Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Josh Downs

Sunday, May 31, 5:13 AM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson averaged more than 6.4 catches and 96.5 yards per game through his first five seasons in the league, but those numbers took a seismic hit in 2025. His 84 receptions were his fewest in any full season, while his 1,048 receiving yards and two touchdowns also marked career lows. With some of the league's worst quarterback play affecting all of Minnesota's pass catchers, dynasty managers who bought the dip on Jefferson could be rewarded as early as 2026. The Vikings signed former first overall pick Kyler Murray to a one-year deal this offseason, and by all accounts, he has acclimated quickly to a new offense and has an early but notable edge over 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota's quarterback competition. While Murray's history of supporting a number one receiver is not substantial, he did help DeAndre Hopkins finish as the WR7 in their first season together. With him already playing for his next contract, he would be wise to lean on one of the best receivers in the world. Yet to turn 27, Jefferson is RotoBaller's dynasty WR4, and while he can no longer be acquired on a discount, he's at least worth inquiring about while last season's disappointment is still fresh in the minds of some.