Week 1 vs. New Orleans Saints
Adam Thielen had a breakout season in 2016, seemingly coming out of nowhere to lead the Vikings in receiving yards (967). He also had the most touchdowns (5) of any receiver in Minnesota.
He'll look to continue that success in Week 1 of 2017 with a favorable matchup against the Saints. Thielen has the ability to have big games, as he had three 100-yard performances last year, including a 202-yard effort.
There's some risk in playing Thielen, but if you're using him as a WR3 then you should feel comfortable playing him in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
Adam Thielen arrived out of nowhere last year in his third season in the NFL. He finished with a team-leading 967 receiving yards on 69 receptions. He was the team’s big-play receiver as he had 16 plays of 20 yards or more on the season. He managed to finish the season with big numbers, despite only averaging 5.8 targets per game. Heading into 2017, Thielen enters as the No. 2 option behind Stefon Diggs.
Fantasy Downside
A lot of Thielen’s numbers are inflated due to an insane 12-catch, 202-yard, 2-touchdown game against the Packers late in the season. We’re likely not going to see that type of game from him again, and if you take that performance away, Thielen’s overall numbers don’t look quite as strong. Also, Thielen may be the No. 2 receiver, but he’s behind Kyle Rudolph and potentially even Dalvin Cook in terms of looks from the quarterback.
2017 Bottom Line
Thielen has some upside and is worth a late-round pick in fantasy drafts, but don’t expect another season like last year. This is a run-first team, and Thielen is at least the No. 3 option in the passing game. There’s always a chance he recaptures last season’s magic, and if so, then he’s worth a roster spot, but it’s better to realize it’s unlikely to happen.
Week 17 vs. Chicago
Adam Thielen broke out last week against the Packers with 202 yards on 12 receptions with Stefon Diggs out. Diggs will likely miss another week, which means Thielen becomes the top receiving threat for Minnesota.
He won't get a dream matchup against the Bears, but Chicago has been involved in big offensive battles in recent weeks, so there's a chance Thielen finds success. We like the breakout player as a low-end WR1 play against Chicago.
Week 15 vs. Indianapolis
Adam Thielen is starting to make a name for himself, as he led the team in receiving yards (101) last week. He's not too far behind Stefon Diggs in receiving yards on the season, and he even has more touchdowns than his more well-known counterpart.
Thielen will look to continue his success this week against the Colts. Indy has been a bit stingier towards wideouts in recent weeks, but we still like Thielen as a WR3 play.
Week 14 vs. Jacksonville
Adam Thielen has remained a steady contributor over recent weeks, even with Stefon Diggs in-and-out of the lineup. He hasn't been a star, and there's a level of discomfort that comes with playing him.
Thielen won't be a terrible option, but he does get a tough matchup this week. It's safe to expect him to produce similar stats as he's had, but considering the matchup, he'll probably put up lower numbers.
He should be viewed as a WR5 at best.
Week 13 vs. Dallas
Adam Thielen saw 11 targets and caught eight passes for 53 yards last week with Stefon Diggs out. Diggs will likely return on Thursday, which means it's unlikely we'll see similar production from Thielen against the Cowboys.
The second-leading receiver on the team will get a favorable matchup against the Cowboy this week, however, so he may have some value. He's a risky play, but he'd be a decent WR4 or WR5 option if you need help.
Week 12 vs. Detroit
Adam Thielen now has a touchdown catch in back-to-back games, which means he's a viable fantasy option. He won't be a great play in this offense, which can struggle at times, but he's not a terrible pick.
Thielen should be viewed as a WR4 heading into a decent matchup against the Lions. He had success in his last game against Detroit this season, catching four passes for 68 yards.
Week 11 vs. Arizona
Adam Thielen has had some big games this season, but he hasn't been impressive lately. He should be off the fantasy football radar, especially this week against the Cardinals.
Week 10 vs. Washington
Adam Thielen has become a decent WR2 for Minnesota, but as long as Diggs is healthy, his ceiling will be capped. Minnesota is a run-first team, and doesn't end up with many passing yards to be distributed amongst the wideouts. Thielen is nothing more than a WR4.
Week 9 vs. Detroit
Adam Thielen has been relevant in a few games this season, but overall he's not very reliable. He has a favorable matchup this week against the Lions, but any receiver not named Stefon Diggs is hard to trust in Minnesota. He's a risky play only worth a shot in deeper leagues.
