Justin Jefferson

In J.J. McCarthy's six starts, Justin Jefferson has finished as a top-24 wide receiver in weekly scoring twice (WR18, WR20. In that sample, he has had a 30.8% target share with 53 receiving yards per game, 1.77 yards per route run, and a 38% first-read share. In those six games, he has had seven red zone targets and eight deep targets. Since Week 11, Washington has utilized two high at the highest rate in the NFL (64.8%). With McCarthy against two high, Jefferson has still led the team with a 25.6% target share and 28% first-read share. If McCarthy can show a pulse this week (I know it's a big IF), Jefferson could have a big bounce-back game. Since Week 9, Washington has allowed the most PPR points per target and the ninth-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Max Brosmer is not Brock Purdy. With all the potential comparisons last week, I felt we should get that out of the way. At the same time, JJ. McCarthy may not be an NFL-calibre QB. At least we know that Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league. Unfortunately, even the league's best can't throw themselves the ball. However, if there was a schedule that could make even McCarthy's passing look good, it might be the next four games for the Vikings. With Washington, Dallas, the New York Giants, and Detroit coming up, Jefferson may be able to establish himself as a top 15 receiver for fantasy. With a schedule like this, you have to keep playing him and hoping that McCarthy will improve.

Justin Jefferson hit rock bottom with Brosmer. Just two catches for four yards (20% target share and 51 incomplete air yards). T.J. Hockenson actually saw a boost (6-for-6 and 59 yards) while Jordan Addison was the target leader (10). I guess Hockenson could be a viable streamer versus the Commanders if we get Brosmer for another week.
Jefferson has to fall in the rankings closer to the WR2 range. Zero top-8 finishes this season. Zero 20-point games. The "upside" has not been there for Jefferson this season.
But it's all about Week 14 onward:
• QBs: No.1
• RBs: Average
• WRs: No.1
The hope is that with JJ McCarthy returning from concussion protocol, the Vikings' offensive weapons can take advantage of matchups versus the Commanders, Giants, Bears, and Cowboys - while being easy bench candidates in tougher spots (like the last 2 games).
McCarthy is expected to return in Week 14 and start against the Commanders.