As the Los Angeles Chargers navigate a challenging season, the emergence of Kimani Vidal as a key fantasy running back has captured attention. With injuries affecting their roster, Vidal presents an opportunity for fantasy football players looking for high-volume options.
Kimani Vidal’s Rise in Fantasy Football for Week 8
In Week 6, Kimani Vidal excelled, scoring 22.8 points in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues during the Chargers’ challenging matchup without fellow running back Omarion Hampton. His performance highlighted his potential as a reliable fantasy asset, especially given the Chargers’ injury struggles.
Injury Impact on the Chargers’ Backfield
- Hassan Haskins has been ruled out for the upcoming game.
- Vidal will see increased opportunities, as his workload expands in Haskins’ absence.
- Nyheim Hines will also contribute but is not expected to match Vidal’s touches.
Offensive Line Improvements
Fortunately for the Chargers, both Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins are anticipated to start, marking a significant boost to their offensive line. This will be the first time in over a month that the starting line sees the field, excluding Rashawn Slater. A strengthened offensive line creates favorable conditions for running plays, benefiting Vidal’s fantasy outlook.
Matchup Analysis Against the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings currently rank 18th in the league for rushing yards allowed per game. They have allowed fewer average fantasy points to running backs this season, sitting at 12th fewest overall. However, this performance is likely to regress, providing an opportunity for running backs like Vidal.
Furthermore, the Chargers’ quarterback, Justin Herbert, faced intense pressure in the previous game against the Indianapolis Colts, dropping back 61 times and experiencing a season-high pressure rate of 27 times. This sets the stage for the Chargers to focus more on their ground game, utilizing Vidal extensively against a blitzing Minnesota defense.
Overall, the conditions are favorable for Kimani Vidal in Week 8. While starting a practice squad running back can be risky, Vidal’s increased role in the game plan makes him a must-start option for fantasy football players this week.
