Due to a litany of injuries around him, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is a lowly rated option when the Vikings play host to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The Michigan State product has developed a solid chemistry with starter J.J. McCarthy (hand), but the latter will miss Thursday's game, giving way to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Detroit ranks a bottom-tier 31st against PPR receivers, though the Vikings are beaten up and on a short week. In addition to McCarthy, the Vikings will be without star left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), center Ryan Kelly (concussion), tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), running back Jordan Mason (ankle), and could be without right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) as well. Nailor's varied role in the offense is difficult to rely upon anyway, as the receiver has not caught a pass three times in the past five weeks, yet had one game with two touchdowns. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 86 receiver this week, Nailor is avoidable in all formats.
Dec 24, 2025 3:20 PM EST
A week ago, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (back) came up big on national TV with two touchdown catches in a victory at Dallas, but he should be considered more of a desperation option in Week 16 at the New York Giants. Nailor appears to be developing a connection with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and he's earning regular playing time, having played at least half of the Vikings' snaps in 13 of 14 games. Though he came off the injury report and should play on Sunday, Nailor just isn't earning enough targets to rely upon in the majority of fantasy formats. The Michigan State product had one or zero catches in seven of 14 games, and he's caught more than three passes in a game three times in three years. While the Giants rank a lowly 29th against half-PPR receivers, Nailor's inconsistent volume makes him challenging to rely upon in Week 16.
Dec 19, 2025 4:12 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (back) was limited in practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday. Nailor picked up the injury during last Sunday's Week 15 win over the Dallas Cowboys. As a result, his status remains uncertain for the Vikings' upcoming contest against the New York Giants on Sunday in Week 16. The 26-year-old is having a solid season as Minnesota's No. 3 receiver, catching 26 passes for 395 yards and four touchdowns. He has 10 touchdowns over his last 31 games dating back to the 2024 campaign. As long as Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are healthy, though, Nailor should not be viewed as a reliable fantasy starter. He ranks outside the top 50 fantasy receivers for Week 16, if he suits up.
Dec 18, 2025 9:45 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (back) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Nailor gave fantasy managers a strong performance last weekend with a two-touchdown game against the Dallas Cowboys. The 26-year-old must have picked up a minor back issue during that victory, however. Nailor has seen a bigger role over the last two weeks with quarterback J.J. McCarthy back under center. It seems that the two of them are building some decent chemistry together. Nailor makes for a possible deep-league flex option, assuming he's able to suit up for the upcoming matchup against the New York Giants. If not, rookie Tai Felton could see more action on the field, but he wouldn't be a recommended streaming option. The absence of Nailor would likely just mean more targets for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
Dec 17, 2025 9:53 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor found the end zone twice to help his team score a 34-26 victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Nailor caught three of five targets for 47 yards and was on the receiving end of both of quarterback J.J. McCarthy's passing touchdowns. The Michigan State product has developed a nice connection with his quarterback, with whom he also connected on a key fourth-down conversion that led to a touchdown later on the same drive. For fantasy purposes, however, Nailor remains a tough sell. The Vikings have raved about Nailor, but as a secondary pass catcher, he's still averaging fewer than two catches per game as Minnesota prepares to play the New York Giants in Week 16.
Dec 15, 2025 8:18 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has been uninvolved in the offense since posting a career high 124 yards and a touchdown on five catches (six targets) in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. Nailor has totaled just four catches for 46 yards on six targets in four games since that game. J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense showed signs of life last week in a dominant performance against a poor Washington Commanders defense. Still, the 26-year-old wideout should be considered a desperation play entering Week 15's Sunday night matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense, who have been even worse than the Commanders against wide receivers, allowing the most PPR points per game to the position.
Dec 13, 2025 1:12 PM EST
After the Minnesota Vikings' offensive struggles reached a new low in Week 13, wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be considered a high-risk option when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14. The Commanders' defense has been hugely ineffective this season, and it enters this week having allowed the highest percentage of scoring drives in the league. In the past month, however, Minnesota has been even worse. The offense's turnover rate has ballooned to over 17% of their possessions, and they've scored 42 points in their past 16 quarters. Nailor had a career-best day with quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 10, but caught just one pass on three targets combined during the next three games. The matchup this week is great, but starting Nailor should be considered a desperation play, given his low volume in what has been a bad offense.
Dec 5, 2025 3:30 PM EST
As the Minnesota Vikings prepare to start an undrafted rookie quarterback, Jalen Nailor is a low-end wide receiver option in Week 13 at Seattle. The Vikings are down to their third-string quarterback, Max Brosmer, who has never made a start in the NFL. The circumstances have considerably dimmed the prospects for everyone on the Minnesota offense, but especially Nailor, who already was facing an inconsistent target share behind fellow receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. After a breakout Week 10 game, Nailor had just two combined targets in the next two games, which is nowhere near enough to rely upon in any fantasy format. Now, with even tougher circumstances ahead, Nailor can safely remain on waiver wires in the majority of fantasy formats.
Nov 28, 2025 3:54 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be avoided in most formats when his struggling offense goes on the road to play Green Bay in Week 12. The Vikings have counted on Nailor in big spots -- like a game-clinching catch at Detroit and a fourth-quarter touchdown against Baltimore -- but his overall volume, 3.7 targets per game, hasn't been enough to rely upon on a week-to-week basis. Additionally, the Vikings are having a hard time simply staying on the field. During the past three weeks, Minnesota has averaged 58 plays as quarterback J.J. McCarthy has struggled to acclimate to the NFL. With Nailor set to face a Green Bay defense that ranks ninth overall against half-PPR receivers, managers should look for a better option this week.
Nov 21, 2025 3:19 PM EST
Coming off a career-best day in Week 10, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is tough to trust in Week 11 with a fluctuating pass-catching role. The fourth-year pro broke out for 124 yards and a touchdown on only five catches last week against Baltimore, which bested fellow wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Vikings consistently praise Nailor, who has a proven history of being a quality run blocker, special teamer, and making big catches when called upon. While first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy seems to trust Nailor, his receiving workload hasn't been consistent enough to rely upon in most leagues. Nailor had three catches in the three weeks prior to his career day, and even against a lowly ranked Bears defense, he should be saved only for leagues with three-plus flex spots.
Nov 14, 2025 6:41 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has emerged as a big-play threat in the Vikings' passing attack, after delivering 124 yards and a touchdown on just five receptions. Despite seeing just 14.3% of the target share, Nailor was able to post the most productive game of his young career. The receiver's big game put him on the map for fantasy owners, but prior to Week 10, his biggest game of the season was a three-catch outing for 37 yards. While Nailor should be viewed as a priority on the wire this week, it may be early to expect consistent production.
Nov 12, 2025 11:17 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor had his best game of the season in Week 10, recording five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown on six targets in his team's 27-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Nailor remains stuck behind star wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the Vikings' wide receiver depth chart. However, Nailor seems to have some degree of chemistry with Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In the four games McCarthy has started this season, Nailor has been targeted 18 times. The Vikings now have a very favorable matchup in Week 11 when they host the Chicago Bears. In deep fantasy leagues, Nailor could be worth adding off the waiver wire.
Nov 10, 2025 10:39 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has been a non-factor in the offense until this weekend. Nailor came out of nowhere and posted an epic performance against the Baltimore Ravens. He hauled in five of his six targets for 124 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The 26-year-old snagged a 10-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter as the Vikings attempted to make a comeback. It marked his second touchdown of the season, as Nailor hasn't seen a ton of action outside of this performance. Hopefully, this will be a sign of more good things to come for Nailor as the Vikings take on the Chicago Bears in Week 11.
Nov 9, 2025 6:13 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor made the catch of the game last week to seal a big victory at Detroit, but the receiver's low volume should keep him out of lineups in most leagues when the Vikings play host to the Baltimore Ravens. The Vikings have called upon the former Michigan State standout in big moments, including a game-sealing third-down reception last week from quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, he's still averaging fewer than two catches per game this season. The Ravens rank 23rd against PPR receivers, but have held their past three opponents to an average of 13 points. With Nailor still firmly behind fellow receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in the pecking order, he's a touchdown-dependent option who should be avoided if possible.
Nov 7, 2025 6:01 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor will have some outside streaming appeal in deep leagues when the Vikings travel to play the Detroit Lions in Week 9. The former Michigan State Spartan has played at least 59% of the team's offensive snaps in every game this season, and he's drawn at least four targets in five of Minnesota's seven games. The Lions' defense is holding opponents to points on fewer than a third of possessions, but quite a bit of the damage has been through the air, as Detroit has allowed 14 passing touchdowns in just seven weeks. Though second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy will return from an ankle injury this week, Minnesota has continued to favor three-receiver looks that will give Nailor opportunities. He'll naturally be behind receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, though, which will make Nailor a touchdown-dependent option for managers in very deep leagues.
Oct 31, 2025 4:41 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor recorded only one target with no catches in their 37-10 Thursday night loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Nailor had maintained a small role in the offense after Jordan Addison returned from his suspension in Week 4, recording six catches for 66 yards on 12 targets since then, but was held catchless for the first time this season against the Chargers. It would likely take an injury for Nailor's targets to spike back up, as the targets are heavily concentrated around Addison, Justin Jefferson, and T.J. Hockenson. He's best left on the waiver wire in 12-team leagues.
Oct 28, 2025 5:04 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor didn't do much in the team's 48-10 blowout win over the visiting Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 on Sunday in his last chance at an elevated role in Minnesota's passing attack. Nailor secured three of his five targets from veteran quarterback Carson Wentz for 37 yards, which was third on the team. His 37 yards were actually the most he's had in three games in 2025 in what was his best chance for an elevated workload with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three contests. Addison is set to make his season debut in Week 4 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, so the 26-year-old Nailor will likely have a reduced role. So far this year, Nailor has seven receptions on 13 targets for 96 scoreless yards. He belongs on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues with Addison making his return.
Sep 22, 2025 4:09 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor shouldn't be considered, even in deep formats, when his team takes on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. The lack of confidence has less to do with Nailor than with the chaos around him, as Minnesota hasn't shown it can protect its quarterback and is now besieged by injuries. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion) are out. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) is questionable and still has not returned from last season's ACL injury, while his backup, Justin Skule (concussion), is out. That could mean a former seventh-round pick snapping the ball to a journeyman backup quarterback being protected by a third-string left tackle -- all of which is bad news for a player who is already his team's fourth option for targets.
Sep 19, 2025 7:24 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor operated as the clear WR2 behind All-Pro Justin Jefferson in the team's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2. Nailor finished the night second in both targets (five) and yardage (31) while tying for the team lead in catches (three) in a game in which quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) looked like a rookie. The 26-year-old could have had a much bigger game had McCarthy not overthrown him on what could have been a long touchdown reception. Nailor really hasn't been anything special through two weeks in a Vikings offense that has mostly struggled in McCarthy's first two career games, as he's caught four passes on eight targets for 59 yards and no scores. Jordan Addison has one more game to serve on his suspension, so Nailor might have one final chance for flex value in a plus Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Minnesota's defense could actually see a boost with the move to backup QB Carson Wentz.
Sep 16, 2025 3:35 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be left out of lineups when the club plays against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Coming off a hand injury, the fourth-year pro has been given the all-clear to play, but the bigger issue from a fantasy perspective is his role within the offense. It looked for a time that Nailor could be the team's WR2 next to Justin Jefferson with Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three weeks, but the Vikings traded for Adam Thielen and quickly squashed that idea. The Vikings like Nailor, a willing run blocker who caught six touchdowns a year ago, but with tight end T.J. Hockenson fully back in the fold, Nailor is the team's fourth option and unlikely to see regular volume in the passing game.
Sep 6, 2025 3:42 PM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
