- - Should you draft Jordan Addison in fantasy? Suspension news, outlook for Vikings WR

Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY August 27, 2025 at 1:55 AM

Should you draft Jordan Addison in fantasy? Suspension news, outlook for Vikings WR

Finding value picks is critical to having success in fantasy football. Could Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison emerge as one of those mid-round sleepers in 2025?

Addison has enjoyed two quality seasons to start his NFL career with the Vikings. He hasn't yet eclipsed 1,000 yards in a single season, but he has 20 total touchdowns across his first 32 games. The 2023 first-round pick is still just 23 years old, so there is room for him to take another leap forward.

However, some fantasy managers may be scared of Addison in 2025. He is set to miss the first three games of the 2025 NFL season because of a suspension and will have to quickly get into a rhythm with a new starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, upon his return.

Will Addison's talent outweigh the obstacles he is facing, or will he struggle to live up to his average draft position (ADP) in fantasy this season? Here's the fantasy outlook for Addison and a verdict about whether and when to consider drafting him.

2025 POSITION RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST | Overall

Should you draft Jordan Addison in fantasy?

Drafting Addison is a mild risk, but it's one that most fantasy managers should be willing to tolerate.

Why? While Addison is set to miss the first three weeks of the 2025 NFL season, he isn't injured. He is simply suspended for violating the NFL's Substances of Abuse policy, a punishment that stems from a 2024 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Addison's absence will be less-than-ideal for fantasy managers in the first few weeks of the season. Still, he's healthy, and that should allow him to hit the ground running in Week 4. Upon his return, he will immediately reinsert himself into the conversation as a weekly WR2 or WR3 in fantasy football.

It's worth noting Addison missed the first two games of the 2024 NFL season with an ankle injury. He still finished as a top-20 fantasy receiver, so his current status as the 36th-rated wide receiver in FantasyPros ADP could make him a solid value pick.

That said, it's fair to wonder whether there will be a slight decline in Addison's performance given the Vikings' quarterback change. Second-year pro J.J. McCarthy is entering his first season as a starter, and Minnesota could ease him into action by employing a run-heavy offense to start the campaign.

The good news is that sort of arrangement wouldn't have a major effect on Addison if he isn't on the field for the first three weeks. But if it continues throughout the year, that could eat into his overall production.

The Vikings ranked just 17th in passing attempts per game last season (32.7) with Sam Darnold as their starter. Any sort of further decline in opportunities could cause Addison to take a slight step back from his career average of 6.5 targets per game. That would keep him firmly among the WR3 tier in 2025.

Even so, the 23-year-old has plenty of upside and should get open often working across from Justin Jefferson. That makes him a worthwhile pick across all formats. Just make sure you grab another solid receiver to play in Addison's stead during his three-week absence.

Verdict: Don't fear Addison because of his suspension. He may see a slight decline in overall production because of Minnesota's offensive changes, but once he's on the field, he should be in your starting lineup weekly. Target him in Rounds 6-8 of your fantasy drafts but make sure you invest in a solid backup receiver to play during the first three games of the 2025 NFL season.

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