VAN JEFFERSON NEWS

Potential starting role awaits Jefferson is expected to see regular snaps in three-receiver sets Sunday against the Cardinals with Cooper Kupp (illness) ruled out for the contest, Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com repor...

Impact Kupp's move to the reserve/COVID-19 list following his positive test for the coronavirus opens up room for Jefferson to work alongside Robert Woods and Josh Reynolds. Though both wideouts have consistently seen more involvement than Jefferson in the passing game throughout the season, predicting the distribution of targets among the team's receivers will be more difficult than usual with the unproven John Wolford set to start at quarterback in place of Jared Goff, who has been ruled out for Week 17 after undergoing thumb surgery. Jefferson, who has produced 15 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown in 15 games this season, may have the edge over Reynolds and Woods in terms of chemistry with Wolford based on their work together on the Rams' scout team, but the rookie wideout still is little more than a dart throw in DFS tournaments and deep season-long leagues active for Week 17.

DECEMBER 30, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Hardly plays in loss Jefferson played 14 offensive snaps and failed to catch his only target during Sunday's 20-9 loss to Seattle.

Impact The rookie's lone target was thrown behind him, as Jefferson's debut season continues to underwhelm. He should receive more opportunities in 2021 with No. 3 wide receiver Josh Reynolds currently in the final season of his rookie deal and a candidate to move on in the offseason. Week 17 doesn't look promising for Jefferson, either. Quarterback Jared Goff (thumb) underwent surgery Monday, and backup QB John Walford hasn't played a competitive game since the 2019 preseason.

DECEMBER 29, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

No. 10 Florida will be without top 4 pass catchers in Cotton

No. 10 Florida will be without its top four pass catchers in the Cotton Bowl against eighth-ranked Oklahoma

DECEMBER 28, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Targeted once in loss Jefferson played 14 offensive snaps and failed to catch his only target during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Jets.

Impact The rookie has now failed to collect a reception in three of the past four games. To make matters worse, with the Rams 17.5-point favorites at home, this should have set up for Jefferson to see an extended role, especially considering veteran receiver Robert Woods missed Wednesday's practice and was limited Thursday with a thigh injury. Jefferson projects to remain a depth option over the final two weeks of the regular season with Los Angeles battling for the best playoff seeding possible.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

LA Rams WR Van Jefferson will finally face his father LA Rams rookie WR Van Jefferson will finally face his father, Coach Shawn Jefferson, this Sunday against the Jets If the LA Rams were the or...

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • RAMBLINFAN.COM

Sean McVay believes Van Jefferson 'is going to be a real star' for the Rams Van Jefferson has played sparingly this season, but Sean McVay is confident the rookie will become a star for the Rams.

DECEMBER 18, 2020 • USATODAY.COM

Plays decoy in win Jefferson didn't receive a target on 19 offensive snaps during Thursday's 24-3 win over New England.

Impact Los Angeles piled up 186 rushing yards and were especially effective in 12 personnel against the Patriots on Thursday, so quarterback Jared Goff didn't need to attack through the air often. As a result, there weren't many opportunities for Jefferson. The rookie was more involved last week with four receptions and 40 offensive snaps, but the game script didn't work in his favor this week. Additionally, it was discouraging to see fourth-year receiver Josh Reynolds play more than Jefferson on Thursday, especially considering the freshman is probably the more talented receiver. The only silver lining is that rookie running back Cam Akers -- and fellow 2020, second-round pick -- put it all together with a breakout showing (194 yards from scrimmage), and head coach Sean McVay might consider seeing what his other prized rookie can contribute to the offense with the Rams building momentum for the postseason. Taking a wait-and-see approach with Jefferson is still advised in the majority of seasonal fantasy settings, though.

DECEMBER 11, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Stalled ground game? Pass-happy Florida simply happy passing

Florida coach Dan Mullen doesn’t even really bother trying to run the ball anymore

DECEMBER 8, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Featured more in win Jefferson caught four of five targets for 27 yards and played 40 of 83 offensive snaps during Sunday's 38-28 win over Arizona.

Impact This was just the third multi-reception game of the season for Jefferson. However, his increased snap count is definitely encouraging, as he played more than No. 3 wide receiver Josh Reynolds (38 offensive snaps). While it could be a sign of things to come, it's unlikely Reynolds has been completely leapfrogged by the rookie. Instead, Jefferson and Reynolds will probably see similar snap and target shares moving forward. Furthermore, splitting time as the No. 3 wideout likely won't provide enough opportunities for either pass catcher to consistently move the fantasy needle. With Reynolds in the final year of his rookie contract, Jefferson is positioned to see more work in 2021 and remains a strong stash in keeper/dynasty settings.

DECEMBER 7, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

WATCH: Former Gators receiver Van Jefferson records first NFL touchdown Wide receiver Van Jefferson, who was a Florida Gator during his redshirt junior and senior years, recorded his first NFL touchdown on Monday...

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 • USATODAY.COM

Scores first career touchdown Jefferson caught his only target for a seven-yard touchdown during Monday's 27-24 win over Tampa Bay. He only played four offensive snaps.

Impact The rookie has played sparingly to this point of the season and has just six receptions for 67 yards and the lone score over the past five games. However, he's only been targeted six times during the noted span, so Jefferson's efficiency is notable. Additionally, he's reinforced all the positive skills that have been attributed to him since being selected in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. While Jefferson's depth role has him off the fantasy radar in most seasonal settings for now, he's showing all the signs of developing into a quality receiver for years to come.

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Van Jefferson's first NFL TD comes on slant from Jared Goff Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson's first NFL TD comes on slant from quarterback Jared Goff.

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 • NFL.COM

Watch: Van Jefferson scores first touchdown of NFL career Van Jefferson has found the end zone for the first time in his career.

NOVEMBER 24, 2020 • USATODAY.COM

Plays just 13 snaps Jefferson caught his only target for 15 yards during Sunday's 23-16 win over Seattle.

Impact The rookie only played 13 offensive snaps and continued to be featured sparingly in the passing attack. Jefferson currently doesn't offer a lot of fantasy value, but he should be more involved in years to come. His long-term outlook remains promising.

NOVEMBER 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

3 reasons why LA Rams WR Van Jefferson will break out after bye The LA Rams aerial assault needs more firepower. Here are 3 reasons why rookie WR Jefferson becomes a staple of the offense after the bye we...

NOVEMBER 10, 2020 • RAMBLINFAN.COM

Catches both targets Jefferson caught both his targets for 23 yards during Sunday's 28-17 loss to Miami.

Impact While the rookie played just 14 of 95 offensive snaps, he's now caught at least one pass in three consecutive games. Obviously, he'll need to do more to warrant a roster spot in most seasonal fantasy settings, but his long-term outlook remains intriguing.

NOVEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Van Jefferson hauls toe-drag reception with spectacular sideline effort Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Van Jefferson hauls a toe-drag reception with a spectacular sideline effort.

NOVEMBER 1, 2020 • NFL.COM

Flashes with 14-yard catch Jefferson caught his only target for 14 yards during Monday's 24-10 win over the Bears. He played just three of 72 offensive snaps.

Impact All the hype Jefferson has garnered since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft was on display on his 14-yard reception Monday. The rookie ran an excellent route along the sideline and kept both feet in bounds while securing the difficult catch to move the chains. The reception also helped set up Los Angeles' first touchdown of the game. Still, Jefferson is buried on the depth chart and not receiving enough playing time to move the fantasy needle in the majority of seasonal leagues. Additionally, fellow wideout Josh Reynolds has a touchdown in consecutive games to continue affirming his status as the team's No. 3 wide receiver behind Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp.

OCTOBER 27, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Van Jefferson parks feet on boundary for toe-tap catch Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson parks feet on boundary for toe-tap catch.

OCTOBER 27, 2020 • NFL.COM

Catches lone target Jefferson caught an eight-yard pass during Sunday's 24-16 loss to San Francisco. He played just three offensive snaps.

Impact This was the sixth catch of the season for the rookie and first since Week 2, so while it's nice to see quarterback Jared Goff look Jefferson's way Sunday, he's probably still a long shot to be a reliable fantasy asset in the immediate future. Veteran receivers Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Josh Reynolds consistently are seeing more playing time, and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett also remain active in the passing game. Jefferson's value probably is limited to keeper/dynasty settings at this stage of the season.

OCTOBER 19, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Not targeted in decisive win Jefferson played 18 offensive snaps but wasn't targeted during Sunday's 30-10 win over Washington.

Impact The rookie is off the seasonal fantasy radar at this point. He hasn't caught a pass since Week 2 and is playing sparingly. Jefferson garnered praise during the offseason and is billed as a polished route runner with plus hands. However, it's clear that he's currently fourth on the wide receiver depth chart, and he's likely to continue being a non-factor barring an injury to one of the team's other WRs. Still, fantasy managers looking ahead to the 2021 season in dynasty settings could consider Jefferson a buy-low candidate to stash.

OCTOBER 12, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Why LA Rams Van Jefferson could show up big against Washington Why LA Rams Van Jefferson could show up big against Washington Let's toss a few unrelated items out there about the LA Rams and rookie wide...

OCTOBER 7, 2020 • RAMBLINFAN.COM

Season-low snap count Jefferson only played three offensive snaps and failed to catch his only target during Sunday's 17-9 win over the Giants.

Impact The rookie has now played just 11 offensive snaps over the past two weeks, so fantasy managers should probably be looking elsewhere in the majority of seasonal settings. There's potential, especially in the years to come, but Jefferson's probably nothing more than a player to keep tabs on at this stage of the 2020 campaign.

OCTOBER 5, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Kyle to Kyle gives No. 3 Florida potent passing combination

Florida's Kyle Trask and Kyle Pitts might be college football’s most potent passing combination

SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Hardly plays against Bills Jefferson only played eight offensive snaps and failed to catch his only target during Sunday's 35-32 loss to Buffalo.

Impact This was a bit of a surprising disappearing act from Jefferson. Los Angeles turned to their three experienced wide receivers Sunday, and the rookie wasn't a factor. Third-year wideout Josh Reynolds played 62 snaps and was the clear-cut No. 3 option through the air against Buffalo with four receptions for 60 yards. As usual, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods were busy. They combined for 14 receptions, 181 yards and two touchdowns. Jefferson remains an intriguing long-term prospect, but his immediate fantasy value is limited because of his position on the Los Angeles depth chart.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 • ROTOWIRE