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3 reasons why Van Jefferson is on breakout watch

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Ian Van Roy | Last updated Dec 14, 2024 4:30 PM ET

Van Jefferson is a little-known name on Saturday but could be well-known by Tuesday. Of course, whether that is the case is up to him.

Van Jefferson isn’t a name many fans know. Even some Pittsburgh Steelers fans may not be too familiar with the wide receiver. Thus far, there hasn’t been much reason to pay close attention. According to Pro Football Reference, Jefferson has earned just 231 yards this season.

As Russell Wilson has become the belle of the ball, even getting ranked ahead of Ben Roethlisberger in some ways, little attention has been given to any receiver not named George Pickens. However, following the Steelers’ Week 15 battle against the Philadelphia Eagles, many more fans will know his name.

Some long-time Los Angeles Rams fans might remember the question between himself and Tutu Atwell, but those days are long gone. Here’s why Jefferson could start a conversation between himself and Pickens by Week 16.

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#1 – George Pickens out

The first reason is due to the football deities. Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, who has been the main target for Russell Wilson, has been ruled out. Therefore, this elevates Jefferson into the number one wide receiver role for the team this week.

As such, with a playbook designed to get the number one receiver the ball, Jefferson will have no choice but to take his targets.

#2 – Russell Wilson elevated Pickens

Before Russell Wilson arrived, most questioned whether George Pickens was a long-term fit as the top receiver for the Steelers. Sure, he had some highlight catches, but the production simply wasn’t there. With Wilson, most agree that Pickens is the future of the wide receiver position in Pittsburgh.

With Jefferson sliding in to soak up Wilson’s moonballs, he should get plenty of chances to put up big numbers against the Philadelphia Eagles defense who suddenly doesn’t know if they should cover Jefferson or another receiver. (Spoiler alert: they should cover Jefferson.)

#3 – Jefferson has been productive before

While this would be his first breakout this season, it would not be his first NFL breakout. However, it would still be his first breakout since his 2021 season with the Los Angeles Rams. Depending on how long Pickens is out for, Jefferson could end up with a 2021-like final stat line.

In 2021, he earned 802 yards and six touchdowns. Currently, he has 231 yards and two touchdowns, but he has been playing behind Pickens all season long and without Wilson for close to half the year. Put simply, Jefferson could turn heads this week.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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