The Minnesota Vikings will host the Detroit Lions in Week 17. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Justin Jefferson.
Is Justin Jefferson Playing in Week 17?
Jefferson is not on the injury report, and barring a surprise, he is expected to play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Vikings’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Jefferson in Week 17?
For the first time since Week 5, Jefferson produced above expectations last week against the Giants.
It wasn’t a vintage day, but there were some vintage plays (the toe tap 16-yard gain from JJ McCarthy standing out), and that’s a positive step given what we have seen for the majority of this season.
He had 57 of McCarthy’s 108 yards in the first half (37 receiving yards total in his previous three), and while I don’t want to overreact, it did only seem like a matter of time before he started efficiently finding his WR1.
Jefferson has a TD catch in four of his last five games against the Lions and has earned a minimum of eight targets in six straight (and nine of 10) against the NFC North rival. We only have limited positive data points with him and McCarthy, but if we want either of those trends to sustain, we need McCarthy’s hand to heal.
If that’s the case, I’ll enter the week with him ranked as a middling WR2 (in the DeVonta Smith neighborhood). If it’s the Max Brosmer show, Jefferson slips 8-10 spots and checks in closer to Marvin Harrison and Michael Pittman.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
Jefferson’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 17
Jefferson is projected to score 14.4 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Jefferson to have five receptions for 71 yards and 0.4 touchdowns. Jefferson could also add zero rushing yards.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 17 Weather Impact: Lions at Vikings
Since the Vikings play in a dome, there is no weather impact for this Week 17 matchup. Temperatures will be a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind.
