3 biggest Vikings scapegoats from the loss to the Packers in Week 17

Justin Jefferson – WR

In the midst of such a herculean season, this game was a reminder that Justin Jefferson is a human. The Vikings’ offense has put a lot of weight on his shoulders to carry them this season, which is a lot to ask of a young wide receiver.

In Week 17, the Packers made it a focal point to go after Jefferson, and Minnesota’s offense sputtered because of it.

Getting dependent on Jefferson isn’t a knock on Kirk Cousins, as most quarterbacks around the NFL have their favorite targets, and Cousins’ favorite target just so happens to be the best receiver in the league.

This past game showed the flaw in the Vikings’ offense that it’s heavily based around Jefferson, so whenever he is neutralized, the offense sputters out.

Jefferson was getting double-teamed for most of the game in Green Bay, which Minnesota could’ve taken advantage of, yet they clearly did not.

Jefferson is an amazing weapon to have, but the Vikings need to learn how to get things going when he is getting keyed in on by their opponent, as there is no doubt that playoff teams will be giving Jefferson all that they have.