The Minnesota Vikings are grappling with the fallout from their offensive struggles this season, particularly as the fantasy football playoffs draw near. Star receiver Justin Jefferson expressed his disappointment with his performance this year, feeling the weight of expectations from fantasy football owners who drafted him. Despite the pressure, he remains indifferent to the online championships that fans are vying for in the coming weeks.
“It”s very hard not to see it, because we”re in the day and age of social media,” Jefferson remarked at the TCO Performance Center. “That”s definitely not my favorite conversation.”
The impact of the Vikings” offensive issues has rippled through the fantasy football landscape, leading to increased negativity directed at players on social media. Jefferson noted, “They want to comment on all of my pictures. They want to be in DMs and all of that stuff.” As the face of the franchise with 1.9 million Instagram followers, he finds it challenging to ignore the hostility.
Aaron Jones, the veteran running back, also faces similar scrutiny. With 1 million followers on Instagram, he enjoys engaging with fans but acknowledges that the banter can sometimes go too far. “I like it. It can be fun. I think the problem is a lot of people get lost in it. That”s where it can get messed up,” Jones said.
For those unfamiliar, fantasy football involves creating a team by drafting players and setting lineups weekly to compete against others. Players earn points based on their real-life performance, making the game engaging for millions. According to a USA Today report, nearly 30 million people participated in fantasy football across the United States in 2022, a number that has risen steadily over the years.
T.J. Hockenson, the team”s tight end, highlighted the growing interest in the NFL, suggesting that while fantasy football has its downsides, its benefits often outweigh the negatives. “It can get a little bit out of hand. We”re humans, and some people don”t look at us like that,” Hockenson stated.
Jones reflected on the disrespect shown by some fantasy football owners. “I”m sitting here like, “Where”s the respect?” We don”t come to them at their job and criticize. I know that”s part of being in the NFL and that”s what comes with it. It doesn”t make it any easier to deal with when it”s actually happening,” he explained.
At times, the comments can be so outrageous that Jones feels compelled to respond. “I try not to stoop to their level,” he admitted, “but I can”t help myself.” He frequently reminds himself to maintain perspective, noting that those critiquing them are not at their level.
Jordan Mason, another running back, manages to avoid much of the negativity by keeping a low profile. “My friends do all that fantasy football stuff. They know not to talk to me about all that,” he said.
Brian O”Neill, the right tackle, acknowledged his position shields him from the backlash. “At the core of it, we”re in a revenue-sharing model. The more people that care about the NFL and interact with the game, the better the league does,” O”Neill stated. He shared a personal anecdote about how fantasy football has attracted new fans, saying, “Before they started playing fantasy football, they weren”t fans of the NFL. It helps get more eyes on us. A rising tide lifts all boats.”
As fantasy football playoffs commence, the statistics paint a grim picture for the Vikings. None of the skill position players currently rank in the Top 20 of scoring for their positions. Jones stands at No. 47 among running backs with 82.6 points, Mason is at No. 33 with 114.5 points, Jefferson is No. 25 among receivers with 157.4 points, and Hockenson is ranked No. 22 among tight ends with 101 points.
Despite these challenges, the Vikings are focused as they prepare for their primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night at AT&T Stadium. Jefferson views the criticism as motivation, stating, “Just seeing the comments that they leave and seeing the opinions that they have. That”s something that motivates me. To go out there and shut them up.”
