Ja’Marr Chase Teases Justin Jefferson Ahead of Vikings-Bengals Game

Ja'Marr Chase promised to hit the 'Griddy' celebration after scoring a touchdown in Minnesota.

Ja’Marr Chase Teases Justin Jefferson Ahead of Vikings-Bengals Game

Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson played college football for the LSU Tigers (Image via IMAGO)

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Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase were the top two receivers in 2024, according to their peers. These two former college teammates will face off against each other when the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals travel to the US Bank Stadium to play the 1-1 Minnesota Vikings.

Both receivers sit on one touchdown after their first two games, and fans are eager to witness who will score first in week three. Approaching the matchup, reporters asked Chase if he would celebrate a touchdown with Jefferson’s signature move, the “Griddy.”

Without wasting much time, Chase replied,

I mean, if he doesn’t want me to do it, I wanna do it. If he doesn’t want me to do it, then I’m gonna do it, purposely. I wanna piss him off.

Chase was exceptional in 2024. With Joe Burrow for a full season, the 25-year-old playmaker recorded the triple crown with 127 receptions for 1708 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Jefferson wasn’t far behind. His connection with quarterback Sam Darnold was automatic. In 17 starts, Jefferson accumulated 103 receptions for 1533 yards and 10 touchdowns.

It’s always extra when you have a player like that that’s top in the league just as well as I am. Of course, that competitive aspect is there, but at the end of the day, it’s about our team, and it’s about winning. So as long as those two things are done, then I’m happy leaving that building.

Justin Jefferson, who has 7 catches for 125 yards in two games, said (H/T: The Courier)

Chase and Jefferson have faced each other on two previous occasions in the league. Both fixtures ended on an identical 27-24 win for the Bengals (2023 and 2021 seasons). Chase amassed 9 catches for 165 yards and one touchdown, while Jefferson caught 12 passes for 155 yards and has yet to open his scoring account in this fixture.

Chase and Jefferson gear up to receive from QB2s

Vikings and Bengals find themselves in a unique situation where they must rely on their backup quarterbacks to secure a win.

Ja'Marr Chase Teases Justin Jefferson Ahead of Vikings-Bengals Showdown
#6 Bengals quarterback Jake Browning throws a pass against the Steelers (Image via IMAGO)

The club from Minnesota fielded a new face under center this year. Second-year shot caller JJ McCarthy took over from departed Darnold. McCarthy got off to a winning start despite early struggles.

His luck ran out in week two. The Falcons recorded a 22-6 win, and to make matters worse, McCarthy picked up an ankle injury. As a result, the Michigan graduate will not feature against the Bengals, leaving the door open for journeyman Carson Wentz.

The Bengals, on the other hand, won both games against the Browns and the Jaguars, but it came at a price. Midway through the Jaguars game, Burrow hurt his toe and underwent surgery that will keep him out for the remainder of the season.

Jake Browning stepped in after Burrow went down. Browning threw for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three picks to secure a narrow three-point win.

Browning deputized for Burrow in 2023 when he injured his wrist in his throwing hand. The Washington graduate played in nine games for the Bengals, with seven starts, contributed 15 total touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and completed 70.4% of his passes.

The 29-year-old has a bone to pick with the Vikings. After going undrafted, the Vikings signed him as a free agent. He was cut after two years without making any appearances before signing for the Bengals in 2021. In the 2023 fixture, Browning threw 29 completions for 324 yards, 2 TDs, and one INT.

According to Touchdown Wire, the Vikings are -158 odds on favorites to beat the Bengals.

  • Spread favorite: Minnesota (-3)
  • Moneyline: Minnesota (-158), Cincinnati (+133)
  • Total: 41.5 points

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