11-22-2017, 10:46 PM
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/the-n...wns-level/
Set aside Thielen's story -- the Hollywood journey from Division II Minnesota State University, Mankato, to his hometown Vikings, the move from undrafted practice squad rookie to everyday starter. Besides exploding as a consensus top-10 fantasy wideout, the 27-year-old pass catcher has essentially become Minnesota's offense in the wake of Cook's absence and sporadic showings from speedster Stefon Diggs.
His 916 yards through 10 games are second in the NFL behind only Antonio Brown, the Steelers' perennial 100-ball catcher, and put him on pace for 1,466 yards -- a total that would rank second in Vikings history behind Randy Moss' 1,600-yard 2003 campaign. His 62 receptions are tied for fifth in the NFL, putting him on track for 99 catches, another top-five team record. His 14.8 yards-per-catch average, meanwhile, is the best among the top 20 receivers in terms of total catches made, and he's shown no signs of slowing against well-ranked NFL defenses, going off for 123 yards against the Rams and 166 against the Washington Redskins a week earlier.
Set aside Thielen's story -- the Hollywood journey from Division II Minnesota State University, Mankato, to his hometown Vikings, the move from undrafted practice squad rookie to everyday starter. Besides exploding as a consensus top-10 fantasy wideout, the 27-year-old pass catcher has essentially become Minnesota's offense in the wake of Cook's absence and sporadic showings from speedster Stefon Diggs.
His 916 yards through 10 games are second in the NFL behind only Antonio Brown, the Steelers' perennial 100-ball catcher, and put him on pace for 1,466 yards -- a total that would rank second in Vikings history behind Randy Moss' 1,600-yard 2003 campaign. His 62 receptions are tied for fifth in the NFL, putting him on track for 99 catches, another top-five team record. His 14.8 yards-per-catch average, meanwhile, is the best among the top 20 receivers in terms of total catches made, and he's shown no signs of slowing against well-ranked NFL defenses, going off for 123 yards against the Rams and 166 against the Washington Redskins a week earlier.
