In The Blitz, RotoViz writers react to the latest news and help you place it within the context of our 2020 research and recommendations.
It was a weekend for rookie wide receivers to explode onto the fantasy scene. For the Minnesota Vikings, their first-round selection erupted for over 30 fantasy points in a losing effort. Firmly entrenched as the team’s WR2, Jefferson offers fantasy appeal moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson racked up a team-high seven catches for 175 yards and one touchdown in the team’s crushing 31-30 loss to the Titans in Week 3. The rookie finally was able to flash what made him a first-round draft pick, making plays all over the field. He burned the Titans secondary for a 71-yard score and was the go-to option for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Jefferson may not be overtaking teammate Adam Thielen for lead-dog among pass-catchers but Jefferson’s fantasy value will be spiking upwards heading into Week 4.
Exit Diggs, Enter Jefferson
The offseason departure of Stefon Diggs opened up quite the void in Minnesota. Veteran wideout Thielen figured to get a bump in usage or least to solidify himself as the clear No. 1, but there was no true WR2 for Cousins. The offense would still run through Dalvin Cook much as it did in 2019, but the opportunity was there for someone to step up.
Enter Justin Jefferson.
A member of the College Football National Championship team from LSU, Jefferson enjoyed a highly productive final season. Blair Andrews even wrote about how Jefferson checked every box as a prospect even before the NFL Draft.