Week 2 at Green Bay Packers
Adam Thielen was Kirk Cousins' go-to man in Week 1, receiving a team-high 12 targets. He turned those targets into six receptions for 102 yards. If Thielen continues to get this many looks from Cousins, then he may end up being the better choice between the two star Vikings wideouts.
This week Thielen travels to Green Bay to face a somewhat favorable Packers defense. He had one good game and one bad game a season ago against them, which is the sort of balance Thanos likes to see, but not necessarily fantasy owners. Nevertheless, we like Thielen as a strong WR2 option.
Week 1 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Adam Thielen had a career-year in 2017, catching 91 passes for 1,276 yards and 4 touchdowns. His season will be worth watching as we don't expect him to receive quite as many targets as he did a year ago, but with an improved passer at QB in Kirk Cousins, he may be able to become more efficient with his looks.
He should start off the season on a strong note against a favorable 49ers defense. San Francisco was among the league's worst defending the pass a year ago. Thielen should be viewed as a low-end WR1 option this week.
Fantasy Upside
Adam Thielen caught people’s attention in 2016 before fully breaking out in 2017 as fantasy’s ninth-highest scoring WR. His 143 targets, 91 receptions, and 1,276 yards led the Vikings, and he’ll look to continue to be a major threat with an upgraded QB in Kirk Cousins. He was also fairly consistent last year, averaging 9.6 fantasy points per game.
Fantasy Downside
Minnesota brought in Kendall Wright, who could eat into Thielen’s 143 targets, especially some of those middle-of-the-field routes. Dalvin Cook returns as well, and he has proven to be a valuable asset as a receiver. Thielen was also ineffective as a red zone threat last year, catching just five of his 17 targets, finishing with four total touchdowns.
2018 Bottom Line
If Thielen can improve in the red zone and get his touchdown numbers up, it would really make up for some of the lost production he may face as Minnesota’s offense adapts with a new playcaller. He’s proven to be a tough receiver to stop and could be even more dangerous with Cousins under center. You can expect Thielen to come off the board in about the third round of fantasy drafts.
NFC Conference Championship at Philadelphia Eagles
Adam Thielen missed practice earlier in the week, but soon returned so we wouldn't worry about that too much. Thielen finished with 74 yards on 6 catches (9 targets) last week as he continues to be effective while Stefon Diggs becomes the main attraction.
Thielen gets the best matchup of any receiver this week, and when you combine that with his talent, you get a top-three receiver. It's rare to get this late into the playoffs with a favorable matchup, so you should take advantage of it and ride with Thielen.
Divisional Round vs. Saints
Adam Thielen was never really bad in 2017, but the end of his season wasn't nearly as exciting as the middle of the season. From Week 8 to Week 14, Thielen averaged 105 yards and scored four times in six games.
He had other big performances outside that stretch as well, including Week 1 when he faced the Saints, who he'll face this week. In the early-season matchup, Thielen had 157 yards on 9 catches. We don't expect that performance again this week, but it just goes to show Thielen won't necessarily be locked down in this game.
Thielen should be viewed as one of the top options this week in fantasy.
Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings have been airing it out less these last two games, which has led to down performances by Adam Thielen. The last two weeks have actually been his two worst games of 2017. He's a talented wideout who can make a big play at any moment, but he hasn't been able to make those plays in these last two games.
He gets a decent matchup this week against the Bears, where we expect him to bounce back and have a better performance. Owners should view him as a WR1 choice.
Week 16 at Green Bay Packers
Adam Thielen had his worst game of 2017 with a season-low in receptions (3) and yards (30). His services weren't needed much as Minnesota jumped out to a big early lead. It was a disappointing performance, but owners shouldn't lose faith in Thielen. His numbers lately have been impressive, and he gets a great matchup this week against Green Bay.
The last time he played the Packers, he finished with 9 receptions (tied for a season-high) and 96 yards. Considering his talent, and the plus matchup, it's safe for owners to view Thielen as a WR1 this week.
Week 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Adam Thielen kept his impressive season up last week by catching 6 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. He's averaging over 100 yards per game in his last six outings and has scored 4 touchdowns in that span.
He gets a fairly tough matchup this week against the Bengals, but they're far from being a shutdown defense. Thielen should be fine, and owners should trust he continues his hot streak. He can be viewed as a WR1 this week.
Week 14 at Carolina Panthers
Adam Thielen didn't have a monster game last week, but he did lead the Vikings in receiving for the fifth week in a row. His 51 yards won't get many people excited, but he was bound to have an off-game eventually, and 51 isn't a total disaster, especially in a tough matchup.
Things get easier this week in a much better matchup against the Panthers. Carolina isn't soft, but they are on the favorable side of points allowed. Thielen should be able to bounce back this week and should be viewed as a low-end WR1.
Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons
Adam Thielen continued his strong streak last week, catching 8-of-11 targets for 89 yards. His touchdown streak ended, but he's still a solid receiver to own in fantasy football as he's just one of four receivers over 1,000 yards on the season.
He gets a tough matchup this week against the Falcons, as Atlanta has only allowed one score to a wideout in its last four games. But Thielen has faced tough competition before and ended up on top. He's too talented to sit and should be viewed as a WR1 option.
