Adrian Peterson will definitely be one of the first players to be drafted this year after having such a stellar freshman season.  Two factors do worry me this year which one could possibly be alleviated some in the upcoming NFL Draft.  One, the Vikings are very weak at quarterback.  I like Tavarus Jackson but he did very little last season to help get some attention off of Adrian Peterson.  A little more of a balanced attack and I think we could see even more greatness from Peterson.  The Vikings could draft a QB with their late first round pick but even if they do its doubtful he’ll be ready to start, and could be even more of a liability than Jackson.  Two, the Vikings have the toughest schedule out of any team in the NFC.  This bodes for a tough season even if the Vikings hit the ground running so to speak on Week 1 as I’m sure they will.  I’ll be watching the Vikings a lot this season as I think Peterson is destined for the Hall of Fame (of course I was one of those who ran out and purchased that Cadillac out in Tampa who turned out to be a lemon, so don’t take my word as gospel), however I will be very surprised if they squeeze out anything better than an 8-8 season.

One important fantasy note, if you are the proud owner of Adrian Peterson, you might want to buy some insurance in the name of Chester Taylor.  Peterson had that one somewhat minor injury last season, but you never really know.  And Taylor was a fantasy stud when Peterson couldn’t play.  I felt bad for Taylor, he reminded me of the old pro in that controversial ESPN fictional miniseries about football all its glory and its ugly underbelly, Playmakers.

2008 NFL Draft Picks (ESPN’s Grade: B) 

1. FS Tyrell Johnson Arkansas State

2. QB John David Booty USC

3. DT Letroy Guion Florida State

4. C John Sullivan Norte Dame

5. WR Jaymar Johnson Jackson State

2008 Schedule

• Week 1- Sep 8 @Green Bay 7:00pm
• Week 2- Sep 14 Indianapolis 1:00pm
• Week 3- Sep 21 Carolina 1:00pm
• Week 4- Sep 28 @Tennessee 1:00pm
• Week 5- Oct 6 @New Orleans 8:30pm
• Week 6- Oct 12 Detroit 1:00pm
• Week 7- Oct 19 @Chicago 1:00pm
• Week 8- BYE
• Week 9- Nov 2 Houston 1:00pm
• Week 10- Nov 9 Green Bay 1:00pm
• Week 11- Nov 16 @Tampa Bay 1:00pm
• Week 12- Nov 23 @Jacksonville 1:00pm
• Week 13- Nov 30 Chicago 8:15pm
• Week 14- Dec 7 @Detroit 1:00pm
• Week 15- Dec 14 @Arizona 4:05pm
• Week 16- Dec 21 Atlanta 1:00pm
• Week 17- Dec 28 N.Y. Giants 1:00pm