Minnesota Vikings Week 10 player rankings: Heading into the bye
By Adam Carlson
1. Adam Thielen (No change)
The fact that Thielen can have a game where he catches four passes for 22 yards and stay in first place in these rankings says a lot for what the wide receiver has been able to accomplish the other eight weeks of the season.
It was expected that Thielen could have a massive game in Week 9 against the Lions since Stefon Diggs was unable to suit up with a rib injury. Instead, the NFL’s leading receiver didn’t even lead his own team in receiving yards, a feat accomplished by Laquon Treadwell for the first time in his career. He did, however, score the only Vikings receiving touchdown of the day on a pass from Cousins.
Sadly, it is likely that the Vikings pass-catching star won’t lead the league in receiving yards after the bye. He could reclaim the crown when he returns, but that isn’t the main goal of Minnesota’s talented wide receiver.
His streak of 100-yard games came to an end in Week 9, but the Vikings were still able to pull off a victory against the Lions because the rest of the team pulled together when the offense struggled. And winning is what Thielen likely wants to see happen, even if it means sacrificing his personal accomplishments.
Just outside the top 10
- Trae Waynes – He’s been very good the last couple of weeks, especially against the Saints when Rhodes was out. However, he ends up just outside the rankings due to Kendricks moving up.
- Dalvin Cook – Showing off explosive acceleration and speed on a long run against Detroit, Cook looks like he could be ready to be the playmaker Vikings fans know he can be when healthy.
- Sheldon Richardson – There is no doubt that Richardson is a great player but he continues to sit outside the top ten. But that might not be for too much longer if he can keep pressuring quarterbacks and getting stops against the run.
Next. Ups and Downs from Week 9 vs Lions. dark
Do you agree with this list of the ten best Minnesota Vikings players through the first nine weeks of the 2018 NFL season or would you have some different individuals included? Let us know in the comments below!