Van Jefferson Not A Reliable Option In Week 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson has been the disappointing fantasy option from the team's receiving trio. Despite leading all Rams' receivers in snaps through the first two games, Jefferson has caught just five of his nine targets on the season for 33 yards. It is clear that Matthew Stafford favors Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell over the 27-year-old receiver. Jefferson should only be started if necessary in deep leagues. He offers a very low floor and a relatively low ceiling and should be avoided in most formats in the team's Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Van Jefferson Scores In Loss To Baltimore
Van Jefferson caught both of his targets for 37 receiving yards and a touchdown in a 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Jefferson, who scored just twice in the regular season, gave the Steelers their first points of the evening when he came down in the end zone with a beautiful 30-yard deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson in the third quarter. He was quiet for much of the rest of the contest. The 28-year-old will now be looking for a new contract, in Pittsburgh or elsewhere, as he is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason.
Source: ESPN
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: ESPN
Van Jefferson Not Recommended In Week 17
Van Jefferson is off the fantasy radar when the Steelers take on Kansas City on Christmas Day. The veteran has played more than 70% of the Steelers' snaps the past three weeks, but that seems likely to change with top receiver George Pickens (hamstring) likely to return to the lineup. The Chiefs' defense ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy receivers, but it's difficult to see Jefferson getting enough action in a run-loving Pittsburgh offense when competing for targets with Pickens, receiver Calvin Austin III, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: RotoBaller
Van Jefferson Off Fantasy Radar In Week 16
Van Jefferson in a Week 16 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Top Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens (hamstring) missed the previous two contests and is out again against Baltimore, but that hasn't really led to much for Jefferson, who had two catches for 10 yards and a touchdown in those two games despite playing the majority of the offensive snaps. The Ravens rank 31st against fantasy wide receivers, but it's tough to trust the journeyman to be a beneficiary. Managers holding Pickens should look elsewhere for a backup plan.
Source: RotoBaller
Despite what could be additional opportunity, fantasy managers should steer clear of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: RotoBaller
Van Jefferson Will Have Increased Role, Still Dicey For Fantasy Lineups
George Pickens (hamstring) being ruled out for a second straight game, Van Jefferson will have an increased role again in a Week 15 battle on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the Week 14 win over the division-rival Cleveland Browns last week with Pickens sidelined, Jefferson played a team-high 74 percent of the offensive snaps, but it resulted in just one catch on one target for a 10-yard touchdown reception, his second of the season. The 28-year-old pass-catcher will no doubt be on the field plenty this weekend in Philly, but expecting him to put up fantasy relevant numbers is unrealistic in Pittsburgh's low-volume passing attack against an Eagles defense that has been stingy against pass-catchers in 2024. Jefferson has caught only four of six targets in the last three weeks.
Source: Pro Football Reference
With Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: Pro Football Reference
Read More News