Should Vikings WR Be in Fantasy Lineups Against the Eagles?

Being on the same team as Justin Jefferson, it is sometimes hard to remember a wide receiver like K.J. Osborn exists. Maybe that is harsh, but it’s true.

But in the last two years, Osborn has been able to amass over 650 yards from scrimmage and five or more touchdowns in both seasons. This includes Osborn scoring double-digit fantasy points in four of the last five games of the 2022 regular season.

But with Jefferson still being the Minnesota Vikings‘ top target and rookie first-round pick Jordan Addison now in the fold, where does Osborn fit into the equation? And, most importantly, is Osborn worth starting on our fantasy football teams as we enter Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season? Let’s dig in and find out.

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Should I Start or Sit K.J. Osborn in Fantasy This Week?

The Vikings did not have the start to the 2023 season they were expecting. Coming into Week 1 as 6-point favorites at home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota could not put it all together last Sunday. They fell to the Bucs 20-17 to start the year 0-1.

But, as always, the Vikings and Kirk Cousins tried to make things exciting for our fantasy teams with tons of pass plays to go around. Cousins threw the ball 44 times and targeted four Vikings pass catchers over five times: Justin Jefferson (12), T.J. Hockenson (9), Jordan Addison (6), and K.J. Osborn (6).

While Osborn did finish at the low end of fantasy totals, it is revealing that he is still a major part of this Vikings’ offense. But is this enough for Osborn to be a starter on our fantasy teams?

In short, Osborn is a wide receiver who could only conceivably start for your teams in the Flex position. Depending on the makeup of a given team, Osborn is probably still not better than the sixth-best wide receiver or running back option, unless you have suffered major injuries on your roster.

Osborn was clearly getting targets on Sunday, but he was still the fourth choice for Cousins. Being the fourth option on our fantasy teams is low enough, but the fourth option on a player’s NFL team really kills their fantasy odds.

Fantasy Outlook for Osborn vs. Eagles

Not only is Osborn not in a premier position for points on his team, but he is playing in a short preparation week with a tough defensive matchup. The Vikings travel to the City of Brotherly Love to fight the reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles.

While the Eagles did surrender over 300 passing yards to Mac Jones and the New England Patriots last week, they are a stout defense. Philadelphia was first in passing yards surrendered a season ago and tied for fourth in interceptions.

The reality of the situation is not great for Osborn managers. As Osborn fights for targets in his own offense, the Vikings are going to have to rely on their top playmakers to beat a great team like the Eagles. I expect a lot of Jefferson in this game, with Hockenson and Addison getting their share as well.

MORE: Fantasy Football’s Week 2 Burning Start/Sit Questions

The Vikings got destroyed by the Eagles in Week 2 a season ago in a game in which Cousins threw 46 passes and only tallied 221 yards. He had three interceptions that night. The Vikings will need to have things go a lot differently this time around if they are going to be successful.

With too many options above him on the depth chart, a tough defense to go against, and a short week before the game, I don’t expect Osborn to see much more than five targets on Thursday night. Totaling anything more than eight fantasy points would come as a surprise this week. And for this reason, I am benching him in Week 2.