Lunchbreak: Justin Jefferson Listed Among ‘Biggest Threats’ to Break NFL Receiving Record in 2024

Brooks noted that 28 pass catchers surpassed 1,000 receiving yards last season, and Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb each exceeded 1,700. In addition, there were 12 players who had at least 100 catches in 2023.

In looking at the biggest threats to Megatron’s record, Brooks ranked Jefferson third most likely to accomplish it this season.

The league’s highest-paid pass catcher should compete for the NFL’s receiving record as the top option in [Vikings Head Coach] Kevin O’Connell’s offense. The ultra-creative play designer utilizes various formations, pre-snap shifts and motions to loosen the coverage around Jefferson. As Jordan Addison continues to evolve into an elite WR2 [and] with T.J. Hockenson flourishing as a blue-chip playmaker (when healthy), the Vikings should be able to force the ball to Jefferson to allow him to cook defensive backs on the perimeter. Given his receiving title (2022) and stature as the NFL’s WR1, Jefferson’s production could match his compensation with a sensational campaign in 2024.

Brooks opined Hill as the most likely to break the record, with Amon-Ra St. Brown next. The Vikings of course are slated to face St. Brown and the division-rival Lions twice.

As the Lions continue to expand [Offensive Coordinator] Ben Johnson’s playbook to generate more opportunities for St. Brown to impact the game, the numbers will continue to pop for the fourth-year pro as he chases the records belonging to one of the Lions all-time greats.

After Jefferson, Brooks looked to Steelers wideout George Pickens and Browns receiver Amari Cooper as potential options to surpass Johnson’s 1,964 yards through the air.