Van Jefferson

Tennessee Titans
Wide Receiver #11
Tennessee Titans
Wide Receiver #11

Van Jefferson News RotoBaller

Van Jefferson Won't Play Against Jaguars in Week 18

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (forearm) has already been ruled out for Week 18 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to interim head coach Mike McCoy. His season is over. Jefferson picked up the injury during the second quarter of Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints. At the time of his departure, he led the team with three catches for 46 yards on three targets. After the game, McCoy was quick to rule out Jefferson for the last week of the season. While not a top fantasy threat, Jefferson had recently taken on a larger role after Calvin Ridley (leg) landed on injured reserve. Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Mason Kinsey will operate as the Titans' top receivers against a Jaguars secondary that has been playing at a high level lately.

Dec 28, 2025 5:19 PM EST


Van Jefferson Won't Return Against Saints in Week 17

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (forearm) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 17 contest against the New Orleans Saints. He exited the game in the second quarter. At the time of his departure, he led the team with three catches for 46 yards on three targets. While not a top fantasy threat, Jefferson had taken on a larger role after Calvin Ridley (leg) landed on injured reserve. Now, Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and Mason Kinsey will operate as the Titans' top receivers with Jefferson sidelined.

Dec 28, 2025 3:14 PM EST



Van Jefferson has Little Upside for Week 17

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson is seeing consistent playing time, but hasn't been a reliable contributor this season. Jefferson has been held to under 40 receiving yards in every game but three this season. The veteran wideout has five total receptions over his last three games. He's also heading into a tough matchup against the New Orleans Saints defense in Week 17. A defense that has allowed the third-fewest receiving yards to wideouts this season. Fantasy managers are best to leave Jefferson on the bench this weekend.

Dec 28, 2025 8:50 AM EST


Van Jefferson Active for Week 16

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (back) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jefferson was questionable heading into Sunday. He missed Wednesday's practice before eventually being upgraded to a full participant on Friday. The 29-year-old has played a full-time role for the Titans since Week 6 but has not been overly productive, collecting 20 catches for 256 yards and a touchdown on 43 targets in that span. In a struggling Titans offense, Jefferson doesn't profile as a trustworthy fantasy option in Week 16. He is projected to continue to operate as the WR3 behind rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor.

Dec 21, 2025 12:36 PM EST


Van Jefferson Upgrades to Limited on Thursday Ahead of Week 16

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (back) practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday ahead of Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Jefferson's status improved after he missed practice altogether on Wednesday. The veteran receiver played at least 73% of the snaps in every game from Week 6 through Week 14, but his snap share dropped to 58% when he injured his back in Week 15. In nine games since Week 6, Jefferson has 43 targets, 20 catches, 256 yards, and one touchdown. During that span, he ranks as the overall WR71 in PPR leagues. Even if he manages to suit up this week, Jefferson won't be a worthwhile fantasy option while operating behind Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor in the Titans' struggling offense.

Dec 18, 2025 10:31 PM EST



Van Jefferson Misses Practice on Wednesday

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson (back) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice. This comes after Jefferson was forced to exit early during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Jefferson will get two more chances to practice ahead of the Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 29-year-old has been a non-factor mostly all year, but he's had two or fewer receptions in three of his last four games. The absence of Jefferson would likely mean slightly larger roles for rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Also, James Proche II could see more time on the field, but he's not someone worth targeting in fantasy football at this time of year.

Dec 17, 2025 9:36 PM EST


Van Jefferson Exits Week 15 Early With Back Injury

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson exited the Titans' Week 15 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half due to a back injury. Jefferson hauled in one catch for 43 yards on five targets before leaving the game. The 29-year-old has shown flashes this season and has been a reliable target for rookie quarterback Cameron Ward at times during the year. The Titans have already battled injuries this season in their receiver room after losing Calvin Ridley for the season to a leg injury. Jefferson's status for their Week 16 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs will be monitored as the team heads into the next week of practice.

Dec 14, 2025 8:37 PM EST


Van Jefferson Offers Limited Upside in Week 15

Across 13 games this season, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson has recorded 23 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown on 42 targets. The 29-year-old has earned consistent playing time in Tennessee since Titans wideout Calvin Ridley (leg) first started dealing with injury issues this season. Across seven games since Week 6, Jefferson has played at least 73% of Tennessee's offensive snaps in every contest. Despite the consistent snap share, Jefferson has recorded no more than four receptions or 75 receiving yards in a game this season. His production upside appears capped by both his own lack of explosiveness and the Titans' larger offensive struggles. In Week 15, Tennessee will take on a San Francisco 49ers defense that has held two straight opponents to fewer than 10 total points. Jefferson should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 15.

Dec 13, 2025 12:20 PM EST


Van Jefferson Earning Larger Role in Tennessee Heading into Difficult Week 12 Matchup

Through 10 games this season, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson has recorded 17 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown on 33 targets. While those numbers don't jump off the page, Jefferson has seen an expanded role in his team's offense in recent weeks, earning 19 targets over his last three games played. The 29-year-old also played a season-high 92% of Tennessee's offensive snaps in Week 11 against the Houston Texans. With Titans wideouts Calvin Ridley (leg) and Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) both out, Jefferson could continue to see targets and playing time in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Seattle is a tough matchup for opposing passing games. Through 11 weeks, Seattle is allowing the third-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.2) in the NFL. Expected playing time alone may not be enough to carry Jefferson's fantasy production against the Seahawks. He profiles as a desperation flex option for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 12.

Nov 22, 2025 12:33 PM EST


Van Jefferson Should See Larger Role With Teammate Out for the Year

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson hauled in his first touchdown of the season during last week's game against the Houston Texans. The veteran wideout has been quiet this season, but was able to make an impact this past weekend. Jefferson hauled in three of his seven targets for 22 yards and a touchdown in the loss. The Titans are banged up at wide receiver which could lead to Jefferson having a bigger role moving forward. Calvin Ridley (leg) has already been placed on the injured reserve, but Chimere Dike (chest) is in danger of sitting out in Week 12. If that happens, Jefferson figures to take on a larger workload. Jefferson could offer some low-end flex appeal for fantasy managers desperate for help.

Nov 18, 2025 7:12 PM EST


Van Jefferson a Touchdown-Dependent Option for Week 11

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson has been a non-factor in the offense over the last few weeks. Jefferson has seen increased playing time with Calvin Ridley (hamstring) missing each of the last three games. During that time, Jefferson has been held to six receptions for 68 yards and has been held out of the end zone. Right now, Ridley is questionable for the upcoming Week 11 matchup against the Houston Texans. If he sits, Jefferson will probably play over 80 percent of the offensive snaps, but that hasn't helped his fantasy value. Jefferson should be viewed as a touchdown-dependent option for Week 11.

Nov 15, 2025 6:41 PM EST


Van Jefferson Catches One of Eight Targets in Week 8 Loss to Colts

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson caught only one of his eight targets for six yards in their 38-14 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. Jefferson saw a season high in targets in the game and tied with rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike, but struggled to consistently connect with rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. The 29-year-old wideout was coming off his two best games of the season, filling for an injured Calvin Ridley (hamstring), catching four of six targets for 75 yards in Week 6 against the Cardinals, then catching all four targets for 41 yards in Week 7 against the Patriots. It's been a struggle for the entire Tennessee offense this season, but Jefferson figures to continue running close to a full number of routes while Ridley is out. He shouldn't be on fantasy radars for Week 9 against the Chargers.

Oct 28, 2025 4:56 PM EST


Van Jefferson Leads Titans in Receiving on Friday

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson recorded 102 yards and a touchdown on three catches in his team's 23-13 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. Jefferson scored a 65-yard touchdown on a long catch-and-run in the second quarter. The 29-year-old is entering his first season in Tennessee after logging 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Jefferson projects to open the season as the WR3 in Tennessee alongside veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. However, he may struggle to hold off the team's pair of fourth-round rookie wide receivers, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Jefferson should be off the radar of fantasy managers in 2025.

Aug 23, 2025 10:31 AM EST


Van Jefferson Listed as Starter on Unofficial Depth Chart

The Tennessee Titans listed wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson in their starting three-receiver set on Monday on their first official depth chart of training camp, according to Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt. Tennessee signed Jefferson to a one-year deal in the offseason to give them veteran depth at the position. While the 29-year-old is listed as a starter right now, that won't be a guarantee come Week 1 of the regular season. He is playing for his fourth NFL team since the start of the 2023 campaign and had just 24 receptions on 40 targets for 276 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (12 starts) with a Pittsburgh offense that had plenty of opportunity in the passing game. Fantasy managers will be avoiding Jefferson in 12-team leagues as a depth option in an offense led by a rookie QB in 2025.

Aug 4, 2025 7:52 PM EST


Van Jefferson Inks Deal With Tennessee

The Tennessee Titans are signing former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million. Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports reported the news. The former Florida Gator spent one season in Pittsburgh, accumulating just 24 receptions, 276 yards, and two touchdowns in 17 games. Jefferson played the second-most snaps of all Steelers wideouts with 755 (George Pickens). The 28-year-old has eclipsed 370 receiving yards only once in his career (in 2022 with the Rams) but figures to slot in as the team's second WR behind incumbent primary option Calvin Ridley. He'll now vie for targets with fellow wideouts Tyler Boyd and Treylon Burks and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. Jefferson regularly disappeared last season, recording one catch or fewer in nine appearances, and will be difficult to trust as a viable fantasy option in 2025 despite the change of scenery.

Mar 12, 2025 10:03 AM EST


Van Jefferson Scores In Loss To Baltimore

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson caught both of his targets for 37 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Jefferson, who scored just twice in the regular season, gave the Steelers their first points of the evening when he came down in the end zone with a beautiful 30-yard deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson in the third quarter. He was quiet for much of the rest of the contest. The 28-year-old will now be looking for a new contract, in Pittsburgh or elsewhere, as he is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.

Jan 12, 2025 12:46 PM EST


Van Jefferson Not Recommended In Week 17

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson is off the fantasy radar when the Steelers take on Kansas City on Christmas Day. The veteran has played more than 70% of the Steelers' snaps the past three weeks, but that seems likely to change with top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) likely to return to the lineup. The Chiefs' defense ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy receivers, but it's difficult to see Jefferson getting enough action in a run-loving Pittsburgh offense when competing for targets with Pickens, receiver Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

Dec 24, 2024 9:55 AM EST


Van Jefferson Off Fantasy Radar In Week 16

Despite what could be additional opportunity, managers should steer clear of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson in a Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Top Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens (hamstring) missed the previous two contests and is out again against Baltimore, but that hasn't really led to much for Jefferson, who had two catches for 10 yards and a touchdown in those two games despite playing the majority of snaps. The Ravens rank 31st against fantasy wide receivers, but it's tough to trust the journeyman to be the benefactor. Managers holding Pickens should look elsewhere for a backup plan.

Dec 20, 2024 10:22 AM EST


Van Jefferson Will Have Increased Role, Still Dicey For Fantasy Lineups

With Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) being ruled out for a second straight game, Van Jefferson will have an increased role again in a Week 15 battle on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns last week with Pickens sidelined, Jefferson played a team-high 74 percent of the offensive snaps, but it resulted in just one catch on one target for a 10-yard touchdown reception, his second of the season. The 28-year-old pass-catcher will no doubt be on the field plenty this weekend in Philly, but expecting him to put up fantasy relevant numbers is unrealistic in Pittsburgh's low-volume passing attack against an Eagles defense that has been stingy against pass-catchers in 2024. Jefferson has caught only four of six targets in the last three weeks.

Dec 14, 2024 12:46 PM EST


Van Jefferson Scores Touchdown With Teammate Sidelined

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson converted his lone target into a 10-yard touchdown reception during Sunday's Week 14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. With George Pickens (hamstring) inactive, Jefferson played 74 percent of the offense snaps, which was his highest mark since Week 8. Although he was targeted just once, the 28-year-old took advantage of his lone opportunity and scored a third-quarter touchdown that gave Pittsburgh a two-possession lead over its divisional opponent. Jefferson's reduced offensive role keeps him off the fantasy radar, especially with Pickens looking like he'll return to action in Week 15.

Dec 9, 2024 10:35 AM EST