Adam Thielen

Week 9 at Washington Commanders
Adam Thielen has only really been a fantasy asset this season in games where he manages to find the end zone. Thielen's season-high for yardage remains the 72 receiving yards he had back in Week 4. Thielen is now 32 years old and lacks the sort of explosiveness that leads to massive yardage games as he is much more of a low-aDOT technician than a big-play threat. Another concern for Thielen is the arrival of T.J. Hockenson via trade. While it is not yet clear exactly what role Hockenson will have in Minnesota, but he is a more established player than Irv Smith Jr. and could draw additional targets to the tight end position. Any bump for Hockenson would likely come from Thielen's share rather than that of superstar WR1 Justin Jefferson. Thielen is worth a look as a WR3, but keep in mind he will likely need a touchdown to pay off as a starter.

Week 6 at Miami Dolphins
Adam Thielen still plays on nearly every snap for the Vikings offense (95.6% share) but his production has predictably declined as he becomes less efficient with age. Thielen's yards per route run sits at a lowly 1.26 and his 8.5 aDOT is low with virtually nothing to offer after the catch. Thielen only has one touchdown on the season as he falls further and further behind Justin Jefferson in Kirk Cousins' target distribution. Thielen may still be usable in PPR leagues with bye weeks coming, but he is tough to trust as a fantasy starter right now, even with a nondescript matchup against an average Dolphins defense on deck.

Week 4 vs. New Orleans Saints (London)
Adam Thielen is playing a ton of snaps (95% share) and running a ton of routes (15th amongst WRs at 116). The only problem is all that playing time has led to little actual production through three weeks. Thielen's 17% target share is simply too low to bring consistent fantasy production, and he is currently sporting an ugly mark of 1.28 yards per route run (70th at the position). Perhaps the only saving grace for Thielen so far is the fact that he's ninth in red zone targets amongst WRs with five. Thielen found the end zone in Week 3, but it is not a good sign that his fantasy performances look like they will depend heavily on touchdowns this season. Thielen gets the mediocre Saints defense in Week 4, but he makes for no more than a shaky flex play given recent performances.