Justin Jefferson Says He's Still No. 1 WR in NFL, 'A Little Bit Difficult' Without 'Elite QB'

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson believes that he's still the NFL's best wide receiver but admitted that it's also "a little bit difficult" to be in those talks without an "elite QB."

Jefferson made his remarks on FS1's "First Things First" show (3:45 mark).

"How I'm not? A lot of people base it off of the quarterback play. Just different things that really go into my position. Obviously I've got to rely on, and I got to depend on a lot of people in order for me to get that ball. If I don't have an elite quarterback that's throwing me the ball the entire year, then it's a little bit difficult to be in those conversations. Having a young quarterback that's still learning the game and still learning his potential in this league, you kind of have those difficult seasons which I had this past year. I still think that I'm still No. 1. I still think that no one in this league can cover me man-to-man. That's without a doubt. My confidence level will always be high, and I will always feel that I'm No. 1 in my eyes."

Over his first five NFL seasons, Jefferson had a per-17 game average of 109 catches for 1,641 yards and nine touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference. Last year, Jefferson's numbers dropped to 84 receptions for 1,048 yards and two scores.

The Vikings' offense took a dip in large part due to subpar quarterback play. Rookie J.J. McCarthy struggled in his 10 games at the helm, and he threw for more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11).

McCarthy, of course, had a difficult season while dealing with three separate ailments (high ankle sprain, concussion, hairline fracture in hand) that kept him out for a total of seven games throughout the year.

The Vikings went to Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer in McCarthy's absence. Brosmer struggled in particular, throwing four interceptions and zero touchdowns in two games. Wentz did the best of the three with 243.2 passing yards per game and a positive TD: INT radio (6:5).

It's certainly possible McCarthy rebounds and fares better in year two. He has the talent around him (Jefferson at the forefront) to get it done. At his best, Jefferson can absolutely make the case that he's the best wide receiver in the game, and he undoubtedly was in 2022, when he led the NFL with 128 catches and 1,809 yards while snagging passes from QB Kirk Cousins.

Ultimately, the talent is there for Jefferson to be the unquestioned top wideout once again. A big factor will be the QB play and whether the Vikings' starter can help him get there.