Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings and defensive end Everson Griffen agreed on a revised contract Thursday afternoon that will keep the 31-year-old in Minnesota for at least one more season. While the official numbers aren’t yet known, it is believed that Griffen will make around $8 million in 2019. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: Griffen was likely to be released had he not been open to a revised contract. The two sides were able to strike a deal before Griffen’s previous $10.9 million in salary became guaranteed at 3 p.m. Central time Thursday. Griffen missed five games in 2018 due to mental health issues. He was hospitalized after an incident that required police intervention but was able to return to the team after several weeks. Griffen finished the season with 5.5 sacks in 11 games.

Anthony Barr is re-signing with the Vikings on a five-year contract worth $67.5 million. (Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The deal includes $33 million in guaranteed money. It was reported yesterday that Barr was going to sign with the Jets but he apparently had a change of heart. It's a big blow to the Jets since they were going to use Barr to upgrade their pass rush. The 26-year-old linebacker totaled three sacks in 13 games last year, though Minnesota didn't use him to rush the passer all that much.

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the Saints have come to an agreement with free agent running back Latavius Murray on a four-year deal worth $14.4 million. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: He's the Mark Ingram replacement in New Orleans. For those who were holding out hope for Ingram to return to the team, this eliminates that from happening. Over the last two years with Alvin Kamara on the roster, Ingram has averaged 13.1 carries and 2.8 receptions per game, so it's not as if Murray's walking into a backup role like the one he had with the Vikings. That's nearly 16 touches per game to a running back who's delivered whenever his name's been called. If he can cross the 200-carry threshold, Murray should be locked in as a low-end RB2 in this top-six scoring offense.

The Browns have signed DT Sheldon Richardson to a three-year deal. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Richardson, formerly with the Vikings, gives Cleveland another solid piece in the middle to play beside Larry Ogunjobi. Cleveland's defense showed flashes in 2018 and is a favorite to take a big step forward in 2019 ala the Jaguars in 2017.

Adam Thielen and the Vikings are working on a contract extension for the 28-year-old wideout. (Source: ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: Thielen signed a four-year contract prior to 2017 that pays him peanuts to what he would command now on the open market. Minnesota doesn't appear to have a problem compensating star wideouts as just last off-season they handed Stefon Diggs a five-year, $72 million deal. Thielen is owed just over $10 million combined over the next two years.

The Vikings are expected to bring back Mike Zimmer to be the team's head coach in 2019. (Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Zimmer has indicated that he's not stepping away from the team, and sources around Minnesota said they'd be shocked if Zimmer isn't back in 2019. It was a disappointing season after the team's success in 2017 and their signing of franchise QB Kirk Cousins. Given their talented core on offense, Minnesota should be able to remain competitive in 2019 with a few adjustments over the offseason, specifically addressing their OL.

Ben Gedeon racked up seven total tackles, two being solo efforts, during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Bears.

Fantasy Impact: Ben Gedeon is one to watch in most formats moving forward. Over the last five games of the season, Gedeon had 33 total tackles. He is a strong LB2 target in dynasty leagues and should have a bright future in Minnesota going into his third season next year.

Danielle Hunter ended the season on a low note only racking up three total tackles during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Bears.

Fantasy Impact: Hunter finished the last two games of the season with five total tackles and no sacks. However, Hunter was a force to be reckoned with this season totaling 14.5 sacks and 71 total tackles. His ability to sack the QB will keep him in the DL1 tier in most formats.

Harrison Smith ended up with six solo tackles during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Bears.

Fantasy Impact: Smith finished second on the team in total tackles with 84 for the season. He also ended the year with three interceptions, three sacks, and one forced fumble. He is still an S1 in dynasty formats moving forward.

Holton Hill finished Sunday's loss to the Bears with seven total tackles, six being solo efforts.

Fantasy Impact: Hill is an excellent IDP target for dynasty formats. He finished his rookie year with 33 total tackles and one interception. Hill should be a force for the Vikings for years to come.

Dan Bailey made a 45-yard field goal on his only attempt during the 24-10 loss to the Bears in Week 17.

Fantasy Impact: Bailey converted 21-of-28 field goal attempts after getting picked up by the team prior to Week 3. He should have a job with some team again next season and will likely be a viable fantasy option.

Kyle Rudolph had four receptions for 19 yards on five targets in the Vikings loss to the Bears in Week 17.

Fantasy Impact: Rudolph was unable to follow up on his big game last week as he fell below 40 yards for the fourth time in the last five games. He finished the season with 64 receptions for 634 yards and four TDs. The touchdown production was the biggest disappointment as it was his lowest mark since the 2014 season.

Stefon Diggs had a team-high eight receptions for 47 yards on 10 targets during the 24-10 loss to the Bears. He scored on a two-yard hookup with Kirk Cousins in the third quarter for the Vikings only touchdown of the game.

Fantasy Impact: Diggs had a successful campaign finishing with 102 receptions for 1,021 yards and nine TDs which were all career-high marks for the fourth year WR. He will look to build on this season in his second year with Kirk Cousins and should remain an early round draft pick in fantasy leagues.

Dalvin Cook had 11 carries for 39 yards and four receptions for 21 yards on five targets during the 24-10 loss to the Bears.

Fantasy Impact: Cook only played in 11 games during his second season in the league. He finished the campaign with 133 carries for 615 yards (4.62 YPC) with two TDs. He also became a significant part of the passing game with 40 receptions for 305 yards and two TD receptions. Cook needs to stay healthy for a full season to realize his fantasy draft position next year.

Kirk Cousins completed 20-of-33 passes for 132 yards during the 24-10 loss to the Bears in Week 17. He threw one touchdown pass on a two-yard hookup with Stefon Diggs in the third quarter.

Fantasy Impact: Cousins had a solid first season with the Vikings. He set a new career-high with the 30 TD passes and finished the year with 4,298 yards. Cousins also threw at least one TD pass in all 16 games. He should be a borderline QB1 heading into drafts next season.

Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (groin) is officially inactive for Sunday’s game against the Bears. (Source: Minnesota Vikings )

Fantasy Impact: Rhodes missed both Wednesday and Thursday practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. The Vikings can clinch a Wild Card berth with a win over the Bears or an Eagles loss to the Redskins.

Eric Wilson finished Sunday's 27-9 win over the Lions with seven total tackles and his second sack of the season.

Fantasy Impact: Eric Wilson was playing in place of Eric Kendricks who was out with a hamstring injury on Sunday. If Kendricks sits again, Wilson is worth a look for any Week 17 IDP Championships.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting Vikings WR Laquon Treadwell (healthy scratch) is inactive for Week 16. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Treadwell is a healthy scratch ass the Vikings will activate WR Chad Beebe in Week 16. The former first-round pick's time with the Vikings might be wrapping up.

Vikings defensive lineman Linval Joseph popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a knee injury. He did not participate in practice. (Source: Ben Goessling on Twitter )

Fantasy Impact: It’s not clear when he suffered the injury or if he will miss any time beyond Thursday’s session. Friday’s final injury report should provide a better indication of his status for Sunday. Joseph has 52 tackles and one sack in 13 games this season.

Eric Kendricks racked up six total tackles and his first sack of the year during Sundays win over Miami.

Fantasy Impact: Kendricks has been an absolute beast this season leading the Vikings in total tackles with 108 through Week 15. He is an LB1 every week and should be started as one in most formats.