The Minnesota Vikings have been pleasantly surprised with rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs' quick acclimation to the NFL. Diggs has been the team's most consistent pass-catcher over the last three weeks and their biggest playmaker. He's averaging 17.1 yards per catch and has visibly made second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater more comfortable.
In Minnesota's first three games of the season (without Diggs), Bridgewater averaged just 168 passing yards per game and had a 1:2 TD-to-INT ratio. In the three games since he is averaging 278 yards per game with a 4:2 TD-to-INT ratio. Not bad.
Fantasy owners are obviously pleased with the return Diggs has given them on their inexpensive investment. But will he continue to put up points?
"The Vikings threw the ball to 11 different receivers last Sunday in a win over the Lions, and offensive coordinator Norv Turner didn't sound terribly concerned with changing that philosophy to boost any one player's numbers," ESPN Vikings reporter Ben Goessling wrote. "'They know I'm too old to worry about that stuff,'" Turner said. "'If there's egos, or issues, they don't come to me. They get explained every day, or very regularly, that this offense is designed, it's an equal-opportunity deal. You're going to get opportunities to make plays and the ball is going to be spread around.'"
Despite the ball-sharing mentality, Goessling does believe the explosive rookie is still due for another nice showing in fantasy.
"The smartest play among the Vikings' receivers remains rookie Stefon Diggs, who's caught 19 passes in three games and has shown he's able to consistently get open for Teddy Bridgewater. Beyond that, Vikings receivers carry some fantasy risk."
Overall, Diggs has caught 19 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown in three games. Against the Bears, that upward trend could continue. Chicago currently ranks 27th in receiving touchdowns allowed (15) and 19th in average yards per catch (11.8). Yes, Jay Cutler has been very good against the Vikings in his career. But this 4-2 Minnesota team, despite the advanced stats, should be able to pull a victory out given their improved talent level.
If we're going to bet on one Vikings receiver, it's Stefon Diggs.
