Getting Defensive: 2024 Week 7

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the Minnesota Vikings fielded “The Purple People Eaters”— a formidable defensive front of Alan Page, Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, Gary Larsen and Doug Sutherland that helped the Vikings make it to multiple Super Bowls and put two players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Now, the 2024 Vikings defense is not that good – as a matter of fact, Minnesota has the worst pass defense in the NFC. But fantasy success on defense is all about making big plays, and the Vikings have made plenty of those – including two pick-sixes from edge-rusher Andrew Van Ginkel. And despite having already had their bye week, the Vikings are the highest-scoring defense in fantasy.

The Vikings have gone from waiver fodder to every-week starter. Not only have they been productive, but they have been consistent – double-digit fantasy points in all five games. Now, with Minnesota’s bye in the rearview mirror, fantasy managers are eager to fire the new-look Purple People Eaters up.

Except they shouldn’t until Week 8.

Speaking of blasts from the pasts, after dropping 47 points on the Cowboys last week in Dallas, the Detroit Lions have scored over 40 points in back-to-back games for the first time since 1962. The Lions are third in the NFL in total offense and are the only team in the National Football League averaging over 30 points per game. Among NFC teams, only the Washington Commanders are allowing fewer fantasy points per game to defenses this season.

Caveat Emptor doesn’t really cover it with the Vikes in Week 7.

THE NO-DOUBTERS

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. New York Jets)

The Steelers are 4-2 and tied for first place in the AFC North – and it isn’t because the offense is lighting up the scoreboard. Edge-rusher T.J. Watt seemingly makes multiple big plays every week, whether it’s sacking the quarterback, forcing a fumble or a combo platter of both. The Jekyll-and-Hyde Jets looked better Monday night than they have in recent weeks, but the offensive line has had…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/getting-defensive-2024-week-7-065258957.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-15 06:52:58

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