Vensel gives Rand a chance

The final week of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest chooses a QB, RB and WR. In normal weeks, the only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest. But this week's guest — Star Tribune Vikings beat writer Matt Vensel — chose to play by the same rules as Michael Rand. Neither of them was allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 by NFL.com experts at their respective positions. Which co-host of the Access Vikings podcast (subscribe on iTunes) will win this epic battle?

QB: Kirk Cousins, Washington

NFL.com QB projection: No. 15

Matchup: Bills

Cousins, America's quarterback, has been excellent at home this season, with 1,851 passing yards and a 12-to-2 touchdown-interception differential in seven home starts. I'll bet on him keeping that going Sunday when the Redskins host the disappointing Bills defense.

RB: Denard Robinson, Jaguars

NFL.com RB projection: No. 52

He has only rushed for 196 yards, but with starter T.J. Yeldon likely out, I'll roll the dice on Robinson, who will pile up big-time points against whatever is left of the Falcons run defense.

WR: Alshon Jeffery, Bears

NFL.com WR projection: No. 12

Matchup: Vikings

Jeffery has been banged up, leading to underwhelming numbers. But when his body has been relatively right, he has produced. Plus, I don't need to remind everyone about his history vs. the Vikings.

NFL.com QB projection: No. 11

Matchup: Lions

Brees has hardly been his usual dependable fantasy QB self this season, with a few huge performances mixed in with a lot of pedestrian efforts for the Saints. That said, he's been a little more steady lately, and something tells me the Saints and Lions are going to get into a shootout.

RB: Lamar Miller, Dolphins

NFL.com RB projection: No. 12

The consensus is that Miller is a pretty good running back who is being poorly used by the Dolphins this season. So I'm putting my trust in those very coaches. I've done smarter things.

WR: Brandon Marshall, Jets

NFL.com WR projection: No. 18

Matchup: Cowboys

Marshall has been the very definition of steady this season. In every game but one, he's had either a touchdown or 100 yards. In many cases, he's had both, and his good work will continue vs. Dallas.

Loser: Jarrod Mauren — Cam Newton (23.0), Thomas Rawls (4.4), Antonio Brown (8.7). Total: 36.1.

Overall standings: Guest pickers 11-3.