4 bold predictions for the rest of the Vikings 2020 season

Jefferson wins Offensive Rookie of the Year

After making the big decision to trade Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills this past offseason, the Vikings were hoping to land a receiver in the NFL Draft who could perform on the field at least half as well as the guy they sent packing to the AFC East.

So with the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft, Minnesota went ahead and selected former LSU receiver, Justin Jefferson. The Vikings were ecstatic with their choice and it didn’t take long this season to see why.

This year, Jefferson has been performing like he’s already been in the league for a handful of seasons. He’s making impressive play after impressive play each week and veteran defenders constantly look silly when trying to cover the rookie.

In 10 games this year, Jefferson has hauled in 45 passes for 848 yards and four touchdowns. His 18.8 yards per catch average is currently the highest in the league among players who have caught at least 30 passes this season.

With the recent injury to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, the possibility of Jefferson actually winning this season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award definitely got a lot more realistic. To win the award, he’ll have to perform better than guys like Justin Herbert and Chase Claypool during Minnesota’s final six games of the season.

The Vikings sneaking into the playoffs would certainly help Jefferson’s case for the award. But even if Minnesota ends up on the outside of this year’s postseason, their rookie receiver will still end up being named the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year.