Heading into a big matchup against the Detroit Lions, the Vikings are hoping to have a dominating offense that matches the production of their defense. The team is dealing with injuries at the moment that could leave quarterback Teddy Bridgewater trying to make something out of nothing. With Sunday just around the corner, will players like Charles Johnson and Mike Wallace be on the field?
According to ESPN's Ben Goessling, Johnson continues to be limited in practice which leaves Stefon Diggs to potentially make another start for the team. Diggs is making the most of his new opportunities while Cordarrelle Patterson falls deeper and deeper into the depth chart black hole. In his second NFL game, Diggs had a 100-plus receiving day and was critical for Bridgewater in Week 6. While head coach Mike Zimmer is not saying if Diggs is replacing Johnson as a starter for the team there is a good chance especially if the receiver is hurt. Diggs is just simply trying to wait for more opportunities.
"I take my craft seriously," Diggs said, via the Star Tribune. "I knew I had potential but I was just waiting for my opportunity. I trust my coaches. They put me in the best position to be successful. There's a lot more plays to be made out there before I get to that point."
Diggs made it clear that he will accept whatever role is given to him, but fantasy owners in need of replacing a receiver on a bye week would be wise to take a look at the rookie. In two games since the bye week, Diggs has been targeted 19 times which puts him tied with Wallace. The veteran had 106 yards off 10 catches while the rookie had 216 yards off 13 catches. Bridgewater made it clear that he has full confidence in Diggs to get the job done in Minnesota.
"We know that this league waits for no one," Bridgewater said. "With all the young guys stepping up making big plays in this league, I'm happy to see Stefon contribute for the Vikings."
The Vikings are having trouble running the ball which makes the receiving game important. While leaning on Adrian Peterson in goal line situations, the Vikings have had a hard time actually getting the ball in the endzone. Peterson has been inconsistent as the Vikings continue to get paired up with top running-stopping defenses. The Detroit Lions are not one of those teams as Peterson could be poised for a bigger Week 7, but later down the road it might be time to start someone else. That is when the improvement from Diggs will come in handy for Minnesota.
