When former LSU teammates Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson square off this Sunday, it will be more than just a game. It’s a battle for bragging rights between two of the NFL’s most dominant wide receivers, fueled by a friendly rivalry and a world-famous touchdown dance. With both teams now relying on backup quarterbacks, the pressure on these two superstars has never been higher.
How Will the Friendly Rivalry Between Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson Play Out?
Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson were key components of one of college football’s most explosive offenses during their time with the LSU Tigers. Now, as two of the top five receivers in the NFL, they are preparing for a unique and intriguing meeting. Since entering the league, both Chase and Jefferson have dominated, quickly claiming their spots among the league’s elite wideouts.
While Chase continued his connection with collegiate quarterback Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, Jefferson forged his own path to superstardom in Minnesota, proving he is an elite talent on his own.
Despite the separation, their competitive yet lighthearted relationship remains strong. The two-star receivers are well-known for their elaborate touchdown celebrations, most notably the “griddy,” a dance that has taken the world by storm.
Ahead of their Week 3 contest, Chase spoke to the press and took a playful jab at his friend regarding their shared celebration.
Ja’Marr Chase was asked if he would be allowed to Griddy in Minnesota 😭🕺
“Are you allowed to Griddy in Justin Jefferson’s house?”
“If he doesn’t want me to, I’m going to… I want to piss him off.”
(Via @Bengals) pic.twitter.com/e9Al4JVqSv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 19, 2025
When asked if he would be allowed to perform their patented dance in Jefferson’s “house,” Chase’s response was exactly what fans would expect. “If he doesn’t want me to, I wanna do it,” Chase said. “I mean if he doesn’t want me to do it I’m gonna do it purposely, I want to piss him off.”
While Chase jokingly tries to get under Jefferson’s skin, one thing is certain: an exciting matchup between the receivers lies ahead.
How Will Backup Quarterbacks Impact the Star Wideouts?
Both teams enter this contest facing significant adversity. The Cincinnati Bengals are off to a 2-0 start despite losing their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, midway through their Week 2 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Similarly, the Minnesota Vikings lost their first-year starter, J.J. McCarthy, to an ankle injury during their Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Now, the focus shifts to the backups, as seasoned veteran Jake Browning steps in for Cincinnati and one-time Super Bowl champion Carson Wentz takes over for Minnesota. Luckily for Browning and Wentz, having elite targets like Chase and Jefferson will alleviate much of the pressure. After a slow start in Week 1 with just two receptions for 26 yards, the 6-foot receiver Chase erupted in Week 2, hauling in 14 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown.
Jefferson, on the other hand, has accumulated seven receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown of his own through the first two weeks of the 2025-26 campaign. With both clubs facing primetime matchups after this game, the question remains: which star receiver will give their team the edge and earn bragging rights for the foreseeable future?
