Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been a revelation this year. Despite being drafted in the fifth round, he has far outperformed first-round rookie wide receivers such as Philadelphia's Nelson Agholor and Miami's DeVante Parker. Other pass-catchers taken in the first round - Kevin White, Breshad Perriman, Phillip Dorsett - have been limited or not active at all due to injuries. Diggs has taken full advantage of this opening and currently ranks fourth in receptions (28) and second in receiving yards (461) among all offensive rookies despite not seeing the field for a single snap in the first two games of the season.
Beyond the boost he's given Minnesota's meager passing attack, Diggs has also been a valuable commodity in fantasy football. He's caught at least six passes in all but one game this season and already has two 100-plus yard outings in five total contests. That trend should continue this week against a vulnerable Oakland Raiders pass defense.
"Wide receiver Stefon Diggs had a quiet day against the St. Louis Rams last Sunday but could have a chance to get going against a Raiders team that has allowed more passing yards than any team in the league," ESPN Vikings reporter Ben Goesling wrote. "Teams have tried 45 passes of 20 yards or more against the Raiders - second-most in the league - and while the Vikings haven't had a consistent deep passing game, Diggs has been the receiver who has had the most success connecting with Teddy Bridgewater downfield. Eleven of the 28 passes that Diggs has caught have traveled at least 15 yards in the air, and he could have opportunities for more big plays Sunday, with Bridgewater looking as if he'll be able to return from a concussion."
The Raiders have allowed four different receivers to top the 100-yard mark this season and four others have collected at least 80 receiving yards. Oakland also ranks 17th in receiving touchdowns allowed (15) and dead last in receiving yards allowed per game (325.1).
Given Diggs' healthy average of nine targets per game, he should see enough volume against a susceptible defense to bounce back from his disappointing day last week. Fantasy owners should start the rookie with confidence.
