The Minnesota Vikings host Washington on Thursday Night Football to open Week 8, and they’ll be without wide receiver Adam Thielen. He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 on a diving touchdown catch, and was unable to get back to practice this week. During the week indications were he was making good progress, but the Vikings will wait through their time off after TNF.

Stefon Diggs stepped up after Thielen went down, finishing the game with seven receptions for 143 yards. Dalvin Cook was the dominant end zone presence, but Diggs had a second straight big yardage performance.

Tight ends Irv Smith and Kyle Rudolph were the next two pass catchers on the stat sheet, but then rookie Bisi Johnson had a nice little performance. The seventh round pick caught four passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. He worked his way into playing time starting in Week 4, and has quietly worked his way into a rotational role. He has four receptions in three of the four games, and that opportunity should grow with Thielen sidelined.

Fantasy football analysis, Stefon Diggs/Bisi Johnson

Diggs seemed like he might try and force his way out of town, but the past two weeks have been huge for him. He has a combined 14 receptions for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Even if Thielen were healthy, Diggs would be a must start.

Johnson is a tougher call. He’s been good for a rookie seventh round pick, but he’s looking like a spot start at best. Of course, with Thielen out and the Vikings facing a bad Washington defense, this could be that spot to start Johnson.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Stefon Diggs: Start
Bisi Johnson: Flex start in PPR leagues