on running backs Don Jackson and Knile Davis to see if

MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota Vikings trickled into the residence hall for their two-week training camp stay, toting the usual duffel bags, electronic gadgets and mattress pads.Coach Mike Zimmer came with a contract extension.The Vikings announced Thursday theyve added to Zimmers deal, rewarding their revered coach well before his contract status ever became a headline and further galvanizing an organization already buzzing with anticipation of the season and the future.General manager Rick Spielman declined to disclose the terms of the deal, revealed when the Vikings reported to Minnesota State University, but Zimmers original contract was not close to expiring. Zimmer even said he saw no rush to address it, entering his third season on the job.They really didnt have to. There was nothing that was pushing this deal, Zimmer said. But I feel very, very fortunate to be the coach of the Vikings. Its a great organization, a lot of great people.Talks took place over the past month between Spielman and Zimmers agent, Marvin Demoff.Our ownership, myself, the entire organization felt very strongly about getting something done with coach Zimmer, Spielman said.We have so much excitement building up with the new facility, the new practice facility, and I know how strongly we feel about coach Zimmer in leading this football team in the future.The ribbon has been cut at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. Next week, theyll break ground on new suburban headquarters. Coming off an 11-5 regular-season finish that earned them the NFC North title, the team has plenty of momentum. Now the power structure has even more stability.I can tell you, in my 26 years in the NFL, I have not had the experience and the cohesiveness with a head coach as I do with coach Zimmer, Spielman said.Zimmer, a long-time defensive coordinator for Dallas and Cincinnati who got his first opportunity to be a head coach with Minnesota at age 57.Hes 18-14, with one loss in the playoffs. Only Dennis Green, with 20, had more wins in his first two seasons as coach of the Vikings.I dont want to oversimplify it because I think hes done a lot of things, safety Harrison Smith said, finally settling on a favorite: Really, just the get-it-done attitude. Theres no excuses for anything. Its either you got it done or you didnt get it done, and guys really enjoy that. Because its just straightforward, and you know where you stand, and that allows you to get better.Both sons of football coaches, Spielman and Zimmer have been in step from the beginning. Spielman is the boss, but Zimmer said theyve hardly had any disagreements about decisions regarding the roster.Were kind of like the odd couple. Hes messy, and Im the clean one, Zimmer said, before his tone turned serious. Its been a real good relationship, and Im looking forward to more.Zimmer is the kind of coach who can keep a team carrying high expectations appropriately grounded. Supplementing his own brand of defiance, fueled by all those head coach positions he interviewed for but didnt get, Zimmer has rarely missed an opportunity to prod his players by slapping the doubt card down on the table.Deep passing and the kicking game are the biggest questions surrounding this team, not the danger of complacency.When you have a lot of good people, guys who work hard, all the things that Ive been saying about this team, I think its easy, Zimmer said.Throughout his first two seasons, Zimmer often said half-jokingly in response to queries about the future that he wasnt sure whether hed be around for it. He once dismissed a question from a team official about the color of the wood in the new stadium locker room: I said, `Heck, I dont know if Im going to be here for the new stadium.Here he is, with the Aug. 28 exhibition opener against San Diego a month away.Thats what pushes me, that someone else can come and take my job or we dont play as good as we can play or proving people wrong, the 60-year-old Zimmer said. Thats just my mentality.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Cheap College Jerseys China . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. Authentic NFL Jerseys . Any real chance at payback wont come until the playoff. Still, Pittsburgh knows its taut 3-2 win over the Bruins on Wednesday night is a pretty good place to start laying the groundwork. "They are a very good defensive team," Penguins forward Brandon Sutter said. http://www.wholesaleauthenticjerseys.cc/ . One game after a miserable showing in Oklahoma City, Gay tied a career high with 41 points and the Sacramento Kings cruised to a 114-97 victory at the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. China Jerseys Cheap . Nathan MacKinnon, Jamie McGinn and Jan Hejda also scored for the Avalanche, who won despite being outshot 38-23. MacKinnons goal, also on the power play, came with just over a minute remaining. Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. The next two weeks are going to make fantasy football players earn their spots in the standings, with six teams on byes each of the next two weeks.Fantasy owners will have to plan very well to fill in for many of their idle starters, and some injuries wont make things any easier.Before you start stressing out, though, we are here to help you navigate through the daunting seas of Week 8. If you are well prepared, the bye storm wont take your team down and it will eventually pass.QB HELPFantasy owners looking for QB help this week seem to be taking to Jets passer Ryan Fitzpatrick as a friendly streaming option -- a choice for this week, not as someone you would regularly play. Clevelands 29th-ranked pass defense has allowed an NFL-high 18 TD tosses. But the Browns also have the AFCs worst run defense, and the Jets may elect to ride Matt Forte heavily as well. Fitzpatricks struggles have come this year when he has been asked to carry the offense. Look for the Jets to establish the ground game to open up things for Fitzpatrick. He doesnt have tremendous upside this week, but can provide solid numbers if you need a plug-in. Just dont start him over a more regularly reliable QB. Josh McCown returns for Cleveland, and is a viable one week play too -- the Jets pass defense ranks 26th in the league.WILSON EXPECTATIONSRussell Wilson has certainly not looked like himself recently, as health concerns have prevented him from being his usual nimble self. A matchup with the Saints 30th ranked pass defense would seem to be a must-start matchup for Wilson in most instances, but right now, he is no sure thing as an easier target with mediocre blocking. Still, you have to use him because his playmakers can ensure he at least has a decent outing. Doug Baldwin is a must start and Jimmy Graham is facing his former team. One guy you may want to avoid as a bye week fill-in, however, is Tyler Lockett. Regardless of matchup, he does not look like his usual self, as a knee issue has seemingly robbed him of some of his burst and explosion. A recent thigh problem wont help his matters, either.RB HELPDont hesitate to turn to Minnesota running back Matt Asiata. He is the Vikings clear TD runner of choice in short yardage situations, and Chicago has allowed 10 rushing scores. The situations in Detroit and Washington also bear heavy watching from those looking for running back fill-ins. Theo Riddick may return from an ankle injury for the Lions and should immediately be plugged back into point-per-reception lineups. Rookie Dwayne Washington may get some work between the tackles and TD opportunities. Robert Kelley may take over as the starter for the hurting and fumble-prone Matt Jones, and Chris Thompson could see a healthy amount of touches for PPR players as the teams clear receiver of choice out of the backfield.BRYANT BACKDez Bryant is expected to return from aa knee injury this week against the Eagles.dddddddddddd. Philadelphia has the third-best pass defense in the NFC, but you have to get Bryant back into your lineup, even if your expectations may be somewhat tempered. Dak Prescott showed a real willingness to get him the ball in scoring and contested situations in the preseason and early in the regular season. His return, however, does not mean you should expect too much less from Cole Beasley, as Prescott has developed a real affinity for him as a safer target on key passing downs.TAMPA BAY VS. OAKLANDThe Tampa Bay offense becomes a very interesting source fantasy production against the Raiders, who have the leagues worst pass defense and the fifth-worst run defense. Of course, Jacquizz Rodgers is a definite start, but with his 5-6, 205 pound frame, the Buccaneers should not continue to use him as a workhorse and you may see the more bulky Peyton Barber get some work, too. Barber is worth consideration as a desperation play. Russell Shepard caught five passes for 77 yards and a TD last week and is a nifty fill-in at WR this week. TE Cameron Brate always has TD potential and Jameis Winston is an obvious QB streamer.TY ELIGIBILITYIf you play in an ESPN league, you should note that Ty Montgomery is now eligible at running back, giving you some extra flexibility, especially when you need to cover byes. The Packers play the Falcons, who have the worst pass defense in the NFC. This is an opportunity for Jordy Nelson to at least get back into the end zone. Davante Adams enjoyed a career outing last week against Chicago, and while he is unreliable as a third WR in the Green Bay passing game, you have to lock him in this week. Keep a watch on running backs Don Jackson and Knile Davis to see if either player emerges.HOPE FOR HOUSTON?While Houston wideouts have been frustrating, you can start DeAndre Hopkins with some confidence and also get big-play threat Will Fuller back into your lineup. The Lions have the leagues 23rd-ranked pass defense and are tied with the Browns with an NFL-high 18 TD passes allowed. The Texans are starting to make a real effort to get Hopkins more involved.REVENGE MATCHUPSSome Fantasy analysts buy into the occasional revenge game angle when the player is good and other surrounding factors seem to contribute to the script. Seattles Graham is a key example as the Saints traded him away, but youre not going to bench him anyway. Look for New Englands Chris Hogan to enjoy his return to Buffalo as part of the powerful New England offense. Tom Brady will want to get the ex-Bill the ball in some key situations, especially for a TD opportunity or two.---This column was provided to The Associated Press by the Fantasy Sports Network, http://FNTSY.com ' ' '