Since Adam Thielen went down with his hamstring injury, neither Stefon Diggs or Olabisi Johnson have done much to capitalize on his absence. Diggs has caught 4-of-10 targets for 65 scoreless yards, and Johnson brought in 3-of-6 targets for 29 yards over their last two games.
The absence of Thielen has boosted Dalvin Cook’s targets more than anyone so far. But there’s no doubt that Diggs is the top downfield target this week and any week Thielen is out.
Fantasy football analysis: Minnesota Vikings WRs Stefon Diggs, Olabisi Johnson
The Vic Fangio coached Broncos head to Minnesota with another team’s practice squad quarterback playing behind a weak offensive line. The Vikings are -10 point favorites, which is solidified by their Top-5 run defense, which will push new QB Brandon Allen to throw the ball, which he still needs to perfect. If the game goes as it should, Kirk Cousins won’t need to test the Broncos strong secondary.
On the season, Denver allows the fourth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Chris Harris is their top cornerback and will likely shadow Diggs with Thielen out. That doesn’t bode well for the Vikings receivers as a whole. When you add in the likely low passing game-script, there isn’t much upside for Diggs and almost none for Johnson, who has yet to top four receptions or 43 yards in any game.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Diggs as a WR3.
Sit Johnson.