Hoping for new deal

Thielen's agent is cautiously optimistic the Vikings will reward his client with a new contract this offseason, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Thielen has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $19.25 million contract, with base salaries of $5.85 million in 2019 and $5.35 million in 2020, per OverTheCap.com. He's arguably the best value in the league for a player not on a rookie contract -- a result of being a late bloomer who signed his deal after a 967-yard breakout campaign in 2016. Thielen took another leap in 2017 with 1,276 receiving yards, followed by 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018. He can easily make the case he's more…read more

Shut down by Chicago

Thielen snagged three of four targets for 38 yards during Sunday's loss to Chicago. He also rushed once for minus-1 yard.

Analysis: No Vikings receiver was particularly productive on a day quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for a season-low 132 passing yards against the league's seventh-ranked pass defense. Thielen was no exception, though he arguably had one of the toughest matchups he could ask for going against 2018 first-team All-Pro cornerback Kyle Fuller. With that said, it was a fitting end to a season that saw Thielen average 115.6 receiving yards per game through the first half of the season but only 56 per game over…read more

Bounces back with 80 yards

Thielen caught five of six targets for 80 yards and added a three-yard carry in Sunday's 27-9 win over Detroit.

Analysis: Thielen bounced back nicely from last week's 19-yard effort, posting his highest receiving yardage total since Week 12 and second highest since Week 8. He's slowed down dramatically after a historically hot start to the season, but Thielen should remain involved against the Bears in Week 17 with his Vikings trying to clinch a playoff spot.

Disappoints in blowout win

Thielen hauled in both of his targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 41-17 win over Miami.

Analysis: After eclipsing 100 receiving yards in eight consecutive games to start the season, Thielen has done so only once over the past six, coming up short of 30 yards three times. Despite his recent decline in production, it will be tough to take Thielen out of the lineup against the Lions in Week 16, considering his robust totals of 105 catches for 1,255 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Gets yards late

Thielen caught five of seven targets for 70 yards in Monday night's 21-7 loss to the Seahawks. He also rushed once for eight yards.

Analysis: Thielen entered the evening averaging over 11 targets per game, but quarterback Kirk Cousins did not throw a single ball his direction during the first half. In truth, Thielen made little impact until Minnesota's final drive of the night, which saw him catch two passes for 47 yards while his team trailed by 21 points. Fortunately for Thielen, that came after he tweaked his ankle during the second half and was able to return without appearing limited, seemingly avoiding an injury scare. With…read more

Returns to Monday's contest

Thielen (ankle) returned to Monday's game against the Seahawks, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Thielen briefly exited the game after getting his ankle rolled up on in the fourth quarter, but returned on the subsequent series. He could face limitations in the coming week of practice, so keep an eye on his status in advance of Week 15's home matchup against the Dolphins.

Questionable with ankle injury

Thielen is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Seahawks with an ankle injury.

Analysis: Thielen has been held in check for a vast majority of Monday's contest, hauling in only three of five targets for 23 yards and adding one rush for eight yards. The stud wideout appeared to have his ankle rolled up on by Shaquill Griffin on a pass breakup in the fourth quarter. Laquon Treadwell would be in for a larger role if Thielen is forced to miss the rest of the game.

Held to 28 receiving yards

Thielen caught five of 10 targets for 28 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Despite seeing double-digit targets yet again, Thielen garnered plenty of attention from the Pats defense and finished with his second-lowest yardage output of the season. He did manage to haul in a 5-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, which somewhat salvaged his day from a fantasy perspective. After topping 100 receiving yards in his first eight games, Thielen has now been held under 70 in three of the last four and finished with less than 30 yards in two of those. He has found the end…read more

Cleared to face Pats

Thielen (calf) isn't listed on the Vikings' final injury report for Sunday's game in New England, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While there was never much concern about Thielen's availability, fellow wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) is listed as questionable after managing just one limited practice this week. A Diggs absence might push a few extra targets in Thielen's direction, but it would also allow the Patriots to shift their focus even more toward the middle of the field, where the 28-year-old does his best work. Either way, Thielen is safely established as a top-10 wideout play each and every week.

Remains limited at practice

Thielen (calf) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: For the third week in a row, a calf injury was attached to Thielen, inducing a cap on his practice reps. Expect him to be cleared on the Vikings' final injury of Week 13, as he has been before both of the team's previous two games. Assuming he is, Thielen will face a Patriots defense Sunday that has yielded 7.5 YPT and 12 touchdowns to wide receivers this season.

Limited by calf issue

Thielen (calf) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Thielen had been listed on the Vikings' practice reports the last couple of weeks with both calf and lower-back injuries, but it appears the latter issue is no longer a concern. The calf injury probably isn't anything worth worrying about either, given that Thielen still managed to practice in some capacity during the Vikings' first session of Week 13. Thielen is in little danger of missing Sunday's game against the Patriots and should remain a highly-targeted option in the Minnesota passing…read more

Back over century mark

Thielen brought in eight of nine targets for 125 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 win over Green Bay.

Analysis: After starting the season with a record-breaking eight straight 100-yard games, Thielen had fallen into a mini slump with just 88 combined yards over his previous two. The 28-year-old got back to his WR1 ways and even made a highlight-reel leaping catch in double coverage to secure a huge gain in the second quarter. Next week's opponent, the Patriots, surrender 381.4 yards per game to opposing passing offenses, so Thielen has a solid chance to post another huge stat line in Week 13.

Cleared for SNF

Thielen (calf/back) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Michael Cohen of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Thielen upgraded to full participation Friday after logging limited practices Wednesday and Thursday. He burnt the Packers for a 12-131-1 receiving line on 13 targets back in Week 2, marking his second of eight straight games with triple-digit yardage. Thielen was held to 88 yards on 19 targets over the past two weeks, but he should get back on track against a Green Bay defense with serious injury concerns.

Limited again Thursday

Thielen (calf/lower back) was listed as limited on the Vikings' injury report Thursday.

Analysis: With back-to-back listings of "limited" this week, Thielen is following his precise regimen from Week 11 prep, when he was eventually cleared on Friday's report. This past Sunday at Chicago, he logged his usual significant snap count (all 67 on offense) en route to gathering in seven of 12 passes for 66 yards. The Vikings' final Week 12 practice report will reveal if Thielen is ready for a similar workload for Sunday's showdown against the Packers.

Manages limited practice

Thielen (calf/lower back) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: The same injuries resulted in Thielen logging limited practice reps last Wednesday and Thursday, but he ultimately suited up in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Bears and made seven catches for 66 yards. Thielen handled a normal snap count in that contest and didn't report any injury-related setbacks heading into this week, so the assumption is that his restrictions Wednesday were mainly for maintenance purposes.

Nabs seven catches in loss

Thielen caught seven of 12 targets for 66 yards in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Bears.

Analysis: Thielen had been dealing with calf and back injuries during practice this week, but he was cleared for action in an important divisional matchup. Teammate Stefon Diggs turned in the bigger fantasy line (13 catches, 126 yards and a score), but Thielen still did work for those in PPR formats. The 28-year-old has finished below the century mark in receiving yards for two straight games after surpassing that total through the first eight games of the season. Still, the targets are there, so there…read more

Cleared to face Chicago

Thielen (lower back/calf) isn't listed on the Vikings' final injury report ahead of Sunday's game in Chicago.

Analysis: Coming out of a bye week, Thielen never seemed to be in any real danger of missing this crucial contest. He gets an interesting Week 11 matchup against a Chicago defense that has given up the eighth-most receiving yards per game to wideouts (177.6) this season, despite the fact the unit is playing at a high level as a whole.

Remains limited Thursday

Thielen (lower back, calf) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Chad Graff of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: During the part of Thursday's session open to the media, Thielen worked with the wide receiver group, but that was the extent of his activity, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. Thielen has one more day to alleviate concerns about his health, with Friday's injury report providing the last word on his potential to play Sunday night in Chicago.

Dealing with back, calf injuries

Thielen was a limited practice participant Wednesday due to calf and lower-back injuries.

Analysis: Thielen's eight-game streak with at least 100 receiving yards to start the season was broken in the Vikings' previous game Week 9 versus the Lions, but he made up for it with his seventh touchdown of the campaign. Following the team's Week 10 bye, the wide receiver is tending to a pair of injuries, but his presence at practice in some capacity dispels some of the worry about his upcoming availability. No matter, Thielen's status should be watched closely to learn whether an absence is possible…read more

Snaps 100-yard streak at eight games

Thielen caught four of seven targets for 22 yards and a touchdown while adding a five-yard carry in Sunday's 24-9 win over the Lions.

Analysis: Thielen didn't come particularly close to extending his streak of 100-yard receiving games to nine, so he'll have to settle for a tie with Calvin Johnson for the NFL record at eight straight such games. He still provided a serviceable fantasy performance courtesy of a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Minnesota jumped out to a double-digit lead by halftime and didn't ask much of the passing game with the defense dominating, but Thielen's receiving production is likely to tick right back…read more

Another week, another 100-plus yards

Thielen hauled in all seven of his targets for 103 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-20 loss to New Orleans.

Analysis: While Thielen's stat line was impressive, he did suffer a costly fumble at the end of the first half, resulting in a two-score swing that played a big role in Minnesota's loss. Still, the NFL's leading receiver helped out many a fantasy owner with his eighth consecutive 100-yard receiving game -- tying Calvin Johnson's NFL record -- to complement his six touchdowns this year. Shutdown corner Marshon Lattimore couldn't contain Thielen or Stefon Diggs, so Week 9's matchup against Darius Slay and…read more

Historic 100-yard streak continues

Thielen caught nine of 10 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 37-17 win over the Jets.

Analysis: Thielen continued his historic pace with another superb performance, capping the opening drive with a 34-yard touchdown on his way to a seventh consecutive game over 100 receiving yards to start the season. One more performance over 100 yards would tie Calvin Johnson's NFL record of eight straight such games. Thielen will have a great chance to do so against a vulnerable Saints secondary in Week 8.

Keeps good times rolling

Thielen caught 11 of 15 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 27-17 win over Arizona.

Analysis: Thielen extending Minnesota's lead early in the second half, splitting the middle of the field for a 13-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone. Thielen has now scored in four of six games and has at least six catches and 100 yards in every game this season. He is as reliable an option as you can find this point, particularly on Sunday against a Jets defense surrendering 292 receiving yards per game.

Tops 100 yards for fifth straight game

Thielen caught seven of 10 targets for 116 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 23-21 win over the Eagles.

Analysis: Thielen drew double-digit targets yet again and averaged a healthy 16.6 yards per reception as he became the first player in NFL history to go over 100 receiving yards in five straight games to start a season. He punctuated his day with a three-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, giving him three trips to the end zone in the last four games. Thielen is simply a top-flight fantasy producer given the amount of attention he receives from quarterback Kirk Cousins, and though he could…read more

Stellar fantasy effort in Week 4 loss

Thielen brought in eight of 12 targets for 135 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 38-31 loss to the Rams on Thursday night.

Analysis: Thielen checked in second on the team in targets to Stefon Diggs, but he paced the Vikings in receiving yardage. Thielen brought in a perfect 45-yard scoring strike from Kirk Cousins late in the third quarter for his second touchdown over the last three games. The 28-year-old has eclipsed the century mark in yardage in each game thus far this season, thrilling fantasy owners in all formats. He'll look to continue the excellent start to his season against the Eagles in Week 5.

Catches 14 passes in loss to Bills

Thielen caught 14 of 19 targets for 105 yards during Sunday's 27-6 loss to the Bills.

Analysis: Thielen was peppered with passes as his team played from behind virtually all day, finishing first on the team in targets, catches and yards. He went over 100 receiving yards for the third straight game to start the season, though most of his receptions were of the short variety and he averaged just 7.5 yards per catch. Still, it's clear who the top option in the passing game is for Kirk Cousins, though his rapport with Thielen will be tested Thursday against the Rams.

Leads team in receiving versus Packers

Thielen caught 12 of 13 targets for 131 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 29-29 tie with the Packers.

Analysis: Thielen displayed an excellent rapport with quarterback Kirk Cousins in this one, leading the team in targets and receiving yardage while catching all but one pass that was thrown his way. He was rewarded for his efforts with a 22-yard touchdown reception with just 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter, which led to the game-tying two-point conversion by Stefon Diggs. Thielen is off to a tremendous start to the season, totaling 233 yards and a touchdown on 18 receptions through two games. He'll…read more

Eclipses century mark in opener

Thielen brought in six of 12 targets for 102 yards in Sunday's 24-16 win over the 49ers.

Analysis: Thielen drew even with Dalvin Cook for the team lead in receptions while pacing the team in receiving yardage. The fifth-year receiver was only able to bring in half of his passes from new quarterback Kirk Cousins, but the two displayed solid rapport overall and figure to only up their chemistry as the season unfolds. Thielen will look to build on a productive season-opening effort in a divisional clash Week 2 against the Packers.

Good to go for Week 1

Thielen (leg) wasn't listed on the Vikings' Week 1 injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: Thielen appeared to turn his ankle at practice last Tuesday, but a source quickly downplayed its severity, telling Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that it wasn't a "long-term concern." In the meantime, the Vikings released Kendall Wright, which has opened the door for Thielen to work in the slot in three-wideout formations while operating on the outside when just he and Stefon Diggs are on the field. With his health not in question, Thielen is ready for a generous dose of snaps…read more

Positioned for regular slot work

Thielen (leg) likely will spend a lot of time in the slot this season, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports.

Analysis: There was reason to believe Thielen would spend more time working outside in three-wide formations after the Vikings signed slot specialist Kendall Wright, who ultimately was released Saturday after losing out to Laquon Treadwell in a battle for the No. 3 receiver job. Thielen thus figures to reprise his role from last season, taking outside snaps in two-WR formations and frequently shifting to the slot when the Vikings go three-wide. The 28-year-old wide receiver suffered a minor leg injury at…read more

Severity of injury downplayed

Thielen (leg) isn't believed to be dealing with a "long-term concern," Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Per Krammer, Thielen is "good" after hurting his left leg at Tuesday's practice. Backing up this source, Thielen walked off the field under his own power. Any injury of particular severity would elevate Stefon Diggs to the top of the wide receiver depth chart, but Thielen has plenty of time to get healthy in advance of the Vikings' regular-season opener Sunday, Sept. 9 versus the 49ers.

Turns ankle in practice

Thielen turned his ankle during practice Tuesday, Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Thielen was able to walk off on his own power, but the issue forced him to leave Tuesday's practice, at which point Kendall Wright took first-team wideout reps in Thielen's place.

Four receptions Friday

Thielen had four receptions for 26 yards on six targets in Friday's preseason win over Seattle.

Analysis: Thielen and Kirk Cousins haven't seemed to get in sync during the preseason, but we wouldn't be too worried as Thielen should be a key cog in the offense once the regular season begins.

No receptions Saturday

Thielen didn't have a reception despite three targets in Saturday's preseason loss to Jacksonville.

Analysis: We wouldn't get too worried as Minnesota's first-string offense looked flat against a tough defense in their four series. Thielen has meshed well with new quarterback Kirk Cousins by all accounts in training camp, so we wouldn't want to read much into his preseason stats.

Thielen and fellow wideout Stefon Diggs traveled to Atlanta in early April to spend time with new Vikings starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Analysis: Thielen finished the 2017 regular season on a low note and played through a pair of minor back fractures in the playoffs, but he seems to have made good on his stated expectation that he wouldn't have any restrictions during the offseason. He can now turn his focus toward building chemistry with Cousins and new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, hoping to replicate -- or even exceed -- his 2017 campaign. The 27-year-old wideout finished fifth in the NFL in receiving yards (1,276) and eighth…read more

Thielen confirmed Wednesday that he played through a pair of back fractures in the Vikings' NFC championship loss to the Eagles on Jan. 21 but doesn't expect to face any limitations during the offseason, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Thielen, who caught three passes for 28 yards on nine targets against the Eagles, went on to suit up for the NFC in the Pro Bowl last weekend, which seemingly supports the notion that his back injury isn't especially worrisome. The wideout said he doesn't anticipate any scheduling setbacks in the months leading up to Organized Team Activities and training camp, setting him up for a rather normal offseason.

Active for NFC championship

Thielen (back) is active for Sunday's NFC championship game in Philadelphia.

Analysis: Thielen's limitations in preparation for this outing were blamed on a generic lower back injury. On Sunday afternoon, though, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reported Thielen is nursing "back fractures," an issue that "is not insignificant." Per Krammer, Thielen subsequently ran routes during pregame warmups, likely to get a gauge on what he can handle. Although Thielen is available, he could cede snaps to Jarius Wright, Laquon Treadwell and Michael Floyd next to Stefon Diggs in the base…read more

Attempting to play with 'back fractures'

Thielen will attempt to play through back fractures during Sunday's NFC championship game at Philadelphia, Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune reports.

Analysis: When Thielen made his initial appearance on the injury report Wednesday, he was limited with a lower back injury. He maintained the activity level throughout the week, but the nature of his issue wasn't touched on again as he earned a questionable tag for the contest. With his health clarified, Thielen's workload may depend on pain tolerance, as the injury "is not insignificant," per NFL media. Assuming he's active, he'll almost certainly start, but Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph would be in…read more

Slated to play Sunday vs. Eagles

Thielen (lower back), who is listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Eagles, is set to play in the contest, a source informed Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Analysis: An official announcement on Thielen's status should come when the Vikings reveal their inactives approximately 90 minutes before the 6:40 p.m. EST matchup, but it looks like he isn't in any serious peril of missing his first game of the season. Thielen was only able to put in two limited practices during the week, though those restrictions may have only been in place to avoid a potential setback heading into Sunday. Expect the wideout, who logged six catches for 74 yards in last week's…read more

Listed as questionable

Thielen (lower back) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's NFC championship game against the Eagles.

Analysis: Thielen returned to practice in a limited fashion Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session, and given the magnitude of Sunday's contest, we'd expect him to suit up this weekend barring any setbacks. Thielen was on the field for 77 of a possible 81 snaps on offense in last Sunday's divisional-round win over the Saints, en route to hauling in six of nine targets for 74 yards. Assuming he plays against the Eagles, Thielen would be in line to start at wideout for the Vikings opposite Stefon…read more

Returns to practice Thursday

Thielen (lower back) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday.

Analysis: The listing follows Thielen's return to drills, signaling he's taking the necessary steps to ensure he's available for the NFC championship game. Ultimately, Friday's injury report will have the final say on his potential to suit up Sunday, when the Vikings will be facing the Eagles' 17th-ranked pass defense.

Tending to lower back injury

Thielen didn't practice Wednesday due to a lower back injury.

Analysis: During the open portion of practice, Thielen watched from the side without a helmet in hand, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com. However, the notion that Thielen's absence was maintenance-related was backed up by Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, who relayed the injury "is not believed to be serious." Ultimately, the next two days will provide an indication of Thielen's availability for Sunday's NFC championship game at Philadelphia.

Not practicing Wednesday

Thielen (undisclosed) wasn't active at the portion of Wednesday's practice open to the media, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While he was in attendance, Thielen wasn't holding a helmet, so it appears he's getting the day off for one reason or another. If his health is compromised, it will be revealed upon the release of Wednesday's injury report.

Thielen caught six of nine targets for 74 yards during Sunday's 29-24 NFC divisional-round victory over the Saints.

Analysis: Thielen's stat line doesn't do his performance justice given the difficulty of some his receptions coupled with the strong coverage he consistently saw from the Saints' respectable secondary. Arguably his biggest moment came in the game's closing minutes when Thielen fought through two separate defensive penalties to haul in a 23-yard pass and set up what was then considered a potential game-winning field goal. Although teammate Stefon Diggs stole the spotlight with his stunning 61-yard…read more

Thielen caught two of six targets for 24 yards during Saturday's 16-0 victory over the Packers.

Analysis: Thielen was one of two Vikings players with more than two targets as Case Keenum attempted just 25 passes on the evening. He broke off a 21-yard gain at one point, but his other reception went for just three yards as he notched a season low in that category. Thielen has enjoyed a tremendous breakout campaign, but his performance during the fantasy playoffs -- 54 yards on five catches over the last two weeks -- has likely left fantasy owners disappointed. He'll look to finish off the campaign…read more

Thielen had three receptions on five targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 34-7 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: Thielen and Minnesota's receivers had a low-key game after it quickly became a blowout with the running game getting most of the action. He'll likely be a bigger focus of the offense next week at Green Bay.

Thielen (knee) doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Analysis: Thielen was limited at Wednesday's practice but returned to full participation Thursday and Friday. Already accounting for 27.9 percent of the Vikings' targets, Thielen could push for an even higher portion this weekend in the likely absence of TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle-doubtful).

Full practice Thursday

Thielen (knee) practiced fully Thursday.

Analysis: Thielen made a surprise appearance on Wednesday's injury report, getting tabbed as a limited participant due to a knee issue. With his elevation to a full session Thursday, the previous day's limitations appear to have been maintenance-related. Thielen will now focus on a Bengals defense Sunday that has allowed 150.5 receiving yards per game and three touchdowns to wideouts over the last six contests.

Limited with knee issue

Thielen was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: There were no indications that Thielen was hurting following Sunday's 105-yard, one-touchdown effort in a loss to the Panthers, so it's presumed that his limitations Wednesday were primarily for maintenance-related reasons. Assuming Thielen gains clearance to suit up Week 15 against the Bengals, he'll take aim against a banged-up Cincinnati defense that surrendered 25 completions and 271 passing yards last week to Bears rookie Mitch Trubisky, who had previously surpassed the 200-yard barrier in…read more

Thielen caught six of 13 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 31-24 loss to Carolina.

Analysis: Thielen was the intended target on an opening-drive Case Keenum interception and dropped a would-be four-yard touchdown in the front corner of the end zone just before halftime. He seemed to make amends two plays later, but further review revealed that he failed to possess the ball to the ground, resulting in his second dropped touchdown of the drive. Thielen's 52-yard score in the fourth quarter erased any ill will Vikings fans or fantasy owners had after his poor performance in the first…read more

Thielen caught four of five targets for 51 yards during Sunday's 14-9 win over the Falcons.

Analysis: Thielen hauled in all but one of the passes thrown his way, but limited targets and a few short gains limited him to his fourth-lowest yardage output of the season. Still, he tied for the team lead in targets as Case Keenum spread the ball around to nine different pass catchers. Thielen had averaged an impressive 119 yards per game over the previous four and will look to get back on track next week against the Panthers.

Busy in win over Lions

Thielen caught eight of 11 targets for 89 yards during Thursday's 30-23 win over Detroit.

Analysis: While it's a little disappointing that Thielen's touchdown streak ended at three games, this checks out as another solid showing from the go-to receiver. He's up to 27 receptions, 476 yards and three scores through the past four weeks, and he's also paced the Vikings in targets during that stretch. With reliable receivers in decline across the league, Thielen checks out as a rare option who can be started confidently week in, week out.

Thielen brought in six of nine targets for 123 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-7 win over the Rams.

Analysis: Thielen provided the highlight of the day when he took a short Case Keenum pass 65 yards to pay dirt in the fourth quarter, giving the Vikings a commanding 20-7 lead. The fourth-year wideout continues to serve as Minnesota's most consistent big-play threat, and he's now posted back-to-back 100-yard receiving efforts while also logging a touchdown in three straight contests. Thielen has seen less than eight targets only once all season as well, rendering him one of the most dependable fantasy…read more