7 takeaways from the Vikings Week 7 win over the Lions

Vikings don’t need two star receivers

Minnesota’s first points in Detroit on Sunday came courtesy of a tremendous catch made by Adam Thielen in the back of the end zone after a 25-yard pass by Kirk Cousins.

Thielen made a great play (as usual), but he also suffered a hamstring injury during his efforts and it kept him out for the remainder of the game. With him being sidelined, the Vikings were left with Stefon Diggs, Bisi Johnson, and Laquon Treadwell as their only active receivers on Sunday.

Thielen’s absence really didn’t have as big of an impact as some might have thought it would have. Without him on the field, Minnesota still went on to add 35 more points to their total and Cousins tossed an additional three touchdowns.

Diggs had himself an impressive performance against the Lions (seven catches, 142 yards) and Johnson was able to step in nicely as the Vikings’ No. 2 receiver after Thielen went down. The rookie pass catcher finished with four receptions for 40 yards and one touchdown.

Sunday’s impressive performance by Minnesota’s passing offense without one of their top two receivers on the field for most of the afternoon might have opened their eyes about a future without Diggs or Thielen in it.

Thielen would still be the most likely to remain with the Vikings out of their dynamic duo after 2019. But Minnesota is going to have to make some pretty significant roster changes during the upcoming offseason and Sunday’s showing by the offense might have made these future decisions a little less difficult to make.