5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – Week 11
By Chris Schad
Jefferson will have 15 or more targets
A surprising development in Sunday’s win over the Chargers was the push to get Justin Jefferson involved. The star receiver commanded 11 targets last week and low and behold, he turned them into nine catches for 145 yards and a key grab on the final drive of the game.
Getting the ball to Jefferson shouldn’t be surprising but with the way the Vikings operate, it was almost a shock to see them do it aggressively. That’s why they need to do it again against the Packers.
Jefferson will miss out on facing Jaire Alexander, who remains on injured reserve with a shoulder injury, but Rasul Douglas and Chandon Sullivan have stepped up in his place. Sullivan is allowing a 56.4 passer rating when targeted and Douglas checks in at 62.6 since Alexander was injured on Oct. 3.
Eric Stokes has also performed well as a rookie but they’re still going up against an elite talent like Jefferson. The best defense for the Vikings is their offense and by chucking the ball to Jefferson, they can put pressure on the Packers to score some points.