Cousins’ Return Lifts Outlook for Vikings Pass-Catchers

The Vikings reunited with Kirk Cousins in a trade with the Raiders after another poor performance from Minnesota’s starting quarterback in Week 9. Cousins had been productive in Las Vegas: through nine starts, he ranked seventh among quarterbacks in fantasy points per game, averaging 20.0, and had thrown 20 touchdown passes, the second-highest total among quarterbacks with at least 250 dropbacks this season.

Justin Jefferson has averaged 11.9 fantasy points per game through the first nine weeks, ranking 31st among wide receivers despite an 8th-highest target share of 28.7%. With Cousins in 2022, Jefferson averaged 21.7 points per game, ranking second among receivers. The quarterback’s return could put him back in the top fantasy tier.

Jordan Addison also had strong results with Cousins, averaging 15.8 points per game over their first eight games together in 2023. Addison leads Minnesota with a 15.7-yard average depth of target, while Cousins has averaged an 8.7-yard depth of target this season. Tight end T.J. Hockenson averaged 14.6 points per game with Cousins in 2023 and has averaged 10.7 this season. The reunion may raise expectations for all three, though Addison and Hockenson could vie for the second spot in the passing game behind Jefferson.