"The Next Jon Kitna?"

I intended to write this article last week but the forerunners of the "Kelly Holcomb Sweepstakes" was Atlanta up until a few days ago.

Drew Stanton was released shortly after the Vikings received their potential starting quarterback from the Philadelphia Eagles late yesterday. I realize that Tavaris Jackson is still listed as the number 1 starter on the Vikings roster, but that can't last beyond Week 2, surpassing Brooks Bollinger (No. 2) with minimal effort.

This is a solid move for the Vikings considering their lack of solid quarterback (not to say that Holcomb necessarily is, but better than what they had prior to his arrival). Minnesota needed someone with experience in handling the pressures of the everyday quarterback life...Holcomb is not the best candidate overall, but definitely the best of the available back-ups around the league. (Heck, New England is going with Vinny Testaverde, who is easily approaching his mid-40s)

This is not the only move made by the Viking organization in the last 10 days. The also received the number 3 wide receiver out of Green Bay, Robert Fergueson. Although he isn't guaranteed to make the squad, He and Sidney Rice will compete for the third wide receiver slot. I believe that he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, especially in Green Bay when Driver and Jennings were injured.

These moves lend the Vikings to at least two more wins, which brings the total to four (Lions twice, Giants, Chiefs). That puts them at an abysmal 4 -12 in my predictions. This will give them a great opportunity to bring in a young gun-slinger next season and really get this team prepared for the future. With Adrian Peterson, Chester TaylorTroy Williamson, Nate Burleson, and Sidney Rice, this team is just one arm short of being a competitor for years to come.

What is the fantasy impact? I believe that if Kelly can learn the offense quickly, he could start Week 3 against the Kansas City Chiefs (battle of the back-ups? Holcomb vs. Huard). With Williamson, Burleson and either Rice or Furgueson, this team might be able to put up more points then most believe they are capable of...especially if the collarbone of Peterson holds up and Taylor can have similar, if not better numbers than last year.

The defense is ranked in the top 10 (fantasy-wise) and will contribute to potential wins in Green Bay (Week 4 & 10), Oakland (Week 11), and Washington (Week 16)...that is if Holcomb starts and not Jackson or Bollinger.

Kerry Holcomb can be a waiver-wire candidate, as well as Robert Fergueson, if he can learn the offense and remain healthy (injury prone, as most WR are). If nothing else, this makes the Minnesota Defense/Special Teams increase in fantasy value as they have a potential now to put up more consistent points, allowing them to be more aggressive [not playing from behind.]

Who Benefits: No doubt, the running backs (Taylor, Peterson), but additionally, Troy Williamson should shoot up your fantasy cheat sheets (from 60-70 to 40-50) as his touches seem more likely with Holcomb at the helm. Lastly, consider Minnesota a great sleeper at the defensive/special teams (7 overall).

Statistocrat