Justin Jefferson

Fantasy Upside

Jefferson was a very popular No. 1 overall pick in 2023 drafts. Unfortunately, a nagging hamstring injury cost him seven games last season. Yet, he still reached 1,000 yards, thanks in part to starting the season with three straight 100-yard games and adding two more in the final three weeks of the season as the Vikings fought for their playoff lives. He was rewarded with the highest contract ever for a wide receiver at $35 million per year. He is arguably the best wide receiver in the league and should still be considered among the first receivers taken in fantasy. Maybe not the first one off the board, but definitely a first-round pick.

Fantasy Downside

The Vikings could have some growing pains this season with either Sam Darnold or J.J. McCarthy under center, rather than Kirk Cousins. Of course, with Cousins hurt last season, Jefferson went through a mixed bag of quarterback play with Nick Mullens, Josh Dobbs, and Jaren Hall all starting games last season. The hope is the quarterback position is a little more steady this year, but still a bit of a downgrade from Cousins.

2024 Bottom Line

Despite the quarterback play, Jefferson is elite and can overcome any type of quarterback play. He's a first-round pick again in fantasy drafts. Maybe not overall No. 1 or even WR1, but still a surefire top-12 pick.

Week 16 vs. Detroit Lions

Justin Jefferson is our WR5 this week. He got closer to his full workload last weekend. Jefferson earned 10 targets, hauling in seven for 84 yards.

It's been a tough season for Jefferson with so much lost time, but all could be forgiven with a big finish in the playoffs.

Week 14 at Las Vegas Raiders

Justin Jefferson is poised to make his return in Week 14. We haven't seen him play a full complement of snaps since October 1st but all indications are that he's a full-go.

He saw 47 targets in the first four weeks of the year and slots in as WR12 this week. Obviously his ceiling is massive and he's a must-start as long as he's on the field.