Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Luther Burden III


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
16.8 0.6 0.0 6.1 82.4 0.4

Justin Jefferson News

Justin Jefferson Impressed With his New QB

Monday, August 24, 1:34 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson always knew about quarterback Kyler Murray's athleticism, but he told The Athletic that he has come away impressed with his new QB's arm talent. "But his throwing ability is also something that has really, really surprised me. While he was in Arizona, I didn't really keep track and pay attention to his arm talent. And seeing the different type of throws he's making, where he's throwing the ball, it's been really, really surprising me," Jefferson said. The 27-year-old All-Pro wideout will be working with a new signal-caller for the fourth straight season, but Murray arguably has the most talent at the position, and he and Jefferson have been clicking and building chemistry all offseason. Jefferson had a down year in 2025, but he still managed 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. Murray should give Jefferson and the rest of Minnesota's offense more stability, and he clearly has the arm strength to hit the four-time Pro Bowler deep down the field. In his seventh NFL season, Jefferson has the potential to finish as the overall WR1 in 2026 if everything goes right.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.9 3.0 0.0 4.3 55.5 0.3

Luther Burden III News

Luther Burden III Gets Light Work in Return From Groin Injury

Wednesday, August 26, 9:30 AM

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) was back on the field Wednesday for the first time since getting injured on Aug. 8, according to Sean Hammond. Burden only took part in a short, light practice, so this wasn't a full return to action, but it's an encouraging step after more than two weeks on the sideline. The Bears previously expected him to miss the entire preseason while hoping to have him available for their Sept. 13 opener against Carolina. Burden remains listed as a starter on Chicago's latest unofficial depth chart after catching 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games as a rookie. With DJ Moore traded to Buffalo during the offseason, Burden is positioned for a larger role alongside Rome Odunze in his second season. Wednesday's limited work is a positive sign, though he'll still need to progress beyond a light practice before his Week 1 status can be considered settled.


Justin Jefferson vs. Luther Burden III

Still trying to decide between Jefferson and Burden III? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Justin Jefferson is projected to score 16.8 points this week while Luther Burden III is projected to score 11.9 points.