Week 17 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Adam Thielen caught six of his eight targets for 94 yards last week in a close loss to the Packers. It was good to see Thielen back in double-digit half-PPR points after struggling for much of the second half of this season. Still, Thielen has at least six targets in all but two games this year and if the Carolina offense can end the season on a high note - building off a near-comeback last week - then Thielen could benefit.
This week, Thielen has a great matchup against the Jaguars. Jacksonville ranks 20th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers, and they were just destroyed by Mike Evans and the Tampa Bay passing attack. It’s hard to trust the Carolina passing game, but with an upward trend and a steady stream of targets, Thielen can safely be considered a WR3 option in most leagues, especially PPR formats.
Week 16 vs. Green Bay Packers
Adam Thielen caught four of his seven targets for 43 yards last week against the Falcons. The Panthers earned their second win of the season, but the offense still struggled heavily. Thielen hasn’t produced well over the second half of the season, but he’s still getting targeted. He has 20 targets over his last three games combined and continues to be the primary option for Bryce Young.
This week, Thielen faces a Green Bay defense that ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers and just got trounced by the Buccaneers. The Panthers are tough to buy into in fantasy leagues, but Thielen at least gets enough targets to warrant fantasy consideration in deeper leagues. We have him ranked as a WR3 option this week. Here’s hoping he can find his way to the end zone for a couple solid fantasy performances before Carolina puts this dreadful season behind them.
Week 15 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Adam Thielen had a better game last week against the Saints, catching five of his seven targets for 74 yards. While it wasn’t a great outing for the veteran, it was good to see him back near double-digit fantasy points after a pair of terrible fantasy games in the preceding weeks. Thielen is still clearly the main target in Carolina, and remains one of the few bright spots in the Panther offense.
This week, Thielen faces a Falcons defense that ranks 11th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. This looks like it’s going to be a miserable, low-scoring affair, and with the way the Panthers have been playing offensively, it’s hard to trust Thielen as more than a WR3 option.
Week 14 at New Orleans Saints
Adam Thielen has really struggled the last couple of games. After just two yards in Week 12, he had a mere 25 on three catches last week in what should’ve been a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers. Thielen has cooled off after scoring four touchdowns in his first six games of the season. He hasn’t found the end zone in the last six games and he only has two double-digit half-PPR performances in that span.
This week, Thielen faces a New Orleans defense that ranks fifth in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. With a tough matchup and the emergence of Jonathan Mingo, be wary with the veteran Thielen, who we have ranked as a WR3 option this week.
Week 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Adam Thielen as a legit WR1 option feels like forever ago as he just finished his fifth scoreless game and was held to season lows with one reception and just two yards in a loss to the Titans last week. Thielen should rebound, but it’s certainly concerning to see him trending downward right as the fantasy playoffs are lurking around the corner.
This week, Thielen faces a Tampa Bay defense that ranks 29th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. With a good matchup and changes in the coaching staff, there’s reason for optimism for a bounceback performance for the veteran. Start Thielen as a WR2 option this week.
Week 12 at Tennessee Titans
Adam Thielen hasn’t found the end zone the past four games after scoring four times in his first six outings, but he’s still getting heavy targets. In a dreadful loss to the Cowboys last week, Thielen caught eight of his 11 targets for 74 yards. He seems to be the only wide receiver in Carolina who can consistently get open, and he’s been rewarded with double-digit targets in six of his 10 games this year.
This week, Thielen has a great matchup against a struggling Titans defense that ranks 28th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Thielen hasn’t been putting up WR1 numbers as of late, but he gets enough targets to be considered a quality WR2 option, especially in PPR formats. Start him.
Week 11 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Adam Thielen has come back to earth a bit the past couple of weeks. He hasn’t found the end zone in three straight games and has been held to single-digit half-PPR points in each of his last two. He wound up with just 42 yards on six receptions against the Bears last week. That said, Thielen has double-digit targets in five games this year, including 10 last week. He’s been by far the most consistent player in the Carolina offense.
This week, Thielen has a tough matchup against a Dallas defense that ranks 9th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. We still have Thielen ranked as a low-end WR2, but temper expectations in a tough matchup. The Panthers are really struggling offensively, and it’s hard to predict a huge performance from anyone on their roster.
Week 10 at Chicago Bears
Adam Thielen had his worst games since the opener last week against the Colts. Despite what should’ve been a pretty good matchup, he was held to just 29 yards in a lopsided loss. Thielen was targeted six times, however, and still caught five passes, slightly salvaging his fantasy value in PPR formats.
This week, Thielen faces a Chicago defense that ranks 14th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Despite how bad the Bears have looked on defense at times this season, their secondary hasn’t been terrible. Thielen should still see a heavy dose of targets, however, making him a high-floor fantasy option. We have him ranked as a low-end WR1 this week.
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Adam Thielen has been a great addition for the Panthers this season. He had 72 yards on eight catches against the Texans last week, and he now has double-digit targets in four of his last five outings. Thielen is easily the most trusted receiver in Carolina and is looked to early and often in every game.
Thielen is a must-start again this week in a fantastic matchup against the Colts. Indianapolis ranks 25th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers, and Thielen should have no trouble getting consistent volume again. Look for another high probability at the end zone and another WR1 performance from the veteran. Start him.
Week 8 vs. Houston Texans
Adam Thielen continued his resurgent season against the Dolphins before the bye last week, catching 11 balls for 115 yards and his fourth touchdown of the season. He’s clearly the primary target in this offense and has developed a nice rapport with Bryce Young. Thielen has at least eight targets in every game since Week 1, including double-digit targets in three of his past four games.
This week, Thielen faces a Houston defense that ranks 14th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Thielen has been getting so many targets in this offense, it’s hard to ignore him, regardless of the matchup. Start him as a fringe-WR1 option in all league formats.
