Most fantasy leagues end in Week 16, for good reason. With so many games meaningless in Week 17, and usually up to 7-8 teams locked into playoff spots with no way to hurt or improve their playoff positioning, a lot of guys sit out. As will apparently be the case with Minnesota.
According to this report, the Vikings are leaning toward resting their starters in a meaningless Week 17 game against Chicago. No Dalvin Cook, obviously, since he's hurt, but also no Kirk Cousins, Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and maybe Kyle Rudolph. They didn't win the NFC North, but they're essentially taking a bye anyway.
Minnesota's starting quarterback should be Sean Mannion. The backfield will probably be Mike Boone and Ameer Abdullah. Laquon Treadwell and Bisi Johnson will likely be the main wideouts. Gonna make for some awesome Sunday viewing for fans who spent big on those tickets.
Other news and notes:
Antonio Brown is working out for New Orleans. The league is still investigating Brown regarding off-field allegations, and isn't giving a timetable for concluding its investigation. If Brown were to be signed, he'd likely be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Anyone who thinks Brown might step on the field for the Saints this postseason is probably mistaken.
Zach Ertz (ribs) hopes to play for Philadelphia, but at best he'd be limited. Jordan Howard, though, should return for the Eagles. Both players are discussed in the Weekly, released this afternoon.
The Falcons are bringing back coach Dan Quinn for another year, and Raheem Morris will be the defensive coordinator. Morris has been serving in that role the second half of the season, and the Atlanta defense has been much better; should have been there all along, it's fair to say.
Leonard Fournette (neck) didn't practice on Thursday. In the event he winds up inactive, Ryquell Armstead would be an interesting Week 17 fill-in.
--Andy Richardson