Despite a down season from the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to be one of the best options for the Vikings’ passing game, leading the team in multiple areas.
Despite this, Jefferson has gotten off to a quiet start on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. Here’s everything to know about the All-Pro wideout’s slow start.
What Happened to Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson?
No, Jefferson is not injured; in fact, he’s played in all 13 games for Minnesota this season. With four games left in the season, Jefferson has caught 64 of 109 targets for 810 yards and two touchdowns. While he still has four games to reach 1,000 yards for the season, the sixth-year WR is in jeopardy of failing to cross the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.
He has not done himself any favors against the Cowboys in Week 15, as he’s been held to just one catch for 12 yards despite five targets. He did haul in a touchdown earlier in the game, but a penalty would interrupt his griddy celebration and take the trip to the end zone off the scoreboard.
Justin Jefferson touchdown called back.
His griddy was interrupted by the flag he saw just as he started it 😂 pic.twitter.com/h7s1AO6yhP
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) December 15, 2025
After ranking in the top ten of PFSN’s WR Impact metric in 2024, the offensive struggles in 2025 have been evident, with Jefferson dropping all the way to 38th with an impact score of 76.3. Between injuries and mediocre play from second-year QB J.J. McCarthy, it’s no wonder the Vikings have struggled to maintain offensive consistency this season.
Thankfully for Jefferson and Minnesota’s offense, McCarthy seemed to snap out of it against the Washington Commanders in Week 14. He completed 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns. However, more importantly, he protected the football with no turnovers.
The improved outing didn’t necessarily benefit Jefferson, who caught two of his four targets for 11 yards, but any positive momentum for McCarthy is a positive sign after a rough 2025 campaign.
The Vikings head into the locker room at halftime tied with the Cowboys, 17-17. McCarthy is responsible for both touchdowns, but getting more from Jefferson in the passing game could help Minnesota take control of this Sunday night contest.
While their postseason hopes have run out, it doesn’t mean they can’t play spoiler for the rest of the year, and that starts with the 6-6-1 Cowboys.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
