Minnesota Vikings huge receivers Justin Jefferson and Ok.J. Osborn stand collectively at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, sharing a second through the divisional matchup in opposition to Chicago. On Oct. 9, 2022, the teammates regroup between performs as Minnesota’s offense works by means of the Bears’ protection and pushes towards one other house victory in Minneapolis that afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
When you care concerning the Madden online game franchise — some do, some don’t — that outfit confirmed Justin Jefferson some uncommon disrespect lately, saying NFL huge receiver rankings and plopping the Minnesota Vikings’ greatest participant decrease than traditional.
Accustomed to a rating within the high-90s, Jefferson is evidently solely adequate for a ’94.’
QB Turmoil Helped Drag Down the Ultimate Quantity
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson traces up in opposition to Philadelphia at Lincoln Monetary Subject, getting ready for an additional goal because the offense works by means of a primetime street matchup. On Sep. 14, 2023, Jefferson faces the Eagles’ secondary whereas Minnesota searches for rhythm and tries to maintain tempo through the Thursday evening contest. Necessary Credit score: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Madden WR Rankings Are In — and Jefferson Is a 94
Because the Vikings’ greatest participant and a frequenter of the celebrated “99 Club,” most didn’t anticipate a dip for Jefferson, who stays squarely in a bodily prime.
However that was not the case. Listed below are Madden’s WR scores for 2026:
Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) — 99
Puka Nacua (LAR) — 97
Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) — 96
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) — 95
Justin Jefferson (MIN) — 94
CeeDee Lamb (DAL) — 93
Drake London (ATL) — 92
Tyreek Hill (MIA) — 92
DeVonta Smith (PHI) — 91
Mike Evans (TB) — 91
Davante Adams (LAR) — 90
Terry McLaurin (WAS) — 90
A.J. Brown (PHI) — 89
Nico Collins (HOU) — 89
George Pickens (DAL) — 88
Tee Higgins (CIN) — 88
Zay Flowers (BAL) — 88
Chris Olave (NO) — 87
Courtland Sutton (DEN) — 87
Stefon Diggs (NE) — 87
Garrett Wilson (NYJ) — 86
Jaylen Waddle (MIA) — 86
Malik Nabers (NYG) — 86
If there’s any solace, Lamb from the Dallas Cowboys took a success, too.
So … What Occurred
Jefferson’s slight fall from grace will be attributed to at least one factor: the Vikings’ quarterback play.
The 27-year-old by no means had issues with manufacturing — in any respect — earlier than 2025, and through that marketing campaign, Minnesota cycled between J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Collectively, that trio created the league’s fifth-least-efficient passing assault, and Jefferson’s numbers dipped.
Actually, one of many important storylines down the stretch of 2025 was whether or not Jefferson would hit 1,000 receiving yards, protecting his profession streak alive. He in the end did, however Jefferson ought to by no means be in that state of affairs. It might sound like an “excuse,” however Jefferson’s quarterbacks did him no favors.
Jefferson, like most huge receivers, wants quarterback stability. It’s why the Vikings signed Kyler Murray in March.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes lately famous on Jefferson’s predicament, “You realize, for me, it’s not simply concerning the quarterback. It’s about the whole staff. Justin Jefferson ought to by no means have a season just like the one we noticed final 12 months.
“He is one of the, if not the best receiver in football, and he was really limited by quarterback play. To put it in perspective, throwing to Justin Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy had an off-target rate of 28%. That is about twice what Sam Darnold’s off-target rate was throwing to Jefferson.”
Discovering a sturdy quarterback might additionally persuade Jefferson to stay across the Vikings for the lengthy haul. For instance, in the event that they don’t win a playoff recreation quickly, the person might request a commerce earlier than his prime expires.
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson carries the ball in opposition to Philadelphia at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, reducing upfield throughout second-half motion as defenders shut from behind. On Oct. 19, 2025, Jefferson turns the catch into additional yardage whereas Minnesota battles the Eagles and appears for a spark from its high offensive weapon. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Pictures.
“And the same with Kirk Cousins. It was mostly not his fault. And frankly, you could see him get frustrated as the season went on. So if Kyler Murray brings even average quarterback play, which I think he is capable of, whether or not that ceiling looks more like it did in 2020 has to do with a variety of factors, including his deep ball coming back.”
“To me, that’s a massive upgrade. And it’s so important for this group of talented wide receivers to play with a competent quarterback.”
It’s Simply Gasoline
Let’s face it: that is only a online game. Jefferson’s score is not going to decide his future efficiency; as a substitute, it displays the present opinion of his expertise. If he cares, Jefferson can browse articles like this or activate his PlayStation and immediately be taught that Chase, Nacua, St. Brown, and Smith-Njigba are evidently higher soccer gamers than him.
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson watches pregame exercise at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, taking within the scene earlier than Minnesota hosts New England on Thanksgiving evening. On Nov. 24, 2022, Jefferson prepares for the vacation matchup because the Vikings full warm-ups and prepare to face the Patriots earlier than a nationwide viewers. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities.
For guys like that, it’s usually gasoline. Athletes are completely different creatures, discovering gasoline to inspire themselves. When you want proof, activate the 2020 docuseries about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Different Notable Vikings Rankings
Considering Madden’s perspective on different Vikings? We’ve obtained them. Right here’s the Madden leaderboard from a Minnesota perspective:
Christian Darrisaw (LT) — 90
Brian O’Neill (RT) — 87
Byron Murphy Jr. (CB) — 84
Jordan Addison (WR) — 84
Andrew Van Ginkel (EDGE) — 83
T.J. Hockenson (TE) — 83
Josh Metellus (SS) — 82
Will Reichard (Ok) — 82
Andrew DePaola (LS) — 81
Blake Cashman (MLB) — 81
Jauan Jennings (WR) — 81
Jordan Mason (HB) — 81
Aaron Jones (HB) — 80
Isaiah Rodgers (CB) — 80
Murray, the Vikings’ potential QB1, pulled down a mediocre 75. He, too, could have the aforementioned gasoline.
Vikings coaching camp is about two weeks away.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
