Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears
Adam Thielen looks healthier as he's no longer on the injury report, and played 93% of the offensive snaps last week. But he didn't do much, finishing with no receptions on four targets. Even though he played a lot, he's probably still recovering from his injury, and it'd make too much sense for Minnesota to bench him entirely this week with nothing to play for. Thielen would be a poor fantasy option in Week 17.
Week 16 vs. Green Bay Packers
Adam Thielen didn't do much in his return, finishing 3-27 off three targets. He was limited, playing on just 51% of Minnesota's offensive snaps. He should see more playing time this week as he's not even listed on the injury report anymore. Minnesota could also lean more on the passing attack this week with its first two running backs likely out with injury. Thielen carries some risk based on his performance last week, but we like him as a solid WR2 play against the Packers.
Week 15 at Los Angeles Chargers
Adam Thielen may return from injury this week as he's trending in the right direction. But he could be limited as hamstring injuries are no joke. He also gets a tough matchup against the Chargers who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. Thielen would carry a lot of risk this week if he's even active. Monitor his health, and view him skeptically as a WR3 in Week 15.
Week 9 at Kansas City Chiefs
Adam Thielen sat out last week with a hamstring injury, but has had a long time to recover now since Minnesota played on Thursday. He's been limited in practice so far this week, so his health is worth monitoring. If he is able to play, he should perform just fine, even in a tough matchup against the Chiefs. We like him as a strong WR2.
Week 7 at Detroit Lions
Minnesota's offense has been discussed heavily this season, but Adam Thielen has remained a solid receiving threat throughout. He's scored a touchdown in four of his six games and has maintained a steady level of production outside of one bad six-yard performance. He gets a solid matchup against Detroit this week and should put up similar production as he has all season. We like him as a strong WR2 option against the Lions in Week 7.
Week 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Adam Thielen accepted Kirk Cousins' apology after Week 4 and turned it into his best game of the season. Thielen finished 7-130-2 in Week 5 off of eight targets as he finally looked like what we saw in early 2018. While exciting, we need to remember Thielen's game came in a favorable matchup. Good news for him, though, is he gets another favorable matchup this week against the Eagles as Philly is allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to receivers. Thielen is a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 choice against Philly in Week 6.
Week 5 at New York Giants
Adam Thielen had his worst game since 2016 as he finished Week 4 with just six yards off two catches. He was targeted six times, but it was a frustrating game for one of the league's most talented receivers. But so far Thielen hasn't had an awful 2019. He scored three times in the team's first three games while averaging 57 yards. He should bounce back from his poor Week 4 in Week 5 as he gets a favorable matchup against the Giants. New York is allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to receivers so far this season. We like Thielen as a high-end WR2.
Week 4 at Chicago Bears
Despite Kirk Cousins' struggles, Adam Thielen has put together a solid season so far. He's posted yardage totals of 43, 75 and 55 while scoring in two of three games. It's a far cry from his 100-yard streak a year ago, but it's not bad at all. He'll get a tough matchup this week against the Bears, a team he didn't play too well against in 2018. Thielen scored in all but five games in 2018, and two of those five games came against Chicago. Thielen is more of a WR2/WR3 play in Week 4.
Week 3 vs. Oakland Raiders
Adam Thielen led the Vikings in targets (8), receptions (5) and receiving yards (75) last week. He's been more productive than Stefon Diggs so far this season, although Diggs did score a touchdown in Week 2. But with Kirk Cousins struggling, it's been hard for either one to really make a huge impact. Thielen was amazing last year by finishing with nine 100-yard games. But it's highly unlikely he does that again in 2019.
He's still a valuable option, though. His 75 yards is a solid performance. But he's trending more towards being a strong WR2 more than a WR1 this year. He should play well this week in a favorable matchup against the Raiders. Start him with confidence.
Week 2 at Green Bay Packers
Adam Thielen had about as good of a day as a wide receiver can have when your quarterback only throws the ball 10 times (completing eight). Thielen finished with three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown. He's one of the most talented receivers in the game, but Minnesota dialing back so much on the pass attempts is worrisome moving forward.
However, it's unlikely we'll see a game like that again. There should be more pass attempts this week against Green Bay, and we still like Thielen as a WR1. The Packers allowed Allen Robinson to top 100 receiving yards last week, so the matchup shouldn't worry fantasy owners.
