5 things to know about the Vikings and Saints for Week 16

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Adam Thielen
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Adam Thielen /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Justin Jefferson /

Jefferson needs 292 receiving yards to set the rookie record

If Justin Jefferson stopped playing games in 2020 altogether, he would end his rookie campaign with the seventh-most receiving yards by a rookie in NFL history (1,182). Take a deep breath — Jefferson will play. And, he will climb this rookie list.

292 receiving yards is what separates Jefferson from the No. 1 spot all-time by a rookie pass-catcher.

Houston Oilers wideout Bill Groman set the record in 1960 when he tallied 1,473 receiving yards. It’s also worth noting that Groman accomplished this feat in 14 games. His mark should be footnoted in history books when the record eventually falls as it was demonstrably efficient.

In all likelihood, Jefferson will not shatter this rookie accolade. He will need 146 yards per game against the Saints and Lions. It can be done, but it will take a commitment to passing the football by Minnesota’s offense. So we shall see.

If you “want” Jefferson to surpass Randy Moss on this list (he’s at No.3 all-time for this metric), the Griddy dancer will need 132 total receiving yards in the remaining two games. Now that is achievable.