NFL: Top 25 boldest predictions for the rest of the season

NFL: Top 25 boldest predictions for the rest of the season: 3. Justin Jefferson leads all receivers in the second half

The Minnesota Vikings have been very boring this season. Kirk Cousins has his worst yards per attempt number in his career. He’s not trying to drive the ball downfield despite having Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson on the roster. It’s just a bad offense that has really missed the best of Dalvin Cook.

Things will change in the second half. The Vikings have to make a push for the playoffs if they want to stave off teams like the 49ers and Panthers. That’s going to lead to some people in the Vikings room looking at themselves in the mirror and realize they need to step it up.

Expect Jefferson to be a key part of this offensive turnaround. He was a dynamic rookie that was expected to have a huge year this year. He’s not doing bad this season. He has 563 yards on the season. He’s on pace for another 1,000 yard season, but it’s hardly the 1,400 yards he had last year. Where it’s really hurts is his ability to break the big play.

This year, he only has eight plays of more than 20 yards. Last year, he had 23 plays of more than 20 yards. Expect him to make more big plays. He has zero plays over 40 yards this season. Expect him to equal his number from last year, which was four. Jefferson will be the most productive receiver in the second half.