Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate was almost non-existent in the win over the Chicago Bears Sunday. Tate caught three passes for 32 yards in his third-worst receiving game of the season. He was on the fire the previous four games, catching at least six passes for 85 yards in each of those contests. Tate has not scored much this season, however, with only three touchdowns on the season.
Tate is hoping to have a better meeting with division foe Minnesota Vikings Thursday than he id in Week 4. The Vikings held him to just three passes for 29 yards in their first meeting. Tate only has three games against Minnesota with over 50 yards receiving in his career, and he has one touchdown vs. the Vikings in their last five meetings. Minnesota has allowed the third-fewest touchdowns to wideouts this season.
Fantasy impact: The Lions need Tate to step up in a game that has playoff implications for the team against a really good defense Thursday. That will be easier said than done, however. The Vikings have traditionally had Tate’s number and they have consistently played lights out all season. Tate’s chances to rebound are not impossible this week, but it does not look too good.