The worst fears of every Minnesota Vikings fan -- and most football fans, I presume -- were confirmed Saturday night when an MRI on Adrian Peterson 's left knee revealed a torn ACL. Sources are also reporting that Peterson tore the MCL in that knee as well. Head coach Leslie Frazier is expected to confirm that report in a press conference Monday. Needless to say, running back Toby Gerhart will start for the Vikings versus the Chicago Bears on New Year's Day.

Fantasy Analysis:

Best-case scenario: Peterson makes some sort of freakish, Welker-like recovery from his torn ACL and MCL and is ready to play next September. But given his position on the field and the style with which he plays the game, that seems very, very unlikely. A more realistic timeframe is that Peterson is ready to play 10-11 months from now, meaning he'll most likely start next season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. And even then, his knee won't be truly back to full strength until probably 2013. So, while Peterson suddenly becomes one of the more avoidable players for 2012 fantasy drafts, Gerhart's stock is on the rise. He's not flashy, but he ran with tremendous determination against the Redskins on Saturday, averaging nearly 10 yards per on 11 carries. He's an apt recevier and averaged about 13 fantasy points over the three games he started this season. Gerhart could be a great short-term answer for the Vikings, and someone who, depending on what the Vikings do in the draft and free agency, should be selected in the first half of all fantasy drafts.