Why Justin Jefferson could be in for a gigantic performance in Week 4

A significant injury in the secondary of the Cleveland Browns could result in a big game for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson in Week 4.

For those that have been expecting Justin Jefferson to experience some sort of sophomore slump in his second season with the Minnesota Vikings, that doesn’t seem like something that is going to be happening.

After Minnesota’s first three games this year, Jefferson has already hauled in 20 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. At his current pace, the young Vikings receiver will finish the season with over 110 catches, 1,400 yards, and 10 touchdowns.

After having his best game of the 2021 campaign last week during Minnesota’s home opener when he ended with nine receptions for 118 yards and a score, Jefferson will be looking to put on a show for the fans again this weekend against the Cleveland Browns.

Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson could dominate in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns

For the fourth game of their season, Minnesota will be welcoming former offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and the Browns to U.S. Bank Stadium. Cleveland is 2-1 so far this year, so ruining Stefanski’s return to the Twin Cities isn’t going to be easy for the Vikings to accomplish.

However, Minnesota’s chances for a win this week got a nice boost on Wednesday when the Browns announced that rookie cornerback Greg Newsome won’t be playing in the matchup due to a calf injury.

Newsome has started all three of Cleveland’s games this season, and he’s looked impressive, especially for a rookie corner. So far this year, his allowed completion rate is only 55.6 percent, and opposing quarterbacks have a rating of just 67.8 when throwing in his direction.

Replacing Newsome in the starting lineup will likely be a former college teammate of Jefferson’s,  Greedy Williams. Since Williams is listed at 6-foot-2, the Browns will probably have him keeping an eye on Minnesota’s top receiver frequently in Week 4.

Jefferson is much better than the guy he was during the last time he and Williams went up against each other in old LSU practices. If one were to bet on which player would likely get the best of the other in this 1-on-1 matchup, money should be placed on the Vikings receiver.

After finding the end zone last week, Jefferson had the opportunity to break out his griddy celebration in front of a stadium packed with Minnesota fans for the first time in his NFL career. With Newsome out, expect the Vikings receiver to get another chance to celebrate a score with his griddy dance for the purple and gold faithful this weekend.