Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Jordan Addison (3) and huge receiver Justin Jefferson (18) have a good time a landing through the fourth quarter in opposition to the Chicago Bears at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
Final month, Bleacher Report ranked all NFL groups’ huge receiving corps, and the Minnesota Vikings checked in at No. 1. Quick ahead to July, and SI.com has come alongside to do the identical factor, however this time rating duos, and on this case, simply Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison from Minnesota.
And based on Gilbert Manzano, the pair ranks fifth-best within the NFL, which is a bit low for Vikings followers’ liking.
Vikings’ QB Repair Might Settle the Complete Argument
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with teammate Jordan Addison (3) after a landing at Nissan Stadium, with Nov. 17, 2024 marking the first-half second in Nashville in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. Jefferson’s rating helped spark Minnesota’s offense because the Vikings constructed street momentum throughout an interconference matchup that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Steve Roberts-Imagn Photographs.
Manzano: Jefferson, Addison Rank No. 5
Manzano defined the fifth-best rating: “There were a few duos considered for the fifth spot, including the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed, Broncos’ Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, and Patriots’ A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. But two of those candidates haven’t played a game together and Shaheed made more of an impact on special teams than as a receiver after joining Seattle in a midseason trade from the Saints.”
“There is some uncertainty with the partnership of Jefferson and Addison after a down 2025 season and the ongoing quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.”
Manzano continued, “But this is a dominant duo when receiving competent quarterback play, evident from what they have done since the Vikings drafted Addison in 2023 to pair him with Jefferson, who still might be the league’s best receiver after delivering his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, despite the disastrous QB play in 2025.”
“If Murray can regain his top form or McCarthy shows vast improvement, there likely won’t be any debate about who’s the best wideout in the game. Addison hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiving season in his three-year career, but his knack for stretching the field has given Jefferson plenty of beneficial matchups on the field.”
A Quiet Yr in 2025 by Their Requirements
In 2025, Jefferson logged 1,024 receiving yards and a couple of touchdowns, completely pedestrian numbers in comparison with his typical interstellar normal. His copilot, Addison, produced 610 yards and three touchdowns. Collectively, they created a stat line that Jefferson typically posts by his lonesome.
So, what occurred? The Vikings’ quarterback struggled, with McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all getting snaps beneath middle. Wentz, at occasions, was capable of distribute successfully, however McCarthy struggled with consistency, and Brosmer was a complete practice wreck.
For those who’re questioning why Jefferson and Addison didn’t rank greater than No. 5 on Manzano’s checklist, that is most likely it — the “what have you done for me lately?” argument.
A Likelihood to Rebound with Revamped Quarterbacking
After all, the minuscule output from Jefferson and Addison needn’t persist. That’s why Murray is on the town — to unlock the pass-catchers and the offense, as an entire, to its fullest potential.
In February, the rumor mill advised that the Arizona Cardinals would lower ties with Murray after seven seasons, and that proved correct. The Cardinals dumped Murray, prepared to pay him to play for one more crew, and the Vikings pounced, securing the 28-year-old on a contract price $1.3 million.
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Jordan Addison secures a move throughout pregame warm-ups at Lambeau Subject, with Sept. 29, 2024, putting the division matchup preparations in Inexperienced Bay earlier than going through the Packers. Addison strikes by routes as Minnesota’s offense works on timing, palms, and rhythm beneath the early stadium lights that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Photographs.
Murray didn’t discover a lot crew success in Arizona — only one postseason look and nil playoff wins since 2019 — however his particular person numbers trace that he can achieve his subsequent chapter, which could contain getting gamers like Jefferson and Addison the ball.
For instance, Cardinals tight finish Trey McBride became top-of-the-line gamers at his place with Murray operating the present. If McBride might pull that off, why Jefferson and Murray?
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as Prime Canines
Manzano nominated the Bengals’ WRs because the league’s finest, noting, “With most duos, it’s about complementing each other with different skills. That’s not the case with Chase, a top-three wideout, and Higgins, a clutch playmaker who can take over games when needed.”
“They’re both versatile as wideouts who can make plays downfield and near the line of scrimmage. It also helps that Joe Burrow is an established elite quarterback. This dynamic offense has been held back a bit playing with a poor defense the past few seasons.”
When finest WR duo articles flow into on the web, it’s nearly all the time these two who take house the bacon.
Cincinnati Bengals huge receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) shares a postgame hug with Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson (18) at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, with Sept. 21, 2025 capturing the second in Minneapolis after the matchup. The LSU stars reconnect on the sphere as gamers start clearing out following the ultimate whistle. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
Manzano concluded, “It’s been three years since Burrow, Chase and Higgins played in a playoff game, but this group got to a Super Bowl in the 2021 season, Chase’s rookie year. Perhaps this high-scoring offense can return to the big stage after the offseason moves the Bengals made defensively, including the trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.”
“The AFC likely doesn’t want to see this scary offense return to the postseason.”
Jefferson turned 27 this offseason, and Addison is 24.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
