I wrote several columns on pairing a beer with a Fantasy Football matchup over the past few years, but rarely on my own site.

I’ve decided to change that.

Each week, I’m going to suggest a new beer to try and preview the Monday Night Football matchup.

First, let’s start with the beer.

When I was in the liquor store, SweetWater Brewing Company’s Hash Brown caught my eye. It’s an Indian style brown ale, infused with hop hash.

It’s complex, with flavors of chocolate and caramel instantly sticking out. It is also hoppy, so there is a lot going on.

To me, this seems like the perfect beer for the fall. It has a punch of hops, but it also has a nice sweet taste.

Now on to the game…

Week 4: The Minnesota Vikings

Last year, the Vikings were successful because of Adrian Peterson and a strong defense. Teddy Bridgewater just needed to be a game manager and limit his mistakes.

The problem with that approach, though, is the team is screwed if something happens to Peterson. And it looked like this team was in big trouble after Peterson injured himself. Shaun Hill was serviceable in Week 1, leading the Vikings to a 21-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans.

But he wasn’t the quarterback who was going to get the Vikings to the playoffs.

I was skeptical of Sam Bradford, but it appears the Vikings made the right call by signing him.

He is averaging 222.8 passing yards per game, and he has thrown three touchdowns so far as the starting quarterback for Minnesota. His stats weren’t that impressive against the Carolina Panthers, but he hasn’t thrown any interceptions.

The New York Giants have surprisingly allowed the third-fewest Fantasy points per game to running backs this season, so I’m not expecting much from the committee of Jerrick McKinnon and Matt Asiata.

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tight end Kyle Rudolph should have the biggest role for the Vikings’ offense in Week 4.

Week 4: The New York Giants

The Vikings are tough on defense, and Vegas only has an Over/Under for this game set at 43 points.

Normally you would want to pair wide receivers and quarterbacks, but I think Odell Beckham will be a better play by himself than pairing him with Eli Manning.

Odell should see enough targets and record enough receptions in PPR leagues to finish as a top-12 receiver, but I don’t expect Manning to have a great performance.

I’m still starting Sterling Shepard in one of my leagues, but I am well aware that the Vikings have allowed the fifth-fewest Fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season.

It doesn’t look like Rashad Jennings will play, and Shane Vereen may be out for the year. Orleans Darkwa should be listed as the starter, but this could be a chance for rookie Paul Perkins to earn a bigger role.

Bobby Rainey could also be sprinkled in the rushing attack for Week 4.

I don’t expect there to be a lot of scoring in this game. So having a Hash Brown from SweetWater Brewing Company can help make it a little more interesting.

Categories: Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football & Beer

Tags: Beer to drink and football, Fantasy Football and Beer Advice, Football and Beer, Week 4 Fantasy Football, Week 4 MNF