Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 1 vs. Vikings

Start ‘Em – Adam Thielen, WR

Slow, undersized, undrafted, overlooked — Are there enough adjectives to describe Adam Thielen? Despite all of these things, and being on the wrong side of 30, Thielen continued to produce at WR1 level in 2020.

In 15 games Thielen managed almost 1,000 yards, but more importantly, racked up 14 touchdowns and led the league in red-zone targets.

One thing is certain — Kirk Cousins loves him some Adam Thielen. Justin Jefferson might bring the flash to the Viking offense, but Thielen brings the safety and stability that Cousins seeks.

Enter the Bengal defense.

It’s unclear who will be tasked with covering the crafty veteran since Trae Waynes is (again) injured, but either way, they will be facing a tough task. With the secondary likely (for good reason) rolled to Jefferson, Thielen should see plenty of space to work, especially underneath and in tight areas like the red zone where he excels.

Factor in that the Bengals will undoubtedly need to keep at least one safety up in run support to attempt to contain Dalvin Cook, and it should result in a good day for Thielen managers. With Cousins peppering his safety blanket with targets, expect a solid WR2 day from Thielen.

Prediction – 7 rec, 75 yards, TD