactly Tarvaris Jackson's job to lose. Vikings coach Brad Childress isn't willing to declare that Jackson has lost the chance to be their starter either. Throughout his hardly revealing remarks four days after Minnesota was beaten by Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs, Childress was noncommittal Thursday about what the team will do to address the biggest weakness during his three years in charge. "It's really kind of a whole offseason type of study," he said. "I'm not going to pass judgment right at this particular point. ... Turn over all the rocks and see what you have there."
Analysis: Jackson was plain awful in his first playoff start against the Eagles in the Wild Card game, going 15-for-35 for 164 yards and an interception. He lost most of the starts this season to Gus Frerotte who replaced him after the Vikings' second game. If Jackson does end up starting next season, he'll be thought of as nothing more than a low-end No. 2 option. We'll be sure to keep a close eye on what the Vikings to at QB this offseason.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, who threw eight touchdowns to one interception over his final four regular-season games, looked more like himself Sunday in a Wild Card playoff game against the Eagles. He finished 15-of-35 passing for 164 yards and an interception. He also ran twice for 17 yards.
Analysis: Jackson lost his job early in the season to Gus Frerotte, but reclaimed it for those final four games while Frerotte battled a sore back. Always considered a bit of a project, he looked like he might have turned the corner late in the regular season, but his poor performance in this playoff game might seal his fate as a backup next season. Even if he starts, he'll serve as nothing more than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: The Vikings needed a win to clinch their division and host a playoff game in Week 17 against a Giants squad that had nothing to play for. They got it, winning 20-19 and advancing into the postseason. Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 16-of-26 passes for 239 yards with a 54-yard touchdown pass to Bernard Berrian when his defender fell covering him. Jackson also had an interception and a rush that went backward for minus-4 yards.
Analysis: Jackson is expected to continue starting for the Vikings into the playoffs, making him a low-end starting option in postseason Fantasy formats. Next year, he'll be a No. 2 Fantasy QB if he's still the man under center for the Vikings.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, making his second straight start with Gus Frerotte sidelined by a lower back injury, went 22-of-36 passing for 233 yards and ran eight times for 76 yards Week 16 against the Falcons. He threw two touchdown passes -- both to TE Visanthe Shiancoe -- but he did lose two fumbles. He threw four touchdown passes in his first start Week 15 at Arizona.
Analysis: The fumbles hurt the Vikings on Sunday, but they really shouldn't overshadow the way Jackson played. The 25-year-old quarterback, who was far too erratic in his earlier stint as a starter, has looked like a different player since reclaiming the job from Frerotte. Unfortunately, his breakout comes so late in the season that you might still have a hard time trusting him Week 17 against the Giants. Think of him as a No. 2 Fantasy option for the contest.
News: The Minnesota Vikings will start Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback Sunday against Atlanta. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell made the announcement Thursday. Jackson was benched after the Vikings started the season 0-2, but has played very well in place of the injured Gus Frerotte over the last two games. Frerotte injured his lower back in the first half against the Lions two weeks ago. Jackson has completed 70 percent of his passes for 268 yards and five touchdowns in six quarters to help the Vikings to wins over the Lions and Cardinals. The Vikings need a victory or a Chicago loss in the final two weeks to wrap up their first division title since 2000.
Analysis: Go into this game with Jackson as a No. 2 Fantasy QB and keep Frerotte reserved in all leagues. Jackson likely won't put up similar stats to what he did against the Cardinals, who lead the NFL in touchdowns allowed, as he will against the Falcons.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress didn't declare a starter for the team's Week 16 game vs. Atlanta, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Gus Frerotte is still working his way back from a lower back injury (he practiced some on Monday) while Tarvaris Jackson started for Minnesota last week and shocked the Cardinals in Arizona with a four-touchdown performance. Childress wants to see both quarterbacks in practice before naming a starter.
Analysis: For what it's worth, the St. Paul Pioneer Press thinks that Jackson will get the nod again while Frerotte takes a rest for another week. Either way, the Vikings' starter won't be any better than a No. 2 Fantasy QB; the Falcons rank low vs. the pass but have allowed 17 passing touchdowns through 15 games and only two 300-yard passers on the season. We'll be sure to keep you posted on this news throughout the week.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 11-of-17 passes in Week 15 at Arizona. Four of those completions went for touchdowns. Jackson finished with 163 yards and no interceptions. Jackson got the chance to start in place of injured Gus Frerotte and he was able to connect on big touchdown strikes to Bernard Berrian (41 yards) and Bobby Wade (59 yards).
Analysis: Jackson only threw the ball 17 times, but a lot of that had to do with the fact the Vikings got out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and did not need to throw the ball. Jackson will certainly be a popular pickup off the waiver wire and it is likely that he has earned himself another start for the Vikings even if Frerotte is back for Week 16 against Atlanta. However, Fantasy owners should be very cautious trust their Fantasy season to a player with such a limited track record.
News: Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte is doubtful for the game Sunday against Arizona with a lower back injury. That means backup Tarvaris Jackson likely will start against the Cardinals as the Vikings look to stay a game ahead of Chicago in the NFC North. Coach Brad Childress says Frerotte is improving and will continue to be evaluated on Saturday and Sunday. But all signs point to Jackson being under center -- he took all the snaps in practice this week and played very well in emergency duty last week against Detroit.
Analysis: Jackson, who is 8-8 as a starter, should be considered as a No. 2 Fantasy QB against the Cardinals this week. Keep Frerotte reserved for this week and possibly next week with his back injury.
News: The Star-Tribune reports Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will start Sunday at Arizona with Gus Frerotte dealing with a fracture in his lower back that could sideline him for one to two weeks. Jackson threw for 308 yards and had a subpar 64.8 passer rating in the first two games of the season when he was starting, but he played very well after coming in for Frerotte late in the first half of the Vikings' 20-16 victory last Sunday at Detroit. Jackson completed 8-of-10 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, finishing with a career-best 143.8 rating, as the Vikings rallied from a 6-3 halftime deficit.
Analysis: Jackson, who is 8-8 as a starter, prepared Wednesday by taking the first-team reps in place of Frerotte, who did not practice. Consider Jackson a No. 2 Fantasy QB against the Cardinals this week. Keep Frerotte reserved for this week and possibly next week with his back injury.
News: Vikings QB Gus Frerotte did not practice, raising the possibility Tarvaris Jackson will return to the starting lineup Sunday against Arizona. Coach Brad Childress said Frerotte is continuing to rehabilitate a lower back injury, and his uncertain status could carry through the week of practice. The 37-year-old Frerotte took over for Jackson after the Vikings got off to an 0-2 start with the young quarterback under center.
Analysis: Jackson isn't the same type of quarterback as Frerotte and can't be expected to post good stats compared to his veteran teammate. If Frerotte can bounce back and play Sunday against the Cardinals, we like him as a sleeper No. 2 Fantasy QB. If Jackson starts, he's no better than a desperation low-end No. 2 option.
News: When Vikings QB Gus Frerotte's twisted lower back forced him out of the game Week 14 against the Lions and returned the reins to Tarvaris Jackson, Jackson shined, completing eight of 10 passes for 105 yards, the go-ahead touchdown and a career-best 143.8 rating while rallying the Vikings to a victory. "Tarvaris did a great job. A great, great job," coach Brad Childress said. Great enough to start for Frerotte next week? "We'll see where (Frerotte is) at when we get to Wednesday," Childress said. "We just want to see who will give us the best opportunity to win, and obviously health will be a factor in that."
Analysis: Despite the impressive performance in a game that would have been unforgivable for Minnesota to lose, Jackson said he realizes his role and holds no heightened hopes of staying in the starting lineup. "Gus has done a great job, leading our team this year," Jackson said. "I don't expect any different." Most likely, Frerotte, who has an 8-3 record as a starter this season, will get the nod Week 15 at Arizona. Of course, in the Vikings' run-heavy offense, neither Frerotte nor Jackson has much appeal for Fantasy purposes. Don't plan on starting either except in the deepest of leagues.
News: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Gus Frerotte did not start the second half against the Detroit Lions because of a lower-back injury in Week 14. Tarvaris Jackson replaced him Sunday and helped Minnesota score a go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter and then threw his second touchdown pass of the season -- his first since Week 1 -- to Visanthe Shiancoe in the 4th quarter to give the Vikings a 17-13 lead. Jackson lost his job to Frerotte after an 0-2 start. Jackson finished with 105 yards on 8-of-10 passing. He also rushed twice but didn't get any positive yardage.
Analysis: In Jackson's first two starts, he barely completed half of his passes, threw one TD, one interception and averaged about 150 yards passing. In the Vikings run-heavy offense, we won't recommend Jackson in Fantasy in Week 15 at Arizona even if he remains the starter.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Darius Reynaud and WR Audrae Allison all were active in Minnesota's Week 13 win against Chicago but did not record a stat.
Analysis: Keep all of these players reserved in Week 14 at Detroit.
News: Vikings FB/TE Jeff Dugan, QB Tarvaris Jackson, TE Jim Kleinsasser, WR Darius Reynaud and WR Audrae Allison all played in Minnesota's Week 12 win in Jacksonville.
Analysis: Jackson is the only one in this list with minimal Fantasy value, but all should be ignored in Week 13 vs. Chicago.
News: Vikings TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, FB Naufahu Tahi, RB Maurice Hicks and QB Tarvaris Jackson all dressed for Minnesota's Week 11 loss to the Buccaneers, but did not record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Jackson is the only one in this group with any Fantasy value, and his would only be of use if Gus Frerotte were to get hurt. Ignore them in all in Week 12 at Jacksonville.
News: The following Vikings players did not record an offensive statistic in Week 9 against Houston: TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, QB Tarvaris Jackson, RB Maurice Hicks, RB Jeff Dugan and WR Aundrae Allison.
Analysis: None of the players on this list should be considered viable Fantasy option. They are not in a position to contribute regular stats as they aren't in line for regular playing time. They've got some depth chart climbing to do and should be left on the waiver wire.
News: Minnesota TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, TE Garrett Mills, FB Naufahu Tahi and WR Robert Ferguson played in Week 7's loss to the Bears but did not pick up any stats in the game. Backup QB Tarvaris Jackson did not get into the game but was active.
Analysis: Kleinsasser and Visanthe Shiancoe are the Vikings' primary tight ends, but neither is particularly attractive in Fantasy. Jackson could be relevant again, if he ever starts, but on the bench does nothing for Fantasy owners. The rest of these players have no Fantasy value. The Vikings are on a bye in Week 8.
News: None of the following Vikings players had any offensive stats in Week 6 vs. Detroit: QB Trent Jackson, RB Naufahu Tahi, RB Maurice Hicks, TE Garrett Mills, LS Cullen Loeffler and WR Aundrae Allison.
Analysis: None of the players on this list should be considered viable Fantasy option. They are not in a position to contribute regular stats as they aren't in line for regular playing time. They've got some depth chart climbing to do and should be left on the waiver wire.
News: Vikings RB Naufahu Tahi, QB Tarvaris Jackson, TE Jimmy Kleinsasser, TE Garrett Mills and WR Robert Ferguson all dressed, but failed to record an offensive stat Week 5 against the Saints.
Analysis: Most of these players are either reserves or play a marginal role in the Vikings offense. They have little to no Fantasy value heading into Week 6 against the Lions.
News: Even though the Vikings again plan to start QB Gus Frerotte in Week 5 at New Orleans, coach Brad Childress hopes the younger Tarvaris Jackson, who Frerotte replaced, will benefit from the move in the long run. "It's not a death knell for (Jackson). It's just a step back," Childress said. "There's no right or wrong way to raise a quarterback in this league. ... He can take a step back and be an aide to Gus. Gus is coming in here and lending that experience and steady hand."
Analysis: Jackson wasn't much of a Fantasy option even while starting, and he might have a steeper climb to the starting job every time he loses it. Leave him on waivers in all leagues until the Vikings suggest they'll switch back to him.
News: Vikings backup QB Tarvaris Jackson saw a few snaps in the team's loss at Tennessee in Week 4, replacing a hurt Gus Frerotte. He completed a pass for 8 yards and was sacked a couple of times.
Analysis: Jackson isn't expected to start for Gus Frerotte in Week 5 at New Orleans. Keep him off of Fantasy rosters for now.
News: Vikings QB Gus Frerotte won his first start Sunday against Carolina by going 16-of-28 for 204 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also had four carries for minus-two yards.
Analysis: Frerotte got the start ahead of Tarvaris Jackson, who didn't play and could be in danger of not starting again. Consider Frerotte a No. 2 Fantasy option in Week 4 at Tennessee. If he continues to play like this, Frerotte's Fantasy value will rise, so keep an eye on his progress.
News: With his team 0-2 and having failed to live up to offseason expectations, Vikings coach Brad Childress announced 15-year veteran Gus Frerotte will start Sunday's game against Carolina with Tarvaris Jackson going to the bench. Frerotte, 37, will remain in that role for the rest of the season, assuming he stays healthy. The fact Jackson was benched after only two games is somewhat of a surprise and indicates Childress is feeling pressure to win after going 14-18 in his first two seasons as the Vikings coach. (Frerotte is 37-44-1 as a starter.) "This league is a business," said a disappointed Jackson, who suffered a sprained right knee in the Vikings' second preseason game and did not play in the final two exhibitions. "That's one thing I've learned over the past two years. You never know what might happen. My job is to go out here and try and win games. Obviously we're 0-2 so he felt like he did what's best for the team. That's it."
Analysis: In losses to the Packers and Colts, Jackson completed 30-of-59 passes for 308 yards with one touchdown and one interception. His 50.8 completion percentage and 64.8 passer rating rank near the bottom of the league. Jackson, 25, was 8-4 as a starter last year but threw three more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (nine). For now, keep Jackson reserved in all leagues. Unless he regains the starting job from Frerotte, he has minimal Fantasy value the rest of this year.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune is among numerous sources saying Wednesday that the Vikings will start Gus Frerotte at quarterback in Week 3 vs. Carolina, meaning that Tarvaris Jackson is heading to the bench. In two starts, Jackson had completed 30-of-59 passes for 308 yards with an interception and a touchdown.
Analysis: We like the prospect of Frerotte under center for the Vikings, if only to provide a better passing option to the Vikings' receivers. This should be good for Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice. Jackson was a decent producer of Fantasy points thanks to his rushing yards, but he should be dropped in all leagues. Frerotte is worth picking up as a No. 2 QB, though he doesn't have a good matchup against the Panthers at home in Week 3.
News: The Star Tribune reports Vikings coach Brad Childress said Monday that after two shaky outings by Tarvaris Jackson, the team did not rule out making a change for Sunday's game against Carolina from Jackson to Gus Frerotte. Childress has been criticized for tying himself to Jackson, but the fact he is contemplating a switch to Frerotte can't be considered a complete surprise. The Vikings spent big money in the offseason to improve their roster and yet are 0-2 for the first time in Childress' three seasons as coach. In the aftermath of Sunday's 18-15 loss to Indianapolis, Childress said Jackson would start against the Panthers. But a day later, that didn't appear to be a given. Frerotte, a 15-year veteran who was signed as a free agent during the offseason, played for the Vikings in 2003 and 2004 and spent the past two seasons as a backup with the Rams. The 37-year-old was signed in large part to mentor Jackson but still has a very strong arm.
Analysis: In two starts, Jackson has completed 30-of-59 passes for 308 yards with an interception and a touchdown. His 50.8 completion percentage ranked 28th out of 32 NFL quarterbacks entering Monday's game and his 64.8 passer rating placed him 26th. The Vikings have reached the end zone only twice in two games and failed to get a touchdown Sunday. Instead, they settled for five Ryan Longwell field goals. Jackson, who finished 14-of-24 for 130 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Colts. Keep an eye on what happens, but neither Jackson or Frerotte would be worth starting in Week 3 against the Panthers.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson came back from a knee injury that limited him in practice during the week and was 14-of-24 passing for 130 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions Sunday against the Colts. Jackson also had one carry for 1 yard and did lose a fumble.
Analysis: Jackson struggled against the Colts and didn't throw one pass to Bernard Berrian or Sidney Rice. He's not worth starting at this time so don't plan on using Jackson in Week 3 against Carolina.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will start Week 2 against the Colts. Jackson has been dealing with a knee injury all week, but he is going to play.
Analysis: Go into Week 2 with Jackson as a No. 2 Fantasy option against the Colts. He should only be started in an emergency situation this week against the Colts.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is listed as probable for Week 2 vs. Indianapolis. Jackson has went through full practices all week and played in the opener against Green Bay. The Packers slipped by Minnesota 24-19 and sealed the win when Atari Bigby intercepted Jackson's pass with 1:08 to go as he was driving the team down the field. Jackson finished 16 of 35 for 178 yards and one touchdown -- a 23-yard toss to Sidney Rice in the fourth quarter. The dual-threat quarterback also rushed for 65 yards on nine carries (7.2 ypg).
Analysis: Jackson wasn't at all slowed by a sprained knee Week 1 that forced him to miss time in the preseason. While he looked good running the ball, he is still struggling in the pass game. Jackson remains nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into Week 2 against the Colts.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson shook off a knee injury to start Week 1 against the Packers, but couldn't help his team get the win. Green Bay slipped by Minnesota 24-19 and sealed the win when Atari Bigby intercepted Jackson's pass with 1:08 to go as he was driving the team down the field. Jackson finished 16 of 35 for 178 yards and one touchdown -- a 23-yard toss to Sidney Rice in the fourth quarter. The dual-threat quarterback also rushed for 65 yards on nine carries (7.2 ypg).
Analysis: Jackson wasn't at all slowed by a sprained knee that forced him to miss time in the preseason. While he looked good running the ball, he is still struggling in the pass game. Jackson remains nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB heading into Week 2 against the Colts.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is active and starting Week 1 against the Packers. He finished the practice week with full reps and was only listed as probable on the injury report.
Analysis: Jackson said that his sprained knee was feeling much better and insisted the injury no longer limits any on-field activities. Jackson missed both matchups last season against the Packers. Even with a very strong running game to work off of, Jackson isn't a recommended start at Green Bay in Week 1.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is listed as probable for Week 1 at Green Bay. He went through full practices Thursday and Friday after limited reps Wednesday.
Analysis: Jackson said earlier in the week that his sprained knee was feeling much better and insisted the injury no longer limits any on-field activities. Even with a very strong running game to work off of, Jackson isn't a recommended start at Green Bay in Week 1.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson said his sprained knee was feeling much better and insisted the injury no longer limits any on-field activities. After acknowledging earlier he wouldn't be 100 percent healed before it was time to face the Packers, Jackson said Tuesday he regretted that prediction and claimed now it would not be true once he steps on Lambeau Field. He reiterated his guarantee of playing against Green Bay. Coach Brad Childress, however, sounded more skeptical. "He's looking like a pirate with a wooden leg right now, out there moving around," the coach said. "He's kind of making spot throws and standing in one place. He really has no movement skills to speak of at all. It looks like he has cement shoes on. ... I know how he's working at it. I know what he's putting into it over the course of this past weekend. I think he'll build to where he's going to be OK."
Analysis: Jackson's lack of mobility could be a real problem since he'll be playing the first four games of the season without left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Even with a very strong running game to work off of, Jackson isn't a recommended start at Green Bay in Week 2.
News: The NFL suspended Minnesota left tackle Bryant McKinnie for four games without pay Friday for violating the league's personal conduct policy, a blow to the protection of Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson's blind side. McKinnie has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a street brawl outside a Miami nightclub in February. He will be eligible to return to the Vikings' active roster following the team's Sept. 28 game against Tennessee. McKinnie will miss games against Green Bay, Indianapolis and Carolina. That means potential matchups against premier pass rushers Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (Packers), Dwight Freeney (Colts) and Julius Peppers (Panthers). Seven-year veteran Artis Hicks, who was Minnesota's starter at right guard for 1 1/2 seasons before being unseated by Anthony Herrera, is expected to fill in at left tackle for McKinnie.
Analysis: Jackson (knee) remains a question mark at quarterback, and -- though coach Brad Childress has said repeatedly over the past few months he couldn't be concerned about the possibility of punishment for McKinnie -- this was a discouraging development for this team 10 days before the season opener. Jackson did not play during Thursday's preseason finale against the Cowboys and hasn't played for a few weeks, but says he will be ready to start the regular-season opener against Green Bay on Sept. 8. The fact he might take some punishment early in the season is never a good sign. Jackson remains a reserve Fantasy QB heading into the season.
News: Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson will sit out the preseason finale at Dallas on Thursday night. Jackson has not played since injuring his knee against Baltimore two weeks ago, but he says he will be ready to start the regular-season opener against Green Bay on Sept. 8.
Analysis: Jackson has been red hot this preseason, completing 15-of-22 passes for 200 yards (9.1 avg.) and two touchdowns this preseason with 22 rush yards. However, he previously had a torn meniscus his rookie year and has also incurred groin, head and finger injuries, so he's a little injury prone. Jackson was a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 QB before this injury, and assuming a worse prognosis doesn't surface, he still will be. Choose him to be a backup in standard drafts late.
News:Tarvaris Jackson's sprained right knee was still stiff Monday, though the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said he's feeling better. "It felt good to get out here and do a little something," Jackson said. Hurt in Minnesota's preseason game at Baltimore on Aug. 16, Jackson was held out of the last game against Pittsburgh and also appears headed for another game on the sideline Thursday at Dallas. "I think you need to weigh what's best for the team in the long run," offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "You can't make a decision on a one-game basis. You have to look at the whole season as a whole and make that decision based on that."
Analysis: The Vikings open the regular season at Green Bay on Sept. 8. Jackson promised he'll be ready by then, but acknowledged Monday he still has work to do to get there. "I haven't really pushed to the point where I'd be able to tell," he said. "Just take it day by day." Jackson is wearing a brace and has not participated in team drills since the injury. This is the fifth injury of his three-year career. He missed 4 1/2 games last season due to a concussion, a broken finger and a strained groin. "Ligaments and cartilage, stuff like that, you really can't control that," Jackson said. "So I really don't care about that label at all." Jackson remains a high-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: The Minnesota Vikings held quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and his top two receivers, Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice, out of Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh. NFL coaches emphasize the third exhibition game as the last real tuneup for the first-stringers before the regular season begins, but the Vikings need to be cautious with Jackson's sprained right knee. He was hurt last week at Baltimore. He warmed up his arm before the game, but wore shorts and a baseball cap while the rest of the team went through drills.
Analysis: Jackson appears that he will be healthy for the beginning of the regular season and the Vikings just don't want to take any chances. Jackson was a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 QB before this injury, and assuming a worse prognosis doesn't surface, he still will be. Choose him to be a backup in standard drafts late.
News: The Minnesota Vikings held quarterback Tarvaris Jackson and his top two receivers, Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice, out of Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh. NFL coaches emphasize the third exhibition game as the last real tuneup for the first-stringers before the regular season begins, but the Vikings need to be cautious with Jackson's sprained right knee. He was hurt last week at Baltimore. He warmed up his arm before the game, but wore shorts and a baseball cap while the rest of the team went through drills.
Analysis: Jackson appears that he will be healthy for the beginning of the regular season and the Vikings just don't want to take any chances. Jackson was a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 QB before this injury, and assuming a worse prognosis doesn't surface, he still will be. Choose him to be a backup in standard drafts late.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the Vikings are mum on whether or not QB Tarvaris Jackson will play in the team's third preseason game vs. the Steelers. Jackson did practice in individual drills Tuesday in a custom-made brace after spraining his right knee in the team's second preseason game at Baltimore. Head coach Brad Childress has yet to make a decision on whether or not he'll play his young passer. "We're treating it as if it's a regular-season game, so we want to see how far he can come in that period of time, how much confidence he has as he goes in there," Childress said.
Analysis: The third preseason game is generally considered the most important because the starters log their heaviest playing time before easing off in the finale. Jackson has been red hot this preseason, completing 15-of-22 passes for 200 yards (9.1 avg.) and two touchdowns this preseason with 22 rush yards. However, he previously had a torn meniscus his rookie year and has also incurred groin, head and finger injuries, so he's a little injury prone. Jackson was a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 QB before this injury, and assuming a worse prognosis doesn't surface, he still will be. Choose him to be a backup in standard drafts late.
News:Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has a sprained right knee and is wearing a custom-made brace in practice, but he didn't take part in team drills on Tuesday.
Analysis: If Jackson can practice he'll be fine for the start of the regular season. He could even see time in another preseason game or two. He's a raw gifted athlete who is still learning on the fly and needs as many reps as he can get. Jackson is a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 Fantasy QB to open the season.
News: Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is preparing to play on Saturday against Pittsburgh despite a sprained right knee. Jackson was injured in the first quarter against Baltimore on Saturday night. He came out to practice on Monday with a brace on the knee. Childress said Jackson participated in individual drills and did some throwing, but did not do any team work. If Jackson cannot play, Gus Frerotte will step in as the starter. Frerotte went 4-for-9 for 32 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens.
Analysis: Jackson was not available for comment after practice. The third preseason game is generally considered the most important because the starters log their heaviest playing time before easing off in the finale. Jackson previously had a torn meniscus his rookie year and has also incurred groin, head and finger injuries. Jackson completed 15-of-22 passes for 200 yards (9.1 avg.) and two touchdowns this preseason with 22 rush yards. It was initially reported that Jackson wouldn't play again in the preseason in preparing to be at 100 percent for the season opener, but it appears as though Minnesota is ready to roll the dice. Jackson is a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 Fantasy QB to open the season.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson has a sprained right MCL, and that he's not expected to play again this preseason. However, Jackson is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. Jackson previously had a torn meniscus his rookie year and has also incurred groin, head and finger injuries. Jackson completed 15-of-22 passes for 200 yards (9.1 avg.!) and two touchdowns this preseason with 22 rush yards.
Analysis: Jackson was a low-risk, high-reward sleeper as a No. 2 QB before this injury, and assuming a worse prognosis doesn't surface, he still will be. Choose him to be a backup in standard drafts late.
News:Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson hurt his right knee and was removed in the first quarter of Minnesota's preseason game Saturday night against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury occurred late in the quarter on a tackle by Baltimore linebacker Antwan Barnes. Jackson was running around right end on a scramble before Barnes caught up to the third-year quarterback and hit him on the leg. Jackson was then taken down by Dawan Landry and Ray Lewis. The extent of the injury was not immediately known, but the Vikings said Jackson would not return to the game. Jackson took the Vikings to a touchdown on their first drive and was moving the team downfield on their second possession when the injury occurred. Jackson was 7-for-11 for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Jackson has a chance to be a quality No. 2 Fantasy QB if he can improve his play this year and with each passing preseason game he is looking more and more comfortable. Unfortunately, he's now got to deal with this injury. Hopefully he won't miss too much preseason time because he needs to continue to improve. For now, don't plan on drafting Jackson in most leagues with anything but a very late-round pick, but keep an eye on his development once the season starts as he could be an enticing option off the waiver wire. Check back to find out how badly Jackson was injured.
News: Minnesota quarterback Tavaris Jackson started against the Seahawks in Friday's preseason game and was quite impressive for the Vikings. Jackson finished 8-for-11 for 118 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Jackson has a chance to be a quality No. 2 Fantasy QB if he can improve his play this year and Friday was step one in that process. Step one complete. For now, don't plan on drafting Jackson in most leagues with anything but a very late-round pick, but keep an eye on his development once the season starts as he could be an enticing option off the waiver wire.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was the goods in a scrimmage with the Chiefs on Thursday. Jackson didn't commit a turnover and told reporters he made good, quick decisions, and that he felt good. Jackson hit TE Visanthe Shiancoe and RB Adrian Peterson for touchdowns in passing drills and worked without having WR Bernard Berrian at his disposal. "He looked sharp," head coach Brad Childress said. "It was good throwing against other guys, obviously not having all his tools at his hands."
Analysis: Jackson has a chance to be a quality No. 2 Fantasy QB if he can improve his play this year. The Vikings added WR Bernard Berrian in the offseason to help Jackson, but he still has a lot to prove. For now, don't plan on drafting Jackson in most leagues with anything but a very late-round pick, but keep an eye on his development once the season starts as he could be an enticing option off the waiver wire.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson continues to impress coach Brad Childress. "I'd say he's right about where he should be," Childress said of Jackson's progress. "But from the standpoint that he played 12 (games) instead of 16, that's certainly always the goal now. You might say that about any second-year player or third-year player that hasn't started every game last year. So the only thing that could put him better than where he was at would be those four games of experience. You might say, 'Well, geez, how about throwing for 65 percent?' Yeah, those are the things that come along with that."
Analysis: Jackson has a chance to be a quality No. 2 Fantasy QB if he can improve his play this year. The Vikings added WR Bernard Berrian in the offseason to help Jackson, but he still has a lot to prove. For now, don't plan on drafting Jackson in most leagues but keep an eye on his development once the season starts.
News: Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress said he remains committed to third-year QB Tarvaris Jackson going into this season. In his first full season as a starter last year, Jackson threw for 1,911 yards, nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 12 games. The team went 8-4 in Jackson's starts, but he also missed four games because of injuries. One of the interesting subplots to arise from the crumbling relationship between Brett Favre and the Packers is the suggestion that the three-time MVP could join the Vikings for one more run at a title. With Jackson just three years removed from Division I-AA Alabama State, quarterback is considered to be one of the few question marks on a rising team with a veteran defense and a running game featuring Adrian Peterson, last year's offensive rookie of the year behind a solid offensive line.
Analysis: Jackson has a chance to be a quality No. 2 Fantasy QB if he can improve his play this year. The Vikings added WR Bernard Berrian in the offseason to help Jackson, but he still has a lot to prove. For now, don't plan on drafting Jackson in most leagues but keep an eye on his development once the season starts.
News: If the Vikings are going to fulfill their expectations of contending for the NFC North title and making a deep run in the playoffs, they need Tarvaris Jackson to be on target. The former second-round draft pick out of Division I-AA Alabama State is entering his third year in the Vikings' offense, and his second as starting quarterback. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who thinks quarterbacks make a jump their third season, said the difference is noticeable in Jackson's progress. "There's no hesitation when he calls plays," new Vikings backup QB Gus Frerotte said. "He's very confident with himself and how he's handling himself in the huddle and with the other players. That's really good to see. That's all about being a leader and being a quarterback."
Analysis: While Jackson has shown flashes of being a reliable NFL starting QB, he has also flubbed opportunities to shine. Still, he had been working with a modest receiving corps as part of a run-first offense, so it's no surprise that he hasn't thrown for even 2,500 yards in two NFL seasons. With Bernard Berrian now in Minnesota, Jackson has the reliable deep-threat receiver to throw to, and defenses won't always be double-covering him with Minnesota's running game at the forefront. Fantasywise, he's strictly a No. 2 Fantasy QB as the potential is there for him to total over 3,000 yards and 16 or so touchdowns with some rushing stats piled on.
News: Before heading to his Alabama home this winter, Tarvaris Jackson met with Brad Childress and other Vikings coaches. They instructed him to "keep working," Jackson said, and "to build on what I did last season." So as the Vikings opened organized team activities this week, Jackson carried himself with a starter's swagger, reports the Star Tribune. He has appeared more demonstrative in the huddle and is launching passes far more decisively than he did last spring. Wednesday, Jackson spread the ball confidently and with little hesitation. The value of that observation won't be known until Sept. 8 at Lambeau Field, but for Vikings coaches it means Jackson is continuing to move in the right direction.
Analysis: Jackson showed signs of progress last year and was given a new weapon this offseason in WR Bernard Berrian. Jackson will enter this season as a No. 2 Fantasy QB with room to improve if he plays well. Don't plan on drafting Jackson in 2008, but he might be one of the first quarterbacks you add off the waiver wire early in the season.
News:Tarvaris Jackson entered 2007 as Minnesota's starting quarterback, and was just that for 12 games, missing four games with groin, finger and concussion problems. He completed 171-of-294 passes (58.2 pct.) for 1,911 yards (6.5 yards per attempt) with nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions and three fumbles. Jackson did contribute in the run game, however, getting 260 yards on 54 rushes (4.8 yards per carry) with three touchdowns. It was that rushing skill that helped him place above Marc Bulger and Matt Schaub in standard-scoring leagues in 2007.
Analysis: Jackson enters the offseason as the Vikings' best option at quarterback, but this might be the last time he gets such a chance. While Jackson has shown flashes of being a reliable NFL starting QB, he has also flubbed opportunities to shine. Still, he's been working with a modest receiving corps as part of a run-first offense, so it's no surprise that he hasn't thrown for even 2,500 yards in two NFL seasons. Fantasywise, he's strictly low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB material until his receiving corps is upgraded.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports Thursday that Vikings coach Brad Childress stopped short of naming Tarvaris Jackson the team's starting QB next season. Childress said that the evaluation process is "still ongoing." When asked if he'd start next year, Childress said, "You know, I don’t know that it’s ever good to get comfortable." He added that Kelly Holcomb and Brooks Bollinger are expected back for 2008.
Analysis: Jackson briefly showed a glimpse of solid play late in the 2007 season, but was one of the reasons for the Vikings' mishaps down the stretch. If he does start for Minnesota in '08, he'd be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB at best.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed only 16 of 31 passes for 175 yards, but did throw two touchdowns as Minnesota ended their season with a 22-19 overtime loss to the Broncos on Sunday afternoon. Jackson also ran four times for 36 yards and juked his way into the end zone for a a pair of two-point conversions.
Analysis: Jackson's day was going just fine until the first play of overtime when he fumbled the ball away to the Broncos on his own 12-yard line. A big question mark at the start of the year, Jackson came on strong in the second half with touchdowns in five of his last six games. The starting job will be his to lose in 2008, and doesn't have any real competition at the moment, but that could always change.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson threw two early interceptions and failed to move the offense as the Vikings fell behind 25-0 during a Week 16 loss to the Redskins. He threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jim Kleinsasser in the third quarter and scored on a 6-yard run with just over 10 minutes to go in the game that cut the lead to 25-14, but it was too little to late as Washington won 32-21. Jackson scored again on a 1-yard run late in the fourth quarter. He completed 25-of-41 passes and led the team in rushing with 44 yards.
Analysis: Outside of the two interceptions, Jackson didn't have such a bad Fantasy day. He is capable of hurting teams through the air and on the ground, he just isn't a master of his craft yet. Jackson and the Vikings will be in a must-win situation Week 17 at Denver. Consider him nothing more than a desperation Fantasy QB.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will look to bounce back this week against Washington. After showing steady improvement in four straight victories that vaulted the Vikings back into playoff contention, Minnesota won in spite of its QB on Monday night against Chicago. Jackson threw three interceptions - one that bounced off WR Robert Ferguson's hands - and also botched a handoff with Adrian Peterson that created another turnover in the Vikings victory over the offensively challenged Bears. It was the kind of performance that can be expected of a 24-year-old in his first full season playing one of the most demanding positions in sports. It is also the kind of performance the Vikings can ill afford to have in the final two games of the regular season as they chase their first playoff appearance in three years.
Analysis: Jackson should be fine against the Redskins, but he's not worth using in Fantasy leagues in Week 16. He doesn't even concern himself with Fantasy owners. "Stats are for Fantasy Football," Ferguson said. "Just control the offense, continue to make big plays. That's what I've seen from him."
News: In his first bad game in more than one month, Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson threw three interceptions Week 15 against the Bears. He finished the game 18-for-29 passing for 249 yards. He also had 25 yards rushing on seven carries and lost a fumble.
Analysis: He may not have had bad games lately, but Jackson hadn't done much good for Fantasy owners either. The Vikings use their quarterback conservatively with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor in the backfield, so consider Jackson near the absolute worst starting quarterback option in Fantasy for Week 16 against the Redskins.
News: Many people point to the Vikings' running game for getting things turned around, but don't discount QB Tarvaris Jackson, who has four touchdowns and one interception in his last three games with 69 rush yards. This week, he plays against the Bears at home and will likely be handing off more than throwing; although he did nail a 60-yard bomb to Troy Williamson in his earlier meeting with Chicago this year, the Vikings won't be able to help themselves against a soft run defense like Chicago's. The Bears will have three new defensive tackles this week, which should ease the pass rush as well as the run defense the Vikings will face.
Analysis: Jackson is developing into a nice NFL quarterback, but his Fantasy forecast isn't as appealing. With his passing yardage minimal and receiving corps average, don't expect Jackson to be useful as anything more than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB. Long-term, however, he has a shot to be a quality Fantasy quarterback.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 16-of-25 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown to lead Minnesota to a 27-7 win against the 49ers Week 14. Jackson, who also rushed the ball nine times for 13 yards, hooked up with Robert Ferguson for a 19-yard score in the second quarter. He now has four touchdowns and one interception in his last three games.
Analysis: Jackson is not blowing away Fantasy owners with overwhelming numbers, but he is doing a better job of managing the football games and the Vikings are winning. The Vikings still rather rely on the running game and that makes Jackson a low-end Fantasy option heading into Week 15 against the Bears. He completed 9-of-23 passes for 136 yards in their matchup earlier this season.
News: Emerging quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is coming off one of the best games of his two-year career as he completed 18 of 24 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns. Over the past three weeks, Jackson has completed 77.6 percent of his throws (45-for-58) with three TDs and two interceptions. Jackson had two touchdowns and five interceptions through his first five appearances of the season with just 600 yards passing and a completion percentage of 46.4. "Just getting completions are big," coach Brad Childress said of his developing quarterback. "You kind of underestimate that sometimes, but completions are big. ... I think I said it back during training camp -- the one thing you couldn't give Tarvaris was the turns, the experience."
Analysis: While the 49ers have allowed 19 touchdowns this season, Jackson isn't as reliable for big Fantasy numbers as he might be by this time next season. Think of him as a No. 2 QB in Week 14 Fantasy action.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was 18-of-24 passing for 204 yards, two touchdowns and one interception Sunday against Detroit. He also had five carries for 20 yards.
Analysis: Jackson had a stellar game, but it was against a bad defense. The Vikings play at San Francisco in Week 14, so Jackson has the chance to do well again. Consider Jackson a No. 2 Fantasy option next week.
News: The Vikings have won three consecutive games that QB Tarvaris Jackson has started in, but unfortunately wins don't get you anything in Fantasy Football. Since throwing five picks in his first two games, Jackson only has one since, but he also has only two touchdowns over that span. The Vikings host the Lions in Week 13.
Analysis: Jackson is owned in only nine percent of leagues, and for good reason. He plays on the best rushing team in the NFL and Brad Childress has yet to put a game in Jackson's hands. Do not start him in any format in Week 13 against the Lions.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 10-of-12 passes for 129 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown pass on his first pass attempt of the game. He also rushed for 38 yards. Jackson did not throw an interception in the game, but did lose a fumble.
Analysis: Jackson had 60 yards and a touchdown out of the gate, but he threw for just 69 yards in a game in which the Vikings went up by a lot and did not need to throw the ball. The Vikings use Jackson more as a game manager than a playmaker and he could post very similar stats in Week 13 vs. Detroit.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will face the Giants in Week 12, and he could be running for his life. The Giants are No. 19 in pass defense, but they lead the NFL with 34 sacks. They also have allowed 17 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Analysis: Jackson hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week 6 at Chicago. He only has one interception over that span, but he has also been sacked seven times, including three times last week against Oakland. Consider Jackson a low-end No. 3 Fantasy option against the Giants.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was 17-of-22 carries for 171 yards and an interception with 19 yards rushing on three tries vs. Oakland in Week 11. Jackson also fumbled once.
Analysis: Jackson still isn't posting big enough stats for consideration in Fantasy play. That should continue when he plays at the N.Y. Giants in Week 12. Keep him off rosters and on the waiver wire.
News: According to the Pioneer Press, Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is expected to start in Week 11 against Oakland. Jackson missed Week 10 against Green Bay with a concussion.
Analysis: Jackson is not a recommended Fantasy starter against the Raiders. Keep him reserved in all leagues and continue to monitor his status to make sure he is in fact the starting QB.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, who was knocked out last week with a concussion, is listed as questionable for the game at Green Bay. Brooks Bollinger will start if Jackson doesn't, but coach Brad Childress said Friday he will wait to reveal his starter for the third time in nine games. In two other weeks this season, he hinted at his choice but stopped short of formally announcing it. Jackson and Bollinger have shared time at the position in practice this week. Jackson said he hasn't had any significant effects from the injury, but Bollinger has played well in relief on three seperate occasions this year and is the favorite to start.
Analysis: Jackson will likely start, but he isn't worth using in Fantasy leagues in Week 10. The same goes for Bollinger, who should be kept on the bench or the waiver wire.
News: Once again, the Minnesota Vikings will delay naming their starting quarterback until Sunday's pregame warmups. Tarvaris Jackson, who was knocked out last week with a concussion, is listed as questionable for the game at Green Bay in Week 10. He took limited practice reps all week. Brooks Bollinger will start if Jackson doesn't, but coach Brad Childress said Friday he will wait to reveal his starter for the third time in nine games. In two other weeks this season, he hinted at his choice but stopped short of formally announcing it.
Analysis: Jackson and Bollinger have shared time at the position in practice this week. Jackson said he hasn't had any significant effects from the injury, but Bollinger has played well in relief on three seperate occasions this year and is the favorite to start. Jackson is still the starter, for all his failure in the first half of the season. If healthy, he is expected to be under center against the Packers. He is a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best, but it is probably best to leave him alone in Fantasy leagues until he starts producing consistently. He has also been bothered by the injury bug in his young career.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (concussion) went through a second straight practice of limited reps Thursday as the team prepares for Week 10 at Green Bay. Jackson is still recovering from a concussion, and Brooks Bollinger will replace him in the lineup Week 10 if it deemed Jackson cannot play.
Analysis: Jackson is still the starter, for all his failure in the first half of the season. If healthy, he is expected to be under center against the Packers. He is a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best, but it is probably best to leave him alone in Fantasy leagues until he starts producing consistently. He has also been bothered by the injury bug in his young career.
News: Whenever Brooks Bollinger's football career ends, perhaps there'll be an opportunity for him in baseball. He was, after all, a 50th-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the summer after his freshman year at Wisconsin. This season, he's been the ace reliever for the Vikings. "You're around this game long enough, you see a lot of things happen. That's kind of the way it goes," said Bollinger, who has entered three of Minnesota's eight games after the starting quarterback was hurt. This week, he might get his first start. Tarvaris Jackson is recovering from a concussion, and Bollinger will replace him in the lineup Week 10 at Green Bay if he's deemed not ready.
Analysis: Jackson is still the starter, for all his failure in the first half of the season. If healthy, he is expected to be under center against the Packers. He took limited reps in practice Wednesday. He is a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best, but it is probably best to leave him alone in Fantasy leagues until he starts producing consistently. He has also been bothered by the injury bug in his young career.
News: According to the Star Tribune, Vikings coach Brad Childress made it clear Tarvaris Jackson remains his starter. "I want to see Tarvaris continue to develop," Childress said. First, Jackson must stay healthy. Jackson has missed three games this season because of either a groin strain or a broken finger and was forced from Sunday's game late in the second quarter after suffering a concussion. "I feel good now, like it never happened," said Jackson, who estimated he was knocked unconscious for 2 minutes. Jackson's status for next Sunday's game at Green Bay is unclear, but he said he had a concussion before and missed only a couple days in that case. "I should be back," he said.
Analysis: Jackson will likely start against the Packers in Week 10, but he's a No. 2 Fantasy QB at best. Keep him reserved in all leagues and continue to monitor his status before setting your lineup.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson took a knee to the head from Chargers LB Shawne Merriman late in the second quarter of Minnesota's 35-17 win over San Diego in Week 9 and left the field on a cart after getting to his feet with some help. Jackson, who was 6-of-12 for 63 yards before getting hurt, appeared to get knocked out on the play and did not return to the game. Brooks Bollinger entered as his replacement.
Analysis: With all the concern about concussion these days, it's no surprise that Jackson didn't return in Week 9. The fact he got up under his own power and didn't have a neck brace put on him is a good sign, so keep an eye on his status for Week 10's game at Green Bay. Although, to be honest, if you're that worried about him playing for you, you need some serious help at the QB position.
News: Tarvaris Jackson is in line to return as Minnesota's starting quarterback Week 9 against San Diego. Jackson suffered a small break on the index finger of his throwing hand on Oct. 21 at Dallas and didn't play Week 8 against Philadelphia. Vikings coach Brad Childress said he was set to "take the lion's share" of the plays with the offense in Wednesday's practice, and afterward Jackson reported no problems other than some anticipated soreness overnight. He also practiced Thursday and Friday.
Analysis: Childress said Jackson looked "significantly different" while throwing the ball in a workout on Tuesday than he did last week. The swelling has subsided in his finger, and Jackson said he was feeling a "lot better" and in less pain than before. The Chargers don't have a very good pass defense and the matchup appears favorable for Jackson. However, he is not a very good quarterback and is not a recommended Fantasy option until further notice.
News: With Kelly Holcomb sidelined with a neck injury, Vikings coach Brad Childress said Monday that also-injured QB Tarvaris Jackson will start in Week 9 if he has sufficiently recovered from a broken finger on his throwing hand, reports the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune. If Jackson can't play, then Brooks Bollinger will start.
Analysis: Jackson's injury requires three more weeks to heal completely, but it is possible for Jackson to play sooner if swelling is eliminated, according to the Star Tribune. Monday, Jackson said "I'm not that far away" but admitted he was not certain how well he would throw in Tuesday's workout. Jackson also said the swelling has gone down but "not all the way". Look, ignore all this mess and start a QB from another team as no Vikings QB should be starting any format.
News: The Vikings have listed Kelly Holcomb as their starting QB for Week 8 vs. Philadelphia and have Tarvaris Jackson as the No. 3/emergency QB. This was expected after Jackson broke the index finger on his throwing hand last week.
Analysis: Holcomb is nothing more than a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB for Week 8 Fantasy action. He and Jackson should be benched in all leagues.
News: The Minnesota Vikings won't announce a starting QB until Sunday morning, but signs still point to veteran Kelly Holcomb replacing the injured Tarvaris Jackson against Philadelphia. Jackson was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report with a broken index finger on his throwing hand. Coach Brad Childress said Jackson will either start or be the emergency third QB against the Eagles, in which case Holcomb would be the starter. "I'm still debating, the old game-time decision," Childress said. "You just want to see how a guy keeps coming, keeps coming. I see him touch it a little bit better every day, and we'll just see if it will keep coming along."
Analysis: Jackson didn't have a splint on the finger when he walked off the practice field Friday, but when asked if his grip had gotten better he said only that the swelling had subsided. Earlier in the week, Jackson said the injury made it difficult to keep a tight spiral. Whether it's Holcomb or Jackson, don't count on either Minnesota passer to post good Fantasy numbers in Week 8.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Friday that QB Tarvaris Jackson (finger) was limited in practice and is listed as questionable for Week 8 vs. Philadelphia. If he can't start, Kelly Holcomb would play in his place.
Analysis: Holcomb was an Eagle for a large portion of the preseason before getting dealt to the Vikings. Whether it's him or Jackson, don't count on either Minnesota passer to post good numbers in Week 8.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson said his broken right index finger is feeling better every day. Still, coach Brad Childress was reluctant on Wednesday to say whether Jackson could play Week 8 against Philadelphia. Jackson broke the finger on his throwing hand in the third quarter of last week's game against Dallas. Both the quarterback and the coach acknowledged that it will be difficult to guide the football with the injury. "You want a tight spiral and it's hard to spiral the football without your index finger," said Jackson, who wore a splint on his hand and was limited in practice. "That's one of the most important fingers, besides the thumb, to throw the football. I don't want to be out there if I can't control the football." If Jackson can't go, veteran Kelly Holcomb will get his third start of the season.
Analysis: If Jackson has his way, he'll start against the Eagles. He's coming off a miserable performance against the Cowboys in which he was just 6-of-19 for 72 yards. "It seems like when I don't play so well, I get hurt and I have to sit out," said Jackson, referring to when he injured his groin in a four-interception day at Detroit in Week 2. "Hopefully I can go out there and play and just get better." Continue to monitor Jackson's progress before setting your lineup for Week 8 against the Eagles. He went through limited practice reps on both Wednesday and Thursday. Even if Jackson is 100 percent, he is nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson has a broken finger on his throwing hand, an injury suffered in Sunday's defeat at Dallas. Jackson has a fracture in the second finger on his right hand, coach Brad Childress revealed on Monday. A ligament or muscle tendon has stretched and pulled off a tiny piece of the bone. Jackson was shown on the sideline by television cameras wincing slightly while holding his hand at one point during the game. Childress said Jackson would still start if he's able to play despite completing only six passes for 72 yards in the 24-14 loss to the Cowboys. The Vikings host the Philadelphia Eagles this week.
Analysis: Continue to monitor Jackson's progress before setting your lineup for Week 8 against the Eagles. Even if Jackson is 100 percent, he is nothing more than a No. 2 Fantasy QB.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was 6-of-19 passing for 72 yards Sunday against Dallas with no touchdowns or interceptions. He also had four carries for 20 yards.
Analysis: Jackson is a low-end QB option and should only be used in Week 8 against Washington if absolutely needed.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin) is listed as probable for Week 7 at Dallas. He went through limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday, but returned to a full workout Friday. Jackson was 9-for-23 passing for 136 yards in Week 6 at Chicago, his first game since injuring his groin in Week 2. He threw a 60-yard TD pass to Troy Williamson in the first quarter. He did not turn the ball over.
Analysis: Jackson will likely be under center against the Cowboys barring any setbacks. Still, that is not overwhelming news in Fantasy terms. Jackson is more of an offensive manager at this point than a quarterback. He is nothing more than a possible bye-week Fantasy replacement when the matchups appear favorable. Week 7 is not one of those weeks.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin) went through limited practice reps Wednesday and Thursday as the team prepares for Week 7 at Dallas. Jackson was 9-for-23 passing for 136 yards in Week 6 at Chicago, his first game since injuring his groin in Week 2. He threw a 60-yard TD pass to Troy Williamson in the first quarter. He did not turn the ball over.
Analysis: Jackson will likely be under center against the Cowboys barring any setbacks. Still, that is not overwhelming news in Fantasy terms. Jackson is more of an offensive manager at this point than a quarterback. He is nothing more than a possible bye-week Fantasy replacement when the matchups appear favorable.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin) went through limited practice reps Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 7 at Dallas. Jackson was 9-for-23 passing for 136 yards in Week 6 at Chicago, his first game since injuring his groin in Week 2. He threw a 60-yard TD pass to Troy Williamson in the first quarter. He did not turn the ball over.
Analysis: Jackson will likely be under center against the Cowboys barring any setbacks. Still, that is not overwhelming news in Fantasy terms. Jackson is more of an offensive manager at this point than a quarterback. He is nothing more than a possible bye-week Fantasy replacement when the matchups appear favorable.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was 9-for-23 passing for 136 yards in Week 6 at Chicago. He threw a 60-yard TD pass to Troy Williamson in the first quarter. He did not turn the ball over.
Analysis: Jackson had the one long pass for a touchdown and that was pretty much it. The Vikings shredded the Chicago defense on the ground and pretty much abandoned the pass in the second half. Jackson is more of an offensive manager at this point than a quarterback. His job is to not turn the ball over and he did a good job of that Sunday. In Week 7 at Dallas, consider him a low-end bye week replacement option at best.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin, probable) is active for Week 6 at Chicago and will start.
Analysis: Unless you're really struggling at the QB position, leave Jackson alone. His matchup against the Bears defense does not bode well for a solid Fantasy output.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is listed as probable for the Vikings' game Sunday at Chicago, making it likely that he will get his first start in three weeks. Jackson injured his groin against Detroit in Week 2, when he threw four interceptions. Veteran Kelly Holcomb started the next two games. He kept the turnovers to a minimum, but also had trouble igniting a sputtering offense in losses to Kansas City and Green Bay. The Vikings had a bye last week, giving Jackson time to recover. He has said he is not 100 percent but is feeling better every day.
Analysis: Coach Brad Childress has said all along that Jackson, one of the team's three second-round draft picks a year ago, is his starting quarterback when healthy. But the coach was typically tight-lipped after practice Friday when asked who would start against the Bears. "I am listing him as probable, how's that?" Childress said with a grin. "He practiced better (Friday) out here." Jackson is expected to start Sunday, but that doesn't mean you should start him in Fantasy leagues.
News: According to the Pioneer Press, Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson ran the first-team offense during the early open portion of Friday's practice, while Kelly Holcomb watched.
Analysis: This news means that Jackson will likely return as the starting QB for Sunday's Week 6 game at Chicago after missing the last two games because of a strained groin muscle. Coach Brad Childress has yet to make it official, however. Unless you're really struggling at the QB position, leave Jackson alone.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson says he's 90 percent healthy, but coach Brad Childress wouldn't commit to naming a starter for Week 6 on Wednesday, reports the Pioneer Press. Jackson and Kelly Holcomb split snaps on Monday and Wednesday and Childress said Jackson's starting status comes down to "really about being able to burst."
Analysis: Neither Jackson or Hurcomb is worth starting in Week 6 against the Bears, or any other week for that matter. There are tons of better options out there at the QB position.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will likely return from a groin injury in Week 6 at the place where he made his NFL debut in 2006: Soldier Field. In that game last season, where he came in as the third QB after Brooks Bollinger, in for starter Brad Johnson, got hurt, he went 3-for-4 for 35 yards and fumbled the ball while getting sacked.
Analysis: Jackson's Fantasy value is pretty minimal as the Vikings are definitely a run-first team and he doesn't have many decent weapons at his disposal after Adrian Peterson. Leave him alone for Week 6 unless you really don't have a better option at the QB position. He went through limited practice reps Wednesday. Jackson has not played since Week 2 against the Lions.
News: Sidelined for the last two games due to a pulled groin muscle, Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will probably return as the starter Week 6 at Chicago. "I probably don't have all my speed back," he said. "It's a little sore. But pretty much when the game comes, the adrenaline will be flowing, so I won't even think about it." Jackson took some of the snaps with the first team when the Vikings returned from their bye weekend for practice at Winter Park on Monday afternoon, and he appeared ready to resume the job that Kelly Holcomb took over while he was hurt.
Analysis: Coach Brad Childress stopped short of declaring Jackson the starter. "I would like to. I would like to. Again, I just have to see how he responds," Childress said. Jackson must show he can bounce back without much stiffness, soreness or hesitation for the next practice on Wednesday in order to start on Sunday. Jackson very well may start Week 6, but you don't want him on your Fantasy team regardless. He's raw, and until he gets ... cooked, keep him on the waiver wire.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will continue to receive treatment this week after missing the past two games because of a groin strain, The Sports Xchange reports. Coach Brad Childress expects Jackson will start on Oct. 14 against the Bears in the Vikings' first game after the bye.
Analysis: Jackson very well may start Week 6, but you don't want him on your Fantasy team regardless. He's raw, and until he gets ... cooked, keep him on the waiver wire.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings coach Brad Childress expects Tarvaris Jackson to return for Minnesota's next game, Oct. 14 at Chicago. Jackson missed the past two losses because of a strained groin muscle.
Analysis: Jackson and his replacement, Kelly Holcomb, are far from Fantasy studs and should not be starting in even the deepest of leagues, especially against the Bears in Week 6.
News: According to the Pioneer Press, Kelly Holcomb's second start as the Vikings' quarterback didn't end any better than the first, and he doesn't know if it will be his last. "I have no clue," Holcomb said after Sunday's 23-16 loss to Green Bay. "Right now, as a team we've got to regroup. We've got to come out, and we can't hang our heads. ... I don't know what's going to happen with the quarterback situation. I really don't care. It's all about winning games."
Analysis: The Vikings have a bye week before their next game, Oct. 14 at Chicago, so Tarvaris Jackson should be fully recovered from the strained groin muscle that has sidelined him the past two weeks. No matter who starts for the Vikings, Holcomb and Jackson have minimal Fantasy value and should not be used in Week 6.
News: Notable inactives for the Packers-Vikings Week 4 matchup include: Packers DB Frank Walker, LB Desmond Bishop, DL Justin Harrell, DL Daniel Muir, DL Mike Montgomery and RB Brandon Jackson. For the Vikings, QB Tarvaris Jackson (No. 3/emergency QB), WR Aundrae Allison, DL Fred Evans, DB Ronyell Whitaker, RB Mewelde Moore, FB Garrett Mills and DL Erasmus James are inactive.
Analysis: DeShawn Wynn will start at running back for the Packers, but Vernand Morency is expected to play as well. Neither one should put a dent in that Vikings run defense, though. Kelly Holcomb will start at QB for the Vikings, and Moore's inactivity is based on Chester Taylor's return to the Vikings' lineup -- he will start and take some of Adrian Peterson's reps. The rest of the players listed aren't reliable Fantasy players.
News: QB Tarvaris Jackson's groin is still sore, meaning Kelly Holcomb will get his second straight start when the Vikings play the Packers on Sunday. Jackson was limited in practice all week with an injury that kept him out of last week's loss to Kansas City, and the second-year player was the only Viking listed as questionable Friday. That opens the door for the veteran Holcomb, who was underwhelming in his first start as a Viking. He was 14-for-28 for 165 yards against in the 13-10 loss to the Chiefs.
Analysis: Coach Brad Childress has been hesitant to tip his hand for the past two weeks, but relented Friday after practice. "Yeah, he has been taking most of the reps and Tarvaris is questionable," Childress said of Holcomb. "You can draw your own logical conclusions from that." Jackson's play so far this season hasn't been very strong, and his stats prove it. No one should be relying on the second-year quarterback in Fantasy leagues at this point; keep him reserved for Week 4 when the Vikings host Green Bay.
News: Tarvaris Jackson's groin injury limited him in Wednesday's and Thursday's practice, leaving Kelly Holcomb as the expected starter at quarterback for Minnesota again this week. Holcomb played in Jackson's place last Sunday at Kansas City. If Jackson is deemed not ready, coach Brad Childress said Holcomb will start against Green Bay. Jackson was moving gingerly while running on the side after the Vikings finished practice Wednesday, though Childress said earlier in the day that Jackson's condition was improving. "He's come a long way since last Monday," the coach said.
Analysis: Jackson's play so far this season hasn't been very strong, and his stats prove it. No one should be relying on the second-year quarterback in Fantasy leagues at this point; keep him reserved for Week 4 when the Vikings host Green Bay.
News: According to the Pioneer Press, QB Tarvaris Jackson's status for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers remains uncertain, but if he can't go, there's no question Kelly Holcomb would start. With Jackson sidelined by a strained groin muscle, Holcomb passed for 165 yards, was sacked five times and put just one touchdown on the board in Sunday's 13-10 loss at Kansas City. Jackson said he's hoping to play and that the groin injury feels a lot better than it did last week, but he's taking things a day at a time.
Analysis: Keep Jackson and Holcomb reserved for Week 4 against the Packers because they are nothing more than No. 3 Fantasy options at this point.
News: The Vikings will take on the Chiefs in Week 3 without three regular starters on offense. QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), RB Chester Taylor (hip) and WR Troy Williamson (hamstring) are all inactive for the showdown with Kansas City. WR Robert Ferguson will start for Williamson, while RB Adrian Peterson will start for Taylor and Kelly Holcomb will start for Jackson.
Analysis: It was expected all week that Jackson might miss Sunday's game as he did not practice, but Taylor and Williamson still had an outside shot. Taylor will be glued to the bench for the second week in a row, while this is the first time Jackson and Williamson will not be in uniform. Make sure to keep all these players reserved in Fantasy leagues for Week 3 and track their progress leading up to Week 4 against the Packers.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Sunday that the Vikings are expected to start QB Kelly Holcomb in place of injured starter Tarvaris Jackson, not backup QB Brooks Bollinger. Holcomb has only been with the Vikings since being traded from Philadelphia to Minnesota on Aug. 27. He was traded to Philadelphia from Buffalo on March 27.
Analysis: Holcomb's offseason ride has been a long one, but if you're in total desperation for a quarterback in Week 3, Holcomb isn't a terrible pick. He should be versed enough in the Minnesota offense to know what he's doing and has a gunslinger mentality.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported Friday that Vikings coach Brad Childress would not reveal his starting QB for the club's Week 3 game at Kansas City. Tarvaris Jackson, who had been starting, has a strained groin and is doubtful for the game. The club might opt to use Kelly Holcomb, who the team traded for at the end of the preseason, over backup QB Brooks Bollinger in place of Jackson.
Analysis: Neither Holcomb nor Bollinger would be reliable Fantasy quarterbacks for the Week 3 matchup. Avoid all Vikings QBs in Week 3.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson missed his second straight day of practice on Thursday, and it's looking more and more like veteran Kelly Holcomb will start for the Vikings against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Jackson injured his groin in the fourth quarter against Detroit last weekend, and has been unable to participate in the first two practices of the week. But Vikings coach Brad Childress was still playing it coy on Thursday, saying the window is still open for Jackson to recover and play at Arrowhead Stadium. "I'm still keeping it open because I watched him move around and he did better (Thursday morning)," Childress said.
Analysis: The Vikings said that if Jackson is healthy, he is the starter. A week on the sidelines might do the young Jackson some good after a disastrous game against Detroit in Week 2. The second-year player looked flustered all afternoon, throwing four interceptions before limping off the field in overtime of a 20-17 loss. Jackson is not a good Fantasy start for Week 3 against the Chiefs, whether or not he is healthy.
News: Tarvaris Jackson hobbled straight-legged off the field after watching all of practice and tried to stay positive. "It felt a little better," the Minnesota Vikings quarterback said Wednesday when asked about his injured groin. "It's day to day." As much as Jackson is trying to remain hopeful, the Vikings appear to be making other plans for Sunday's game at Kansas City. Jackson did not practice Wednesday and veteran Kelly Holcomb could be leapfrogging incumbent backup Brooks Bollinger on the depth chart.
Analysis: Childress, of course, doesn't want to tip his hand too early and make things easy on Chiefs coach Herm Edwards. He said he would divide the snaps in practice between Holcomb and Bollinger and wait to see if Jackson's groin felt better toward the end of the week. Even if it does, a week on the sidelines might do the young Jackson some good after a disastrous game against Detroit on Sunday. The second-year player looked flustered all afternoon, throwing four interceptions before limping off the field in overtime of a 20-17 loss. Jackson is not a good Fantasy start for Week 3 against the Chiefs, whether or not he is healthy.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson had a miserable Week 2 in Minnesota's 20-17 overtime loss at Detroit, tying a team record for interceptions with four. To add injury to insult, he left the game after the first snap in overtime to have the team's medical staff inspect his left leg on the sidelines. "It's just a little sore groin, that's pretty much it," said Jackson. Brooks Bollinger replaced him. Jackson completed just 17 of 33 passes for 166 yards. He rushed five times for 16 yards, including a touchdown on a one-yard scamper in the second quarter.
Analysis: Sure, Jackson left the game because of an injury, but he could've just as easily from ineffectiveness. Though his status for Week 3's game at Kansas City is unclear at this point, Fantasy owners really shouldn't find themselves in a predicament without him. He makes one of the worst -- if not the worst -- Fantasy player among the 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL because of his inexperience and only deserves backup status in especially deep leagues. Bench him whether or not his name appears on the injury report for Week 3 and consider cutting him if the Vikings project him to miss more than a couple weeks.
News: The Vikings are expected to lean on their running game when they face the Lions in Week 2 in Detroit. But in the event that they get behind -- and that's a reality considering Detroit's offense -- Jackson will face a pass defense that allowed over 300 yards to the Raiders one week ago.
Analysis: Jackson is still maturing as a quarterback and isn't expected to put up big stats on any sort of regular basis. Keep him sidelined for Week 2 Fantasy action.
News: The Vikings may've blown out the visiting Falcons 24-3 in Week 1, but QB Tarvaris Jackson had little to do with it. He finished 13-for-23 for 163 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. His touchdown came on a 60-yard screen pass to Adrian Peterson in the third quarter -- a play mostly made by the rookie running back. Jackson also rushed twice for 10 yards.
Analysis: OK, so he had modest stats padded in large part by a nice run after the catch. Did you really expect anything more? He doesn't make for a strong Fantasy option Week 2 at Detroit -- or any week, for that matter.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is carrying himself with the command of an NFL starting QB. The question for the Vikings is whether this confidence will translate to touchdowns. Jackson's chance to show he's able to bring Minnesota's offense to a level of competency has begun. He'll start on Sunday afternoon in the season opener against Atlanta. In the two games Jackson led the huddle at the end of last year, teammates noticed a rookie who was a little unsure. "Now, man, he's running that thing like a 10-year vet," said guard Artis Hicks. "I'm proud of him."
Analysis: Jackson faces the Falcons this week and will get his feet wet as a first-time starter to open the season. Jackson could be a capable backup Fantasy QB by the end of the season, but for now keep him reserved in all leagues.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson had offseason arthroscopic right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Jackson discovered the injury in February and had surgery right away to fix it. He has shown no signs of problems from the injury.
Analysis: Jackson was named the club's starter and has had an efficient preseason (19-of-33 passing for 212 yards, no TDs or INTs). Thanks to the Vikings' mediocre receiving corps and their focus on running the football, Jackson is at best No. 3 Fantasy QBs heading into the season.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson looked far too busy during Saturday's preseason game against the Seahawks. The Vikings' second-year quarterback, who threw just four times while defensive scores and the running game controlled last week's win against the Jets, overcame a lost fumble on the game's first snap to complete 9 of 18 passes for 117 yards against Seattle's blitzes from all sides. "This is what I expect, me being a young guy. Everyone is going to come at me," Jackson said.
Analysis: Vikings coach Brad Childress said Jackson "didn't seem star struck," but the coach was bothered by Jackson's fumbled snap. He mentioned it three different times. "They were coming after him ... but he had the answers," Childress said. "That's good for him, because we are going to see that in the first game. That's Atlanta's defense." We expect Jackson to end up being Minnesota's starter in 2007. But no matter who Minnesota's passer is, he won't have a ton of Fantasy value thanks to the Vikings' mediocre receiving corps and focus on running the football. Jackson is at best a No. 3 Fantasy QB heading into the season.
News: With stalled drives and a defensive touchdown, the Vikings looked a lot like they did last season during Friday's preseason game against the Rams. Tarvaris Jackson turned in a promising performance, though, one that coach Brad Childress praised for his poise and decisiveness in the pocket. And they didn't turn the ball over. "He had good command of the offense, and that's what you're looking for," Childress said. Jackson was sharp with 83 yards on 8-for-11 passing and 25 yards on two scrambles for the Vikings, an encouraging sign for a team that topped 21 points only four times last year during a 6-10 season.
Analysis: We expect Jackson to end up being Minnesota's starter in 2007. But no matter who Minnesota's passer is, he won't have a ton of Fantasy value thanks to the Vikings' mediocre receiving corps and focus on running the football. Jackson and Brooks Bollinger are at best No. 3 Fantasy QBs heading into the season.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson will start the club's first preseason game vs. St. Louis and play for two or three series. Brooks Bollinger will take over after Jackson is done, likely in the second quarter.
Analysis: We expect Jackson to end up being Minnesota's starter in 2007. But no matter who Minnesota's passer is, he won't have a ton of Fantasy value thanks to the Vikings' mediocre receiving corps and focus on running the football. Jackson and Bollinger are at best No. 3 Fantasy QBs heading into the season.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that second-year QB Tarvaris Jackson took all of the first-team reps on the first day of training camp with the Vikings. Brooks Bollinger, whom Jackson is competing with for the top gig, worked with the second team. Coach Brad Childress did make it clear that Bollinger would get first-team reps in practice soon.
Analysis: We expect Jackson to end up being Minnesota's starter in 2007. But no matter who Minnesota's passer is, he won't have a ton of Fantasy value thanks to the Vikings' mediocre receiving corps and focus on running the football. Jackson and Bollinger are at best No. 3 Fantasy QBs heading into the season.
News: Tuesday marks the next step in the continuing education of QB Tarvaris Jackson, the Vikings' presumptive starter who is scheduled to be on the field when the team holds its first offseason practice. Jackson is one of four QBs who will be participating, a group that also includes Brooks Bollinger, Drew Henson and Tyler Thigpen. Officially, coach Brad Childress has said that Jackson and Bollinger will compete for the starting job. But much of the decision will be based on Jackson's progress this offseason, Childress said recently. "[We'll look at] his knowledge of the system," Childress said in the Star Tribune, "and how he works at it. We wouldn't be talking about [Jackson] if he didn't have physical tools. He has physical tools. I just believe he is going to incrementally grow."
Analysis: Jackson should be viewed as a No. 3 Fantasy QB entering the season. Even if he wins the job, he would have to prove a lot to be considered worth starting on a Fantasy team.
News: The winner of the Vikings' starting QB race won't be clear for another 5 1/2 months, but by opening Wednesday's player workout at Winter Park to the media, the Vikings opened the dialogue. Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger are set to battle for the job -- for now. The Vikings could bring in a free agent or draft a passer to add to the battle. Meanwhile, new Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe was very positive about Jackson and his ability. "Tarvaris has a little bit more zip on his passes (than Eli Manning)," Shiancoe said to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "He throws a perfect ball. It looks like a Brett Favre spiral out there."
Analysis: Bollinger is the more polished of the two, but Jackson has far more upside and is the bigger investment for the club (a second-round pick last year). Jackson started a handful of games last year and had moments where he looked like a rookie, and other moments where he looked fairly polished and ready to be a starting quarterback. Whomever wins the job this summer will be at best a No. 2 Fantasy QB in '07, worth a late-round pick in deeper leagues.
News: Vikings rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson didn't get into a game until Week 13 at Chicago but finished the season as the starter in Minnesota. He completed 47-of-81 passes for 475 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He added 77 rush yards and a rushing touchdown as well. Jackson had moments where he looked like a rookie, and other moments where he looked fairly polished and ready to be a starting quarterback. Coach Brad Childress announced at the end of the season that Jackson and backup QB Brooks Bollinger were expected to compete for the starting job in 2007.
Analysis: Jackson is still a raw player, but he will only get a better grasp of the offense this offseason. What he needs is an improved receiving corps to work with -- if he gets that and progresses as expected, he could be a solid sleeper for Fantasy use next season.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress said that the starting QB job for 2007 will be an open competition between Tarvaris Jackson and Brooks Bollinger. Jackson started the final two games as a promising but raw rookie while Bollinger was acquired in an August trade to be a backup and got hurt in backup duty against the Bears.
Analysis: Jackson appears to be more likely to land the starting job since the Vikings have a bigger investment in him. He displayed a pretty good arm and excellent mobility in 2006 but his inexperience led to some really bad outings. Still, expect the Vikings to improve their receiving corps, and that combined with the Vikings' strong running game and O-line could make Jackson a sleeper worth considering in 2007 Fantasy play.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson completed 20-of-34 passes for 213 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions in a Week 17 loss to the Rams. He also had seven carries for 34 yards -- a team-high Week 17 -- and a touchdown.
Analysis: Jackson is the leading candidate to start for the Vikings next season. Jackson is most definitely a solid long-term keeper option in dynasty leagues, but might be a low-end No. 2 Fantasy QB come Draft Day 2007 in seasonal leagues.
News: Vikings rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is listed as probable for Week 17 vs. St. Louis. He should be ready to roll against the Rams.
Analysis: Jackson should not start in Fantasy leagues in Week 17, but Jackson is most definitely a solid long-term keeper option in dynasty leagues.
News: The Minnesota Star Tribune reports Friday that rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson will remain the team's starting quarterback vs. the Rams in Week 17. Jackson completed just 10-of-20 passes for 50 yards and an interception in Week 16 at Green Bay in his first NFL start. He also carried five times for 23 yards.
Analysis: Jackson should only be owned in keeper league play at this point and certainly should not start in Fantasy play in Week 17.
News: Jackson completed just 10-of-20 passes for 50 yards and an interception in Week 16 at Green Bay in his first NFL start. He also carried five times for 23 yards.
Analysis: Jackson will look for much better results in Week 17 against the Rams indoors in Minneapolis. The weather was awful and it was definitely not optimum conditions for the rookie to shine.
News: Vikings rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is listed as probable for Week 16 at Green Bay. He should be ready to roll on Thursday as he makes his first NFL start against the Packers.
Analysis: Jackson threw for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a performance deemed "OK" by Childress last week. He should not start in Fantasy leagues in Week 16 despite the matchup, but Jackson is most definitely a solid long-term keeper option in dynasty leagues.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress announced Tuesday that rookie Tarvaris Jackson will start at quarterback for the final two games of the season. Jackson, a second-round pick out of Division I-AA Alabama State, takes over for veteran Brad Johnson -- perhaps marking the end of the 38-year-old quarterback's second stint with the Vikings. Childress said Jackson "gives us the best chance to win. I have high expectations for him. He's prepared. He's ready to go."
Analysis: Jackson threw for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception in a performance deemed "OK" by Childress last week. He should not start in Fantasy leagues in Week 16 despite the matchup, but Jackson is most definitely a solid long-term keeper option in dynasty leagues.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson was 14-of-23 passing for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception in reserve of Brad Johnson against the Jets. Jackson also had three carries for 20 yards.
Analysis: Jackson might be named the starter for Week 16 against Green Bay. Keep an eye on his status, and if he does start he would be considered a No. 3 QB at best.
News: Notable Vikings players who were active but didn't record an offensive stat in Week 14 include: Backup QB Tarvaris Jackson, TE Jim Kleinsasser, WR Billy McMullen and TE Richard Owens.
Analysis: None of these players should be used in Fantasy play.
News: Coach Brad Childress knows who will start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Detroit. But he's not telling yet. Childress said Wednesday he has made a decision between veteran Brad Johnson and rookie Tarvaris Jackson, then resorted to gamesmanship when pressed about which player will be under center against the Lions. "I'm probably not going to share that with you just because I'm not competitively going to do that," said Childress, who said he has informed the quarterback he's chosen. The 38-year-old Johnson has started every game for the Vikings (5-7) this season. "I'm just preparing like I always have," said Johnson, who declined to say if he will start. "I don't see any difference. Coach's decisions are coach's decisions."
Analysis: Jackson is a raw rookie out of Division I-AA Alabama State who has sounded hesitant to take over this early in his career. On Wednesday he repeated his sentiment that he believes Johnson is still the man. "Same as before," Jackson said. "Brad's the starting quarterback, and I'm doing like I do every week - trying to get ready for the game like I'm a starter. Just trying to get ready." It is hard to imagine that Childress is ready to hand the reigns over this late in the season to an untested rookie with his team still in the playoff hunt. Regardless, Fantasy owners should try to avoid using a Vikings QB in Week 14, even though they have a good matchup at Detroit.
News: Vikings coach Brad Childress has a problem: His starting quarterback is 38 years old, playing as if he's 48, and coming off a four-interception game against Chicago on Sunday; his backup quarterback arrived at team headquarters on Monday with his left arm in a sling; and his third option is a raw rookie who admits he's still learning and is not totally comfortable in the NFL just yet. Childress said he has not made a decision on who will start against the Lions. "I think you consider everybody and just need to see where you are at and what you think you can accomplish here," he said.
Analysis: Were it not for Bollinger's injury, Johnson would likely be headed to the bench. He still may be on his way there, but with the Vikings still mathematically in the playoff hunt in a mediocre NFC, there's no telling what will happen. Fantasy owners should try to avoid using a Vikings QB in Week 14 even though they have a good matchup at Detroit.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson played against Chicago and was 3-of-4 passing for 35 yards. He also had one carry for 2 yards and lost a fumble.
Analysis: Jackson has no Fantasy value.
News: The Vikings have listed WR Troy Williamson as inactive for Sunday's game against Chicago. Also inactive for the Vikings are QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Jason Carter, RB Artose Pinner, DB Will Hunter and RB Naufahu Tahi.
Analysis: Keep Williamson reserved in all Fantasy leagues. None of these other players have any Fantasy value.
News: The Vikings listed QB Tarvaris Jackson, WR Jason Carter, RB Artose Pinner, CB Will Hunter, FB Naufauhu Tahi, OL Marcus Johnson, OL Artis Hicks and DL Ross Kolodziej as inactive for Week 12 vs. Arizona.
Analysis: None of these players should be in your active Fantasy lineup until further notice.
News: Notable Vikings inactive for Week 9 against the 49ers include: QB Tarvaris Jackson, RB Ciatrick Fason, LB Napoleon Harris, TE Jeff Dugan and WR Marcus Robinson.
Analysis: Keep these players reserved for Fantasy purposes in Week 9.
News: Notable Vikings inactives for Week 8 are: QB Tavaris Jackson, DB Rashad Baker, RB Ciatrick Fason, TE Jeff Dugan, WR Marcus Robinson and DT Ross Kolodziej.
Analysis: Other than Robinson, who is a rare Fantasy hero, none of these players have any Fantasy value at this time.
News: The Vikings inactives for Week 7 against Seattle are: QB Tavaris Jackson, DB Rashad Baker, RB Ciatrick Fason, LB Marquise Cooper, TE Jeff Dugan and DE Jayme Mitchell.
Analysis: None of these players have any Fantasy value at this time.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is listed as probable for Sunday at Seattle. Jackson returned to practice Wednesday after missing time following arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee late last month. He will be the emergency quarterback against Seattle.
Analysis: Jackson is the team's long-term solution at quarterback and should only be owned in keeper Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is probable for Week 7 at Seattle. He did practice on Wednesday.
Analysis: Jackson is the team's long-term solution at quarterback and should only be owned in keeper Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Vikings rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson is expected to practice again Wednesday since undergoing arthroscopic surgery knee surgery in September. "Is he 100 percent? Probably not," Childress said. "But I don't know if that thing will feel completely good until he gets done with the season. I know that he can protect himself, and I know he can move around by virtue of what I saw this morning."
Analysis: Jackon's Fantasy value remains only in keeper leagues. Even when he does return to practice, he will most likely resume his role as the team's No. 3 QB.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, who underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee late last month, is expected to return to practicing at full speed when the Vikings resume workouts next week after the bye.
Analysis: Jackon's Fantasy value remains only in keeper leagues. Even when he does return to practice, he will most likely resume his role as the team's No. 3 QB.
News: Vikings RB Ciatrick Fason was inactive for Week 5's game against Detroit. Also inactive for the Vikings are TE Jeff Dugan, WR Maurice Mann, DB Rashad Baker, LB Marquis Cooper and Tavaris Jackson is the third QB.
Analysis: Fason only has Fantasy value going forward if either Chester Taylor or Mwelde Moore get injured. The rest of these players have no Fantasy value at this time.
News: According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 5 vs. Detroit.
Analysis: Jackson has been bothered by a knee injury for a few weeks and it doesn't look as though the Vikings are in a panic to rush him back. They expect him to be the future signal caller in Minnesota. Brad Johnson hasn't played bad enough to warrant any QB controversy in Minnesota. Expect to bench Jackson for Fantasy purposes in Week 5.
News: The Minnesota Vikings listed the following players as inactive for Week 4 at Buffalo: , QB Tarvaris Jackson (emergency QB), RB Ciatrick Fason, WR Maurice Mann, S Will Hunter, LB Ben Leber and TE Jeff Dugan.
Analysis: None of these players should be on anyone's Fantasy roster at this point. Ignore them.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Week 4 at Buffalo.
Analysis: Jackson's Fantasy value remains in the distant future. As long as Brad Johnson is healthy, and Brooks Bollinger remains No. 2 on the depth chart, Jackson is the QB of the future in Minnesota and not the immediate.
News: Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee) is doubtful for Week 4 at Buffalo.
Analysis: Jackson's Fantasy value remains in the distant future. As long as Brad Johnson is healthy, and Brooks Bollinger remains No. 2 on the depth chart, Jackson is the QB of the future in Minnesota and not the immediate.
News: Notable inactives for the Vikings in Week 3 vs. Chicago include: QB Tarvaris Jackson, FS Rashad Baker, RB Ciatrick Fason, LB Marquis Cooper, TE Jeff Dugan and WR Marcus Robinson.
Analysis: Fason and Robinson are fringe Fantasy options that wouldn't start for owners anyway. The rest of the players shouldn't be considered for Fantasy use in Week 3.
News: Vikings rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson requires surgery for cartilage damage in his right knee and will likely be out three to four weeks. Jackson got hurt rolling out during practice Thursday at the Vikings' indoor facility. Jackson, who initially hurt the knee at Division I-AA Alabama State, will probably have a procedure Monday to clean up the joint. He will remain on the active roster, but the Vikings will likely have to declare a different third quarterback to back up Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger. Jackson was listed as doubtful on the Friday injury report for the game Sunday against Chicago.
Analysis: Jackson had been overtaken on the depth chart by Bollinger in recent weeks, but this news now means you can cut ties with Jackson for the immediate Fantasy future.
News: Notable inactives for the Vikings for Week 2 include: QB Tarvaris Jackson (emergency QB), WR Maurice Mann, FS Rashad Baker, RB Ciatrick Fason and TE Jeff Dugan.
Analysis: Outside of Fason, none of these players have value in seasonal Fantasy league play.
News: Vikings second-round QB Tarvaris Jackson was the backup to Brad Johnson for the opener against Washington. Brooks Bollinger, acquired late last month from the New York Jets, was the third quarterback. It's expected eventually Bollinger will move into the No. 2 role. Bollinger and Jackson are currently listed as Co.-No. 2s on the depth chart.
Analysis: Jackson is a solid looking keeper, but he is not worth using in any Fantasy leagues unless starting QB Brad Johnson suffers a long-term injury.
News: Jackson suited up for Week 1 at Washington but he did not record any offensive statistics.
Analysis: Jackson is a solid looking keeper, but he is not worth using in any Fantasy leagues unless starting QB Brad Johnson suffers a long-term injury.
News: Tarvaris Jackson threw only our passes in Friday's preseason game vs. Baltimore, but he still caught everyone's eye. He completed two of the four passes, including a 77-yard score to Jason Carter in the fourth quarter to make it 20-7. He also had a nine-yard rush after being forced out of the pocket.
Analysis: Despite his meteoric rise during the preseason, Jackson is only worth a late-round pick in keeper leagues at this point. He would be someone to jump all over, though, if an injury were to befall veteran QB Brad Johnson this season. Keep him in mind for now.
News: During the portion of Monday's practice open to the media, rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson appeared to be working exclusively with the second-team offense while Mike McMahon worked with the third team. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Vikings head coach Brad Childress does not appear to have given up on McMahon but hopes to see improvement during the remainder of the preseason.
Analysis: Despite his meteoric rise during the preseason, Jackson is only worth a late-round pick in keeper leagues at this point.
News: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Jackson is looking more like the No. 2 quarterback for the Vikings than veteran Mike McMahon. "I just wasn't comfortable out there. I probably need to relax and just trust the offense," McMahon said of his performance in Saturday's preseason game at Pittsburgh. "It's just a thing where next time I'll have to do better. I can't worry or try to think about where I stand with [coaches] now."
Analysis: Jackson got a chance to run with the first- and second-team offense and that was reportedly due to the fact the Vikings wanted to see what he could do against stiffer competetition. This might mean absolutely nothing, too, but McMahon was benched in the fourth quarter because he was playing so poorly. Jackson was 9-of-11 for 80 yards and a touchdown, while McMahon was 1-of-7 for 42 yards and an interception. Each was sacked once. Despite his meteoric rise during the preseason, Jackson is only worth a late-round pick in keeper leagues at this point.
News: Jackson, making his NFL debut, came into Monday's preseason game against the Raiders and was impressive. He completed 7-of-13 for 60 yards and led the Vikings in rushing with 36 yards on three carries.
Analysis: The former Alabama State quarterback was nabbed in the second round of April's NFL draft and he wants to prove he belongs. His work ethic is already impressing coaches and teammates, and the ball zips out of his hand with more authority than any other QB in camp. Consider Jackson a late-round pick in deeper keeper leagues.
News: Head coach Brad Childress announced his quarterback rotation for Monday's preseason game at Oakland. Johnson will play in the first quarter, with Mike McMahon playing a portion of the second. McMahon will then be followed by Tarvaris Jackson, who will play into the third quarter. J.T. O'Sullivan will finish the game up.
Analysis: Jackson is excited to get his first NFL action. The former Alabama State quarterback was nabbed in the second round of April's NFL draft and he wants to prove he belongs. His work ethic is already impressing coaches and teammates, and the ball zips out of his hand with more authority than any other QB in camp. Consider Jackson a late-round pick in deeper keeper leagues.
News: Tarvaris Jackson, a little-known QB from Division I-AA Alabama State, is out to show the 2006 QB class doesn't end after the first round. The anonymity suits Jackson just fine. "I really don't even look into that stuff," he said. "The Vikings drafted me and that's all that I concentrate on -- me and my teammates. The rest of that stuff, that's the media stuff. I don't really get caught up in that stuff." Jackson started his college career at Arkansas, but transferred back to Alabama State after one season because Matt Jones, now a receiver for the Jaguars, was firmly entrenched as the Razorbacks' starting QB. He threw for 7,893 yards and 67 touchdowns in three seasons with the Hornets certainly was impressive.
Analysis: On draft day, the Vikings pounced on Jackson at the end of the second round despite most projections he would be a second-day pick at best. With the 37-year-old Brad Johnson in Minnesota, Jackson shouldn't have to wait too long. "You say, 'Well, is Tarvaris Jackson the quarterback of the future?'" coach Brad Childress said. "In a perfect world, that would be the plan. How soon? Next year? Don't know. We'll watch, and we'll watch Brad as he goes along, too." For now, Jackson is content learning from Johnson. "It feels good being beside a guy who has won a Super Bowl," Jackson said. "When you get in, you try to pick his brain and learn as much as possible from him." His work ethic is already impressing coaches and teammates, and the ball zips out of his hand with more authority than any other QB in camp. Consider Jackson a late-round pick in deeper keeper leagues.
News: The Vikings signed QB Tarvaris Jackson, one of their second-round draft picks, to a four-year contract. He is expected to compete for the No. 2 QB job in camp, but it's likely that he will spend 2006 as the emergency/No. 3 QB for Minnesota. A surprise pick from Alabama State at 64th overall, Jackson was the fifth quarterback taken in this year's draft. He finished his three-season career ranked seventh in Southwestern Athletic Conference history with 67 touchdown passes. "Tarvaris understands that every rep is important at training camp, and we're glad he's on board as camp starts," head coach Brad Childress said.
Analysis: This is someone worth keeping an eye on in keeper leagues only since he'll have limited playing time in 2006 unless Brad Johnson or Mike McMahon get hurt. The knock on him is that despite having some good tools to be a pro QB, his mechanics and foot work need a lot of attention. He'll get that from Childress, who probably hand-picked Jackson to be a potential QB of the future for Minnesota. This will come off as being tacky, but Jackson could be groomed to fit into the Donovan McNabb type of player (they share some qualities, and Childress is obviously familiar with McNabb from his days in Philadelphia). Consider taking Jackson as a late-round pick in all keeper leagues.
News: The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Vikings rookie QB Tarvaris Jackson was impressive in his first minicamp with the team. "He has a really strong arm. He has a gun," WR Koren Robinson said. "I like him. He's really impressive. I'm impressed with his demeanor. I'm impressed with his knowledge of the offense."
Analysis: The Vikings have made it known that Jackson will not be rushed. He's expected to serve as the team's emergency quarterback in 2006 behind Brad Johnson and Mike McMahon. He's not draftable in seasonal Fantasy leagues but should be a middle- to late-round pick in dynasty keeper drafts.
