Who Should I Start? Justin Jefferson or Rico Dowdle

Wednesday, April 1, 7:58 AM

Since entering the league in 2020, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has established himself as one of the truly elite players in the NFL at his position. However, the 26-year-old battled through a down year by his own lofty standards in 2025, recording 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and just two touchdowns on 141 targets across 17 games. Most of Jefferson's struggles can be chalked up to poor quarterback play in Minnesota, as the team spent most of the year with J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz as its primary signal-callers. While McCarthy could still be in the mix in 2026, the Vikings signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray over the offseason. Murray has had his own issues in recent years, but he still brings a much higher level of baseline production and should at least stabilize the Minnesota passing game. As long as Jefferson stays healthy, he should re-emerge as a clear fantasy WR1 in 2026 and beyond. In dynasty formats, now may be the only chance for managers to try and buy low on the four-time All-Pro and 2022 Offensive Player of the Year.