Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers are making their final preparations for a big-time showdown against the bitter NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings. With any matchup against the Vikings, the worries are very present about superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson going off for a big-time performance.
Over the years, Jefferson has done his fair share of damage to the Packers. Green Bay is hoping to avoid that this time around.
Last week, the Packers were able to come through with a much-needed win over the New York Giants by a final score of 27-20. It wasn’t easy, but Green Bay was fighting to avoid its third straight loss.
Read more:Chiefs' Andy Reid's New Announcement Is Bad News for Patrick Mahomes
Heading into this week’s matchup, the Packers hold a 6-3-1 record. In the next three games, Green Bay will face off against Minnesota, the Detroit Lions, and the Chicago Bears. It’s truly a make-or-break stretch of games for the team.
Ahead of facing the Vikings, LaFleur spoke out with his thoughts about Jefferson. He didn’t hold back his opinion of the 26-year-old wideout.
"He is as good as they get in this business," LaFleur said.
"I just love how the guy competes with the football, without the football. [As a ] matter of fact, there was a clip that we showed where you can see the urgency [with] which he plays. He catches the ball, he goes to the ground, nobody touches him, he gets up, and he gets 15 yards after going to the ground. He can run every route. There's not a route he can't run. He can run short routes, the choice routes. He can go deep on you. He's got tremendous ball skills. I just think there's a lot to like about his game."
LaFleur is 100 percent correct with his thoughts about Jefferson. From a statistical standpoint, the Minnesota superstar has a chance to be the best wide receiver in NFL history if he continues to perform at the level he has shown so far.
Jefferson has played in 10 games so far this season for the Vikings. He has caught 56 passes for 747 yards and two touchdowns. The production he has had has suffered due to inconsistent quarterback play.
It will be interesting to see what the Packers’ defense is able to do against Jefferson this week. Green Bay has struggled at times in the secondary. That isn’t usually a recipe for success going up against him.
For more on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.