The Minnesota Vikings are on a bye in Week 6, but their return to the field could have fantasy implications for wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has not played since Week 2, but the team is targeting Week 7 against the Philadelphia Eagles as his projected return. Jefferson drew 6.5 targets in two games with McCarthy compared to 9.7 with backup Carson Wentz, though Minnesota has been much more intentional about getting their star wideout the ball in the past two weeks, throwing his way a robust 22 times. Despite Minnesota facing tons of injury issues on the offensive line and both opponents surely game-planning for Jefferson to be heavily featured, he still put up 100-yard efforts in both games. Among fantasy receivers, Jefferson is about as QB-proof as there is, but McCarthy's return still will be a variable worth monitoring.
Oct 7, 2025 2:11 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson again showed why he's one of the best in football Sunday against Cleveland, going for seven catches and 123 yards in Minnesota's 21-17 comeback win in London. The All-Pro drew a game-best 11 targets and pulled down an excellent 21-yard catch on one of the NFL's top corners, Cleveland's Denzel Ward, to aid the Vikings' game-winning, 80-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Fantasy managers have to be encouraged by Jefferson's past two weeks, in which he drew 11 targets and surpassed 100 yards in both games. The beat-up Vikings will take their bye in Week 6 before likely seeing the return of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) in Week 7.
Oct 5, 2025 1:21 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings are going through it right now, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson still should be locked into starting lineups when his team plays the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. Due to a rash of injuries, the Vikings will play the game without their starters at quarterback, left guard, center, right tackle, and a running back who eclipsed 1,500 total yards last season. Even so, Jefferson is so involved -- he vacuumed in 10 catches for 126 yards last week -- that he remains a must-start fantasy option. Minnesota's best chance to win the game will be to get the ball to their All-Pro receiver early and often, a plan that should sound just fine to fantasy managers with Jefferson on the roster.
Oct 3, 2025 4:34 PM EST
With the Minnesota Vikings once again facing major issues on the offensive line in Week 5, the team is likely to craft a game plan similar to last week, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. From a fantasy perspective, that would be a good thing for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who drew a season-best 11 targets, 10 catches, and 126 receiving yards in the Vikings' loss against Pittsburgh. Minnesota will have to find a way to neutralize the Cleveland Browns' excellent defensive line without starting left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion), and starting right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee), and scripted targets to their best player would seem to be on menu once again.
Oct 2, 2025 10:37 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson should be viewed as a top-five option this week when taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Ireland. The All-Pro put up a steady five catches for 75 yards a week ago in spite of the Vikings being ahead by so much in the second half against Cincinnati that they had little incentive to throw. With a more competitive game likely on tap this week, Jefferson turns his attention to a Steelers defense that has given up the seventh-most passing yards per game. Though Minnesota is playing with backup quarterback Carson Wentz, Jefferson has put up numbers with a variety of quarterbacks over the years, so his game-breaking talent should be locked into fantasy lineups, per usual.
Sep 26, 2025 4:53 PM EST
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings faces a plus matchup with a struggling Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 3, with the caveat that there are many variables at play for Minnesota. The superstar receiver will be catching passes from yet another new quarterback -- backup Carson Wentz will step in for the injured J.J. McCarthy (ankle) -- while the Minnesota offensive line will see a first-time starter at center and possibly a third-string left tackle depending on whether All-Pro Christian Darrisaw (knee) is able to return. Yet as awful as the Vikings have been for most of the season, failing to register 50 snaps in both games, Jefferson still managed seven catches, 125 yards, and a touchdown. Jefferson has made backups look great before, though, keeping him in the WR1 conversation despite the bad injury luck around him.
Sep 19, 2025 7:45 PM EST
Following a humbling loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said the team is being patient with their new starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy. The superstar receiver still managed 81 yards on three catches, but the Vikings' offense has been mostly awful through two games. The second-year quarterback played in just his second NFL game on Sunday, which Jefferson noted after the loss, saying, "We're not expecting him to be perfect." McCarthy has struggled, though so have the rest of the Vikings, who allowed a whopping 16 pressures on Sunday and ran for only 78 yards. They'll look for a better showing in Week 3 against Cincinnati.
Sep 15, 2025 11:19 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson faces a friendly matchup on Sunday with breakout potential against the Atlanta Falcons. Even in a down week for the superstar receiver in the season-opening game, he still went for four catches, 44 yards, and a touchdown, and now he takes on a Falcons defense near the bottom of the pile against fantasy wide receivers. With quarterback J.J. McCarthy making his first home start and up against a better matchup than last week, the Vikings should see a natural boost to their offense as a whole. That generally means good circumstances for their best player.
Sep 12, 2025 5:26 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had 44 receiving yards on four catches and a touchdown in a 27-24 win against the Bears. Jefferson earned a team-high seven targets, but was unable to get touches early in the game as quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled. The offense started moving the ball better and sustained some drives in the second half. Jefferson caught a laser beam from McCarthy for a 13-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Jefferson uncharacteristically dropped a pretty well-placed ball from McCarthy on a deep over, although McCarthy was a tad late. There should be better days for Jefferson as he and McCarthy continue to build rapport and gain more reps together. He is still locked in as one of the three best wide receivers in fantasy football.
Sep 9, 2025 1:04 AM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a must-start option, as usual, when the Vikings open the season against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The sixth-year receiver dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp, but was not listed on Minnesota's final injury report and should continue to be the team's runaway top option for passing targets. Especially with fellow wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) out for the first three games, the All-Pro should receive plenty of volume from new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson should be in starting lineups in every format.
Sep 6, 2025 3:44 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is not listed on the team's Week 1 injury report and was a full participant in the first practice of the week on Thursday. Jefferson injured his left hamstring way back on July 24 and didn't return to practice at training camp until Aug. 18. The 26-year-old's injury was minor, though, and Minnesota was just being extra cautious with one of the best wideouts in the NFL. The All-Pro receiver should be locked and loaded into all starting fantasy lineups in Week 1 when he and the Vikings take on the division-rival Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. With Jordan Addison serving a three-game suspension to open the year, Jefferson could draw an even larger target share from quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson is a no-doubt, must-start in fantasy whenever he's active.
Sep 4, 2025 7:11 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Monday that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) will return to practice and gradually ramp up ahead of Week 1. Jefferson missed time this summer, sparking concern about his readiness, but his return solidifies his status as one of fantasy football's elite first-round picks. The 26-year-old posted 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 and remains the focal point of Minnesota's offense. With Jefferson back on track, fantasy managers can confidently draft him among the top overall selections, expecting WR1 production in the Vikings' high-powered passing attack.
Aug 18, 2025 3:56 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) remains without a firm return date as he continues his recovery from a preseason injury. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said Jefferson is "hopefully going to start doing more and more," but the team is being cautious with its superstar. Jefferson is coming off another elite season, posting 1,533 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. With rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy preparing for his first year as a starter and Jordan Addison suspended to open the season, Jefferson's health is critical. He remains an early first-round fantasy pick this season.
Aug 16, 2025 7:39 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) won't take part in joint practices with the New England Patriots this week, although he has continued to take part in walk-throughs. Jefferson will be re-evaluated next week. The 26-year-old All-Pro will not play in the second preseason game against the Patriots, but he is making progress as he recovers from a hamstring. It's a bit worrisome not to see Jefferson practicing with the team in training camp, but the Vikings are playing this one very cautious with one of the best pass-catchers in all of football. They have more reason to play it safe with WR2 Jordan Addison to be suspended for the first four games of 2025. Jefferson is missing out on key chances to gain chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but he's still the No. 2 fantasy wideout behind Ja'Marr Chase.
Aug 13, 2025 1:52 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) remains sidelined at training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Jefferson's left-hamstring strain that he suffered on July 24 isn't serious, but the Vikings continue to play it safe with one of the top pass-catchers in the NFL during camp. The Vikings aren't at all concerned that the 26-year-old All-Pro will be in danger of missing Week 1 of the regular season, and the fact that he's been seen working on side fields with trainers could be a sign that he'll return to practice soon. It wouldn't be a surprise if we don't see Jefferson play at all in the preseason, but he should be ready come Week 1. Fantasy managers should be monitoring Jefferson's progress, but he's still RotoBaller's second-ranked fantasy receiver.
Aug 6, 2025 3:50 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) was on a side field during practice on Friday working out with trainers, according to Emily Leiker of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said there still isn't a timeline on Jefferson's full re-integration at practices, but that he would ramp back up into some work this week and that updates have been "really positive." The 26-year-old All-Pro wideout hasn't practiced with the rest of the team for a full week now, but the Vikings are likely just being overly cautious with one of the best pass-catchers in football. The Vikes want to rest Jefferson but also know he's going to need reps with quarterback J.J. McCarthy before the start of the regular season. We would expect him to return to the practice field sooner than later. Unless Jefferson's absence drags on longer, he should still be one of the first receivers taken in fantasy drafts.
Aug 1, 2025 5:07 PM EST
ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that it doesn't sound like the Minnesota Vikings plan to mothball wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) until the start of the regular season. "I have zero worry about the opener, but there's a lot of time between now and then. What that looks like, we're going to be smart. But at the same time, he wants to get back out there. He doesn't want to stay wearing what I wear to practice much longer," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. Jefferson was held out of training camp practice last Thursday, and a day later it was announced that the 26-year-old All-Pro wideout is dealing with a mild left-hamstring strain. It's more of a day-to-day injury, the Jefferson has yet to return to practice. He's missing valuable time to develop chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but Jefferson should return sooner than later and remains an elite fantasy wideout until further notice.
Jul 29, 2025 5:18 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) has suffered a mild left-hamstring strain, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Lewis reports that the team plans to be "really cautious" with its star receiver, but does not relay any sort of timeline for his return to practice. Jefferson missed seven games with an injury to his right hamstring back in 2023, so there's a history of soft-tissue injuries in his lower body. The 26-year-old is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL, coming off a season in which he recorded 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. His presence on the field is critical to the success of Minnesota's offense and first-year starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy. It's too early to say that Jefferson is at risk of missing any significant time, but the Vikings are already likely facing an early-season suspension for their WR2, Jordan Addison.
Jul 25, 2025 3:28 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (legs) had some mild tightness in his legs during training camp practice on Thursday and sat out the end of practice as a result, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The Vikings have no concerns, even in the short term, and they are just being extra cautious to prevent the leg issues that Jefferson experienced in 2023. It doesn't make sense to put the 26-year-old All-Pro pass-catcher in harm's way so early in camp. Fantasy managers shouldn't be at all concerned for now as he heads into his first season catching passes from former first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson has had over 1,000 yards receiving in all five of his NFL seasons and went for a 103-1,533-10 line in 17 regular-season starts with Sam Darnold at QB in 2024. He's the No. 2 fantasy wideout, behind only Ja'Marr Chase.
Jul 24, 2025 6:04 PM EST
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson had praise for second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy this week. McCarthy, who missed all of his 2024 rookie season with a knee injury, is still unproven as an NFL quarterback, but Jefferson is not worried. "I want him to be just as confident as I am of him to make the plays out there," the star receiver told reporters. The duo reportedly spent time together on and off the field this offseason as they look to build chemistry after barely getting any reps together last year. Many expect McCarthy to live up to the hype that made him the No. 10 pick in the 2024 NFL draft this season, and he has a good shot to do so with a talented collection of skill players around him and QB-whisperer Kevin O'Connell calling the plays. McCarthy should be viewed as a mid-range QB2 heading into fantasy drafts later this summer. Fantasy managers can continue to confidently snag Jefferson as the overall WR2 after Ja'Marr Chase in the first round.
Jul 17, 2025 8:46 AM EST
Copyright 2025 Fantasy Football Calculator | Image Source: Icon Sportswire. Not affiliated with the National Football League (NFL).
Stats powered by FantasyData.com.
