RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~62 Overall
CURRENT ADP: ~71
ANALYSIS: Fantasy managers are likely cautious around Thielen because he was injured last year and is 32 years old. Those are all valid reasons, but WR34? In the last five years, he’s been a top-15 receiver four times. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that Thielen’s point-per-game average last year (12.8) was the same as Keenan Allen's.
You might also be surprised to find out that his point per game average last year was higher than CeeDee Lamb, Michael Pittman Jr., A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Jaylen Waddle, and Marquise Brown. Every single one of them is being drafted higher than Thielen and not by a little either. The lowest any of them are being drafted is Metcalf at WR26. The next closest is Waddle at WR17.
It really is crazy to think that you can currently draft a player with that kind of fantasy production at WR34, whose situation actually got better!
We know why Metcalf’s ADP has plummeted – Drew Lock and Geno Smith. That’s easy. On some level, it’s understandable. However, for Thielen, the Vikings hired a more up-tempo head coach in Kevin O’Connell, who is coming over from two years under Sean McVay.
They’re incorporating a more pass-centric offense, which should increase the number of targets to go around.
We know Justin Jefferson is going to be the No. 1, but there’s nothing to indicate Thielen won’t be the No. 2 on what should be a very exciting offense.
The Vikings’ defense still looks suspect, which will put this offense in a lot of unfavorable situations, but highly favorable for fantasy managers. If Thielen finishes as a mid-WR2 in 2022, we really shouldn’t be surprised and he can be drafted at times as your WR4.
More Fantasy Football Values and Sleepers
Alexander Mattison (RB, LV) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 45% of Leagues ANALYSIS: With Sincere McCormick (ankle) being placed on the injured reserve, Alexander Mattison should be expected to lead the Las Vegas backfield for the remainder of the season and should be added in all formats. During the first nine games of the season, Mattison […]
Patrick Taylor Jr. (RB, SF) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 24% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Patrick Taylor is in line to be the feature back for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 16. After getting some work in Week 14 against the Bears when Isaac Guerendo went down late in the game, Taylor played only 6% of the […]
Michael Penix Jr. (QB, ATL) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 5% of Leagues ANALYSIS: We're going to take a hard stance on this situation. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins was benched for rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., and we're recommending that you add him in all leagues. There are a few reasons for this, but first, let's […]
Brenton Strange (TE, JAX) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16
BALLER MOVE: Add in PPR Leagues ROSTERED IN: 7% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange caught 11 of his 12 targets for 73 yards in the Jags' loss to the New York Jets in Week 15. Such high volume warrants an addition in PPR leagues. While he didn't make any big plays […]
Jerome Ford (RB, CLE) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 43% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford will take over as the team's lead back for the remainder of the season after RB Nick Chubb (foot) broke his foot in Week 15, ending his 2024 campaign. Ford has been highly efficient with his opportunities […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!
