WR Justin Jefferson earns an award he doesn't want for the 2025 season

The Minnesota Vikings' inconsistency at quarterback played a significant role in keeping the team out of the playoffs. It also hindered Justin Jefferson, who had his worst season.

That impact was felt among fantasy owners, who drafted Jefferson high, expecting his usual production. He caught 84 passes, totaling career lows in yards (1,048) and touchdowns (3).

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PFF took notice when giving out postseason fantasy awards. Jonathan Macri named Jefferson "Disappointing Player of the Year" for his 2025 performance. Fortunately, Macri acknowledged that Jefferson could only do so much with the hand he was dealt.

An unstable quarterback situation and Jefferson’s lack of efficiency, relative to his career norm, led to just a PPR WR25 finish in 2025, despite not missing a single game. Jefferson only finished inside the top-12 fantasy wide receivers in a week twice this season, just never living up to expectations. While WR25 isn’t a disappointing finish for most fantasy wide receivers, it’s a significantly underwhelming season for a player drafted as high as Jefferson, and one who had seemingly solidified himself as a perennial top-three player at his position.

Kevin O'Connell was non-committal to J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings' starting quarterback in 2026. There will be competition at worst, and a blockbuster trade at best, to improve the position.

No matter what happens, Jefferson should be able to bounce back in 2026. If he can do that, the Vikings should return to the playoffs, too.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Justin Jefferson earns an award he doesn't want for the 2025 season