The Minnesota Vikings are entering a pivotal season in 2024. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell are set to begin their third season in charge of the Vikings and the roster is finally shaped in their image. They have their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy and selected their first edge rusher in the first round since 2005 in Dallas Turner.
As we look forward toward the 2024 season, we will be spending a lot of time previewing the season from every possible angle. From talking about scheme to how the schedule shapes up and individual players, we will have you covered at The Sporting News.
Expectations for Vikings WR Justin Jefferson in 2024
Without question, Jefferson is the catalyst for the Vikings offense. When he missed half of the season in 2023, the offense did suffer. Jefferson's numbers, however, only took a slight dip. He became the third wide receiver in NFL history to have 1,000 receiving yards in 10 games or less. He was dominant in many ways for the Vikings when he was on the field. With the emergence of Jordan Addison on the outside, expectations should continue to be high.
Going into the 2023 season, Jefferson has aspirations to become the first wide receiver to ever achieve 2,000 receiving yards. With the quarterback situation for the Vikings this season, that might be somewhat of a pipe dream. However, he is so good and O'Connell is that good of a playcaller to where it still might be possible.
The offense is going to have a different look. The running back position is significantly better with Aaron Jones in the fold but no T.J. Hockenson for (likely) at least the first 6-8 weeks. Jefferson will be asked to carry the passing game. However, that is something he is more than capable of doing over the course of the season.
Projections for 2024
Jefferson is going to be the focus of both the offense and the defense when he is on the field. Now, that hasn't been an issue before when it comes to production. His stat lines over his first four seasons are insane.
- 2020: 125 targets, 88 receptions, 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns
- 2021: 167 targets. 108 receptions, 1,616 yards, 10 touchdowns
- 2022: 184 targets, 128 receptions, 1,809 yards, 8 touchdowns
- 2023: 100 targets, 68 receptions, 1,074 yards, 5 touchdowns
The key for Jefferson is this: his production didn't drop off when he was playing with backup quarterbacks, having 503 of his 1,074 yards after Kirk Cousins went down with a torn Achilles. Having uncertainty at quarterback hasn't been an issue for Jefferson in the past and both McCarthy and Sam Darnold are better players than the three quarterbacks the Vikings played after the Cousins injury. Plus, his presence will be invaluable when McCarthy ends up getting into the game.
Needless to say, expect Jefferson to return to his dominant self for the 2024 season.
Projections: 175 targets, 120 receptions, 1,875 yards, 11 touchdowns
