5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants – Week 16
By Chris Schad
Justin Jefferson will have over 125 yards receiving
Justin Jefferson’s historical season continues as he comes into Saturday’s game with 1,623 yards receiving. That total has him in the hunt to become the first receiver in NFL history to collect 2,000 yards in a season, but that number tells half the story.
Jefferson has been a model of consistency in his third season, averaging 115.9 yards per game. If that number holds up, Jefferson would rank fourth in NFL history in yards per game behind Calvin Johnson (122.8 ypg in 2012), Josh Gordon (117.6 ypg in 2013), and Julio Jones (116.9 ypg in 2015).
Although impressive, that number won’t be enough to reach 2,000 yards. With 377 yards to go, Jefferson needs 125.6 yards per game over the final three weeks to reach the milestone. The good news is the Giants are vulnerable enough to make that happen.
New York comes into Saturday’s game banged up as Adoree’ Jackson has been ruled out with a knee injury. That leaves Jefferson to be matched up with Fabian Moreau, who ranks 79th in Pro Football Focus’s coverage grades this season, and Nick McCloud, who ranks 99th.
Even if the Giants float a safety to Jefferson, there should be enough for the Vikings to succeed through the air and help him along his quest for 2,000 yards.