Viking article predicting big drop off for Thielen

[panthers55]

https://vikingsterritory.com/2023/news/analysis/thielen-forecasted

 

Without Jefferson opposite him, the fantasy  prediction is for a big drop off. With the goal to spread things around, will it matter a lot that we don't have a definitive number 1?  Last year he had over a hundred targets and caught 70 of them. Thoughts on whether we go to him more or less..

[1989]

I see him having a Proehl/ Cotchery type of role. Solid and reliable when you need him most but not super flashy. 

[JawnyBlaze]

Like I said in another thread, the “having someone good opposite of him to draw coverage” is certainly an argument that can be made, but I would rebut that a) that’s more relevant for an upper tier type guy. It’s more important to give your #1 guy who is going to be the obvious choice for defenses to focus a on a decoy than a #2. And b) I would argue the difference in coverage he may face would be offset by the fact he doesn’t have a megastar like Jefferson with him who the team is going to want to feed.  I think he’ll do a little better than last year but obviously not as good as his prime years. And compared to what we’ve had recently, I think he’ll have more TDs but two or three hundred fewer yards than DJ usually gave us. 

Edited July 2, 2023 by JawnyBlaze

[KatsAzz]

Thielen is 33 years old so it will be up to  the Panthers offense to determine if his career rebounds or goes south..

[Cdparr7]

I don't expect him to be the Thielen of years past but I would be disappointed if he didn't have 600 yards and 3-4 TDs. He and Hurst are just big targets for young in the redzone and 3rd down. 

Chark, Marshall, Mingo, are going to be the ones expected to make the big plays. I won't be surprised if Shenault isn't more of a running back.

[ladypanther]

I think this wide receiving corps will be important as a group more than individuals.  Each receiver needs to do well but will compliment each other. Seems like Bryce is smart enough to take advantage of that.  Will a star emerge? Possibly, but I am not concerned with that. I think one of the advantages that this offense will have  with these coaches and players  is that they have so many options it will be tough to predict for the defense. Every receiver needs to play very well when called on.  I do think Mingo will be a nice surprise.  I expect Marshall and Theilen to do well.  If those things happen, Chark will be causing problems...for the opposing Ds.

Edited July 2, 2023 by ladypanther

[Hoenheim]

I think it greatly depends on if Chark stays healthy, Chark is probably the most proven WR on the roster in terms of current known ability and explosiveness.

Theilen probably gets anywhere from 400 to 800 yards if everyone stays healthy. He could get more than 800 if we TMJ and Chark can't stay healthy again. 

I think Theilens role should probably be a 3rd down clutch catch guy and red zone specialist. He's not going to he getting a bunch of long bombs or turning screen throws into 70 yard tds. But he's got extremely reliable hands and knows how to get open.

His yards will probably be less important vs # of first downs and touch downs he gets.

[LinvilleGorge]

We'll see. He's been on the decline stats wise for awhile now. His peak was 2017-2018. 

[Ricky Spanish]

41 minutes ago, Hoenheim said:

I think it greatly depends on if Chark stays healthy, Chark is probably the most proven WR on the roster in terms of current known ability and explosiveness.

Theilen probably gets anywhere from 400 to 800 yards if everyone stays healthy. He could get more than 800 if we TMJ and Chark can't stay healthy again. 

I think Theilens role should probably be a 3rd down clutch catch guy and red zone specialist. He's not going to he getting a bunch of long bombs or turning screen throws into 70 yard tds. But he's got extremely reliable hands and knows how to get open.

His yards will probably be less important vs # of first downs and touch downs he gets.

Yep, this is pretty much where I see his role this year.

I don't expect a ton of yards but I expect a ton of important yards, 3rd downs, red zone catches, red zone TDs.

The dude can still run great routes and he has hands like glue. His skillset is ideal for a big slot role, especially in this offense. Wouldn't be surprised if he has a Greg Olsen like impact - Not necessarily the yardage, but he's the safety blanket and go to guy who you can depend on to make a catch to move the sticks when you need it.

[Basbear]

Adam came into the league as a UDFA, then proved he was an elite player. I still remember when there was a joint practice and adam "pacman" jones went against him and said he was trash. Deal is, thielen worked pacamn and this was early in his career.

He's a true pro and simply put, hes not here to be a WR. Theres two studs hes already helping - TMJ and Mingo. Plus hes knows the game and how to get open and use his hands. His stats will not be 1500 or 10 TDs, but hes a great addition to this team.

[4Corners]

Wow, I bet that “writer” gets confused for a brain surgeon often. No poo his numbers are gonna dip. He’s older and had injuries. Nobody is expecting him to be Jamar Chase. He is a seasoned vet who knows how to play football at a high level and will help the rookie QB. 
 

if Marshall is the bust he is trending toward, WR will be at the top of the list next year. 

[MechaZain]

This is just copium because he didn’t resign with them. The writer assumes Theilen’s our main target and doesn’t mention TMJ or Mingo at all.

[Zaximus]

As long as he's still a good option in the red-zone I don't care.  I feel like we're been missing that.

[jfra78]

He may not be a good option in fantasy, I don't live in fantasy tho