Should I Pickup Van Jefferson For Fantasy Football Week 11? Waiver Wire Outlook

The ankle shatter heard around the fantasy football world happened on Sunday as Los Angeles Rams star WR Cooper Kupp suffered an ankle injury that landed him on the injured reserve.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

There are questions as to whether Kupp will return or not this season with the Rams sitting in last place in their division at 3-6 and now missing the face of their offense.

The Rams have struggled offensively this season, ranked 31st in yards per game and 29th in points per game. Now with Cooper Kupp out, they will have to look elsewhere for a glimmer of hope. Is third-year wide receiver Van Jefferson a viable option off of the waiver wire?

What Has Van Jefferson Accomplished So Far?

Jefferson has only played in three games so far this season after being on IR himself at the beginning of the season. He has been eased back into action, recording his first reception of the season last week (3-27-1).

With Kupp going down, someone has to step up in this Rams passing offense. Jefferson’s chemistry with QB Matthew Stafford was on full display in the 2021 season, as he caught 50 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns as a complementary piece in an efficient Rams offense.

Jefferson’s snap count rarely dipped below 70% last season, but he has not been on the field as often this season with snap counts of just 35% and 28% in the last two games. His lone touchdown came in garbage time last week.

What Other Pass-Catching Options do the Rams Have?

During the offseason, the Rams brought in veteran WR Allen Robinson II on a three-year, $46.5 million contract. Robinson has been extremely disappointing (no games with more than five receptions or 63 yards) but should step into a larger role with Kupp on IR.

Tight end Tyler Higbee could be the new number-one target in the offense, as he had eight receptions for 73 yards last week, but his production has tabled off since the beginning of the year due to offensive line injuries. Higbee has had to step up as a blocker, limiting his upside as a pass-catcher.

Second-year wide receiver Ben Skowronek drew seven targets last week and is another player to monitor. He has been used in a fullback/wide receiver role this season and could be asked to step up more as a playmaker with Kupp out.

Should I Pickup and Start Van Jefferson in Fantasy Football Week 11?

Van Jefferson makes for an intriguing addition to fantasy rosters with the gaping hole in the Rams’ offense sans Cooper Kupp. He should be rostered where possible, but not just because of the ambiguity surrounding Rams’ pass catchers.

After this week’s game against the Saints, the Rams take on the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Raiders. These three defenses are amongst the softest in the league and present a great opportunity for the Rams to have a breakout pass-catcher.

Jefferson is best left on the bench this week as we look for more clarity as to who the Rams will target in the passing game, but can be started in desperation. 

More Fantasy Football Analysis