Bold predictions for the Chicago Bears, NFC North in 2023

Bold Prediction Number 3: Justin Jefferson breaks the single-season receiving record

Back in 2012, former Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson set the NFL single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards. That was also back when the league was still in a 16-game regular season slate.

This coming season, there are a couple of receivers aiming to break that record, one of them being Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill who recently said he wants to make it happen this year. But, Hill will have some competition for surpassing such a legendary accomplishment, because Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is setting out to do just the same.

This year, Jefferson’s number two running mate will likely end up being rookie Jordan Addison, with K.J. Osborn sticking to his WR3 role. Addison is talented, but he’s no veteran like Adam Thielen was. It’ll be Jefferson soaking up even more targets with Thielen’s absence, as Addison gets adjusted to the league and his quarterback, Kirk Cousins.

Last season, Jefferson ended the year with 1,809 yards on 128 receptions. Meanwhile, Thielen caught 70 of his 107 targets. It’s unlikely that Addison will see 107 targets, so there will be a few up for grabs. Not to mention, we saw what happened last year when the Vikings went away from Jefferson. Good things happen when he gets the ball early and often, and this season, he’s going to break Megatron’s record.