Minnesota Vikings MVPs: Week 13 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars
By Adam Carlson
Offensive MVP
Justin Jefferson – WR
How can Vikings fans not love this kid? The dynamic receiver was the target of nearly 28 percent of Kirk Cousins’ throws on Sunday and there is no doubting the return on investment the quarterback gets for those decisions.
Justin Jefferson hauled in nine of his 12 targets for 121 yards and a touchdown during the game against the Jaguars, averaging 13.4 yards per catch in the Vikings’ victory. His most notable plays were a 40-yard catch and run and a 20-yard scoring grab that not only showed his great hands, but it displayed his excellent route-running that allowed him to gain separation as well.
With his stats against Jacksonville, Jefferson moved past 1,000 receiving yards on the season and he will continue to build on that number with the four games remaining on Minnesota’s schedule. Keep in mind that Vikings legend Randy Moss had 1,313 receiving yards during his rookie campaign, a number that is within reach for Jefferson.
Sure, Adam Thielen is the guy Cousins looks to in the red zone, but it is Jefferson who has been doing an amazing job outside of the red zone and creating a deep threat to open things up underneath. The rookie is exactly what this offense needs every week.