Are expectations too high for Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson?

Minnesota needs to rely on Jefferson

The extra game on the schedule will boost everyone’s numbers, so the final tally of Justin Jefferson’s season will still look very good no matter what. Even though the offense isn’t going to have to score many points, that does not mean they won’t try to do so. The Vikings showed last season that they could put up points in a hurry, and Jefferson was a huge reason why.

In 2020, Minnesota was fourth in the NFL in yards per game at 393.3 yards and 11th in scoring offense after posting 26.9 points per contest. Even if the defense keeps opponents from scoring, the Vikings will still have the firepower to put up big numbers.

Jefferson will likely lead the team in targets again and his potential for big plays will keep him on the highlight reel each Sunday. He does not have to put up the massive numbers to be considered a lethal weapon for Minnesota next season, but his overall target share should keep him near the top of the league in yards and catches.

Evaluating success in the NFL is tricky. Do fans want to base their success on team success or fantasy value? The fantasy football landscape has changed the way we look at athletes and has often harmed our perception of what makes a player useful. Jefferson was one of the best fantasy values last season, but his higher draft spot and potential sophomore slump next season could make him a poor value this time around.

The most important thing for Jefferson is for the Vikings to have a successful offense that can turn to him when things get tough. He should not need to be the go-to guy on first down or on every series, but if he can be a constant threat that draws the defense away from Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen, Minnesota will still put up points.

Jefferson has a very bright future ahead of him with the Vikings. A sophomore slump is still in the realm of possibility and his expectations are through the roof right now. Minnesota fans need to be a little more cautious with their expectations of Jefferson in year two, but the hype is completely understandable.

Predictions for 2021:

• 95 catches
• 1,190 yards
• 8 TDs

My early predictions indicate a very good year for Jefferson once again. His drop in total yards may steer fans in the wrong direction after what he did as a rookie, but nearly 1,200 yards is still very admirable.