Why Van Jefferson can be incredibly effective against Ravens in Week 17

LA Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson is in his second NFL season. While he has most certainly shown up huge for the team this season in several games, he has yet to put up 100 receiving yards in a single contest. And while his offensive output has more than tripled from a year ago: Climbing from 220 yards and one touchdown to 708 yards and six touchdowns, there is still a sense that Van Jefferson can do more for the LA Rams. Much, much more.

Van Jefferson has experienced a bit of the NFL’s sophomore slump. His completion percentage, the litmus test of just how effective an NFL receiver is, has dropped this year. His 61.3 percent completion rate in his rookie season was fairly impressive, but the fact is that it has now dropped to 54.3 percent, and is trending in the wrong direction.

His last outing, against the Minnesota Vikings, was an abysmal 16.7 percent, as he caught just one of six targets for six yards. That was a poor showing in a game that the team needed to win. Right now, Jefferson needs to rebound in a big way.

Ravens struggle against receivers

Perhaps he will have his chance in Week 17 as the LA Rams travel across the nation to take on the Baltimore Ravens in a game with serious playoff implications for both teams. Realistically, the Ravens need to win this one or begin to focus on the 2022 NFL Draft.

While the Rams have locked in their playoff spot, a win this week will either lock them in as the NFC West Division Champion or propel them to the 2nd-seed tier in the NFC playoffs. So why talk about Van Jefferson with both Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. making the headlines?

Well, the Baltimore Ravens are susceptible to receivers this year. Per CBS Fantasy Football stats, the Ravens allow an average of 186 yards and 1.13 receiving touchdowns per game. But with the LA Rams, you can bet the defense will focus upon both Kupp and OBJ initially. That gives Van Jefferson room to roam in their secondary.

Van is the man in Week 17

Keep in mind that the Ravens have lost their best DB, Marlon Humphrey, for the season due to a torn Pectoral muscle. They have also lost the play of promising young defensive back Ar’Darious Williams due to a broken foot.

That will strain the ability of the secondary to address all of the Rams’ weapons. In all likelihood, the Ravens will likely try to neutralize the Rams’ top targets, and force the team to try to beat them on the backs of such players like Van Jefferson, TE Tyler Higbee, and rookie WR Ben Skowronek.

I think that Van Jefferson can carry the offense today.  The Ravens will be intent on shutting down the Rams’ suddenly effective rushing attack, and the team will commit just-returned defensive back Jimmy Smith to defend Cooper Kupp, with safety help. That will give the offense some excellent options to clear out the secondary with either Kupp or OBJ, and then send in Van Jefferson for a huge pickup.

Van Jefferson needs a big game before the playoffs. Look for him to have a huge game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17.