JustinJefferson

News: 4 days agoCoach Kevin O'Connell said Thursday that Jefferson likely won't take the field during Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders.

Spin: Jefferson is fully healthy, per Alec Lewis of The Athletic, but with all he's proven in his excellent career, there Vikings simply believe there's no need to expose him to unnecessary game reps. Sam Darnold is slated to start Saturday's exhibition contest, with 10th overall pick J.J. McCarthy also in line to receive notable reps, but neither is expected to yet have an opportunity to demonstrate their chemistry with the Vikings' No. 1 receiver.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Jefferson enters his fifth season with the Vikings after missing significant time due to injury for the first time in his career last season. In his eight healthy games, Jefferson averaged 24 fantasy points per game and was one of only four wide receivers to have at least six games with 23 fantasy points in 2023. In a season where the Vikings started Kirk Cousins, Nick Mullens, Joshua Dobbs and Jaren Hall, Jefferson proved himself QB-proof. This season he'll have Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy under center. While there could be some growing pains in this offense, Jefferson is one of the few WRs that can make magic happen with subpar QB play. He is once again a top-five fantasy wide receiver.