Another Piece of History Is Gettable for Justin Jefferson This Week

Dustin Baker |

Sep 19, 2023

Dec 4, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after the game against the New York Jets at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Bookmark this website because every week, there’s a Justin-Jefferson-can-make-history publication.

Week 3 of the NFL season is no different, as the league’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year can again do the thing and seize history.

Another Piece of History Is Gettable for Justin Jefferson This Week

Last week, in a losing effort to the mighty Philadelphia Eagles, Jefferson became the fastest player to tabulate 5,000 receiving yards in a career, needing 52 career games to accomplish the feat. Odell Beckham, the previous record-holder, needed 54 games.

So, that’s fine and dandy for Jefferson — check. Here comes another: Jefferson can become the first player in NFL history to tally 150+ receiving yards in three consecutive games to start a season.

Jefferson smashed the Buccaneers and Eagles in Weeks 1 and 2, tallying 309 yards in two games but on the wrong end of the team box score. This week, he hopes to set the 150-yard-game NFL record while his team improves to 1-2. Minnesota hosts the Los Angeles Chargers, a team also possessing an 0-2 record and needing a win to remain relevant in the burgeoning playoff picture.

A New Wrinkle — Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) dives for the end zone as New York Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (22) defends during the first quarter of a wild card game at U.S. Bank Stadium. The call on the field was a touchdown but was changed after review. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Since the AFL-NFL merger 53 years ago, these six players have nabbed 150 receiving yards in two games to start a season:

Charlie Joiner (1981)
James Lofton (1983)
Tim Brown (1997)
Brandon Marshall (2008)
Steve Smith Sr. (2011)
Justin Jefferson (2023)

Somebody Was Out — Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates the win against the Indianapolis Colts after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the win, the Minnesota Vikings clinched the NFC North. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

And in the grand scheme of NFL history, not limited to “starting a season,” Jefferson would join smallish company if he tallies 150+ receiving yards on Sunday. Regardless of in-season placement, these players have totaled back-to-back-to-back 150+ yard receiving games since 1970:

James Lofton (1984)
Roy Green (1984)
Andre Rison (1990)
Isaac Bruce (1995)
Josh Gordon (2013)

Jefferson also now owns +7500 odds to win the NFL MVP award in 2023, which a wide receiver has never done. He has better odds than quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Anthony Richardson, Kenny Pickett, and Daniel Jones, to name a few.

Crazy Trade Idea — Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Too, the 24-year-old has a +900 moneyline to repeat at Offensive Player of the Year this season. Tyreek Hill leads the pack through two weeks with +550 OPOY odds.

Also Read:
4 Free Agents Vikings Can Pursue after Dalton Risner Move

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.