After two straight games that rank among the quietest of his career, Justin Jefferson isn’t sweating the stat sheet - not when the scoreboard finally swung back in the Vikings’ favor.
The All-Pro wideout was held to just two catches for 11 yards in Minnesota’s 31-0 shutout win over the Commanders on Sunday. That followed a two-catch, four-yard outing in last week’s blowout loss to Seattle.
On paper, it’s a rough stretch for one of the league’s most dynamic receivers. But Jefferson made it clear after the game: wins matter more than targets.
“I’d rather win and not get the ball than lose and not get the ball,” Jefferson said postgame. “As long as we’re winning, this team is coming in here with a smile on our face and we have the confidence to continue on and better ourselves, and make sure that we continue this feeling - that’s the main objective.”
That’s the kind of leadership you want from your star player. Jefferson’s numbers may be down - and they are, across the board.
He’s averaging career lows in yards per catch (12.7), receptions per game (4.9), and receiving yards per game (62.3). For a guy who’s been a walking highlight reel since stepping into the league, those are uncharacteristic figures.
But context matters. The Vikings were riding a four-game losing streak heading into Sunday.
The offense had struggled to find rhythm, and Jefferson - still working his way back into the flow after missing time earlier in the season - hasn’t been the focal point he’s used to being. Still, when the team finally puts together a complete performance, shutting out an opponent and snapping a skid, Jefferson isn’t about to nitpick his stat line.
That mindset speaks volumes. It’s easy to be vocal when you’re putting up 100-yard games and scoring touchdowns. It’s harder - and arguably more valuable - to stay locked in and team-first when the ball isn’t coming your way.
Of course, the Vikings would love to get Jefferson back to his usual production. He’s one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL, and when he’s rolling, the entire offense opens up. But for now, the focus is on stacking wins - and if Jefferson has to be a decoy or a secondary option to make that happen, he’s clearly on board.
The numbers might not show it right now, but Jefferson’s impact goes beyond the box score. His presence still draws coverage, his attitude sets the tone, and his commitment to the bigger picture is exactly what this Vikings team needs as it tries to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.