(Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/DeAngelo_Hall%2C_Adam_Thielen_%2826599714459%29.jpg under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)
As we gear up to the start of the NFL season, Football Absurdity is going to bring you a comprehensive breakdown of every notable player that will be available in fantasy football drafts. When you don’t see us talking about Christine Michael or Mike Davis, don’t get mad at us for neglecting your favorite sleeper. Get mad at yourself for having bad taste in football players. We are only focusing on the top-rated players in standard scoring and points per game leagues.
With my player profiles, I’ve only decided to go back to look at their fantasy scoring for three years. I could show you lists from earlier, but most of the guys at the top are no longer in the league anymore. I’ve also added a chart for their usage over that time span. We will try to determine, based on those two factors, where the best wide receiver value lies.
Adam Thielen ADP and AAV
Standard: 10th among WRs, 24th overall
PPR: 9th among WRs, 24th overall
Adam Thielen Average Auction Value (AAV) $200 Budget: $36
Stats:
FANTASY SCORING — STANDARD
| Rank | Total Points | PPG Rank | PPG | |
| 2018 | 7th | 194.3 | 8th | 12.1 |
| 2017 | 12th | 148.8 | 16th | 9.3 |
| 2016 | 29th | 126.2 | 26th | 7.9 |
FANTASY SCORING — PPR
| Rank | Total Points | PPG Rank | PPG | |
| 2018 | 7th | 307.3 | 7th | 19.2 |
| 2017 | 8th | 239.8 | 11th | 15.0 |
| 2016 | 29th | 195.2 | 7th | 12.2 |
FANTASY USAGE
| Receptions | Receptions Per Game | Targets | Targets Per Game | |
| 2018 | 113 | 7.1 | 153 | 9.5 |
| 2017 | 91 | 5.7 | 142 | 8.8 |
| 2016 | 69 | 4.3 | 92 | 5.8 |
Overview: Thielen made a jump for the third straight year, finishing 7th in both standard and PPR. The 6th-year receiver has never missed a game and hopes to improve rapport in his second year with quarterback Kirk Cousins
Strategy: Our Adam Thielen Auction Value ($200 Budget): $38
Thielen at the end of the second, his current ADP, is a bit lower than where we’d take him. He is a bargain WR that has top-12 upside, and has a high chance of improving now that he’s worked with Kirk Cousins for an entire season. He has zero injury history, which makes him as safe as any other top 12 WRs. In auction, we’d reach a bit further for Thielen, as he’s a solid #1 WR for a price that will free up a lot of capital for you to land solid running backs.
Best Case Scenario: Thielen improves for the 4th straight year and ends up in the top 6 among receivers.
Worst Case Scenario: Cook steals some looks from Thielen, who finishes around WR12.
