Peterson could get off to a blistering start. Four of the Vikings' first five opponents averaged at least 132 yards rushing allowed in 2008. Some of those opponents, such as Green Bay, should be better. But others, such as the Lions, Browns or Rams, might not. A running back needs to average 125 yards rushing over the 16-game schedule.
Tomlinson was a little irked this offseason when Jim Brown himself declared Peterson the best running back in football. He's not the blocker and receiver Tomlinson was at 24, but he might be the better runner.
One thing Peterson, 24, does have on his side is time. Eric Dickerson and Jamal Lewis were 24 when they ran for 2K. O.J. Simpson and Terrell Davis were 26; Barry Sanders was 29.
The average rushing yards allowed last year by the teams the Vikings will face in 2009 is 1,936. That certainly gets Peterson in the ballpark. All he has to do is stay healthy and run, run, run.
"With Adrian," Vikings running backs coach Eric Bieniemy said, "anything is possible."
Contest of the week
Loyal followers (both of 'em) know that we like to hand out T-shirts to our most prescient readers. To that end, how many rushing yards will the Panthers accumulate against the Eagles? The tiebreaker will be how many DeAngelo Williams gains. Send both guesses to fantasyfootball@phillynews.com or fax to 215-854-5524 by noon Sunday. Closest wins. In the event of a tie, one winner will be chosen at random. One entry per reader, of course.
Three up
* Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: A sleeper this year, Rice should get off to a big start against the Chiefs on Sunday.
