Not too long ago, I believed Justin Jefferson could produce at a high level regardless of who’s starting at quarterback. It could be J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, or even a mid-season free agent signing. It didn’t matter because Jefferson is one of the best wide receivers in the game.
Apparently it does matter. Jefferson’s production has dipped in recent weeks due to weak quarterback play in Minnesota. McCarthy started Weeks 9-12 before Brosmer started Week 13. Over this five-game stretch, Jefferson has caught 21 of 42 targets for 197 yards and one touchdown. He’s garnering 4.7 yards per target and 9.4 yards per reception.
His Week 13 performance with Brosmer was notably weak, catching 2-of-6 targets for four receiving yards. It’s the lowest receiving yards in a game in Jefferson’s NFL career. With McCarthy back in the fold, there should be a slight increase in production, but it’s still not promising.
McCarthy is completing 54.1% of his passes this season for 929 yards, six touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s thrown at least one interception each game, which of course takes opportunities away from Jefferson.
This also hurts Jordan Addison, who is supposed to be one of the better No. 2 receivers in the league. Instead, Addison has caught 12 of 33 targets for 139 yards and one touchdown in the past five games. His yards per reception (11.6) is slightly higher, but his yards per target (4.2) is slightly lower than Jefferson.
In theory, it can’t get much worse than Brosmer’s performance last week, but McCarthy isn’t instilling confidence in many people. Until McCarthy proves fantasy owners otherwise, it may be a rocky road for teams with Jefferson and/or Addison.
Jefferson is arguably in a worse position because he’s a must-start each week unless your team is extremely stacked. There’s no planet where I’d argue benching Jefferson due to his immense talent and upside. Addison, on the other hand, may be worth benching for another receiver depending on your roster.