(Sports Network) – Adrian Peterson has certainly lived up to his lofty draft status in fantasy leagues and is an absolute must-start, especially in a week where many leagues are beginning the playoffs. New York’s backfield split of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs could hinder the prospects of both players, however, as may a tough draw against a sturdy Minnesota run defense. Bradshaw has generally been the better option of the two this season.
Eli Manning’s value gets a nice boost with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith back in the fold, though the latter will probably see a secondary role off his long layoff and isn’t recommended. Feel free to re-insert Nicks, the Giants’ best red-zone target, into starting lineups, and Manningham has decent potential as a second receiver or flex play.
On the Minnesota side, Percy Harvin’s situation needs to be monitored up until game day, but give him the go-ahead if active, while Sydney Rice is now safe to use and should definitely be played if Harvin is again held out. There’s no reason for Brett Favre owners to sit around and wait on his status, however, as he’s no longer starting material at this point, and Tarvaris Jackson would be a huge roll of the dice. Both defenses are worthy of a lineup spot, particularly when factoring in each offense’s propensity for turnovers.