Thu Nov 27 9:52am ET
Field Level Media
The Seattle Seahawks will be facing what amounts to a rookie quarterback when they play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
Minnesota is all too familiar with the quarterback at the controls of the Seahawks' offense.
J.J. McCarthy, a first-round pick in 2024 who missed all of last season after surgery for a torn meniscus on his knee and several weeks earlier in this campaign with a high ankle sprain, was placed in the concussion protocol following last Sunday's 23-6 loss at Green Bay.
With veteran backup Carson Wentz on injured reserve after shoulder surgery, that means the Vikings (4-7) might have to start undrafted rookie Max Brosmer.
McCarthy was cleared to take part in individual drills in midweek practices but not work out with the full team, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said.
"As far as a zero hour, I don't necessarily know if we're looking at it like that," O'Connell said. "But you do want to take into account what has (McCarthy's) preparation been like, what has the practice week been like with what he's able to do, while also knowing that ultimately this is not a hand or an ankle or anything like that. We're talking about his head."
Brosmer has attempted eight NFL passes since completing his collegiate career at Minnesota after being a graduate transfer from New Hampshire of the Football Championship Subdivision.
"We have nothing but confidence in him and what he can do as a player," Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson said, "and it'll be a good opportunity for all of us."
Brosmer might be playing behind a rag-tag offensive line. The Vikings had their full complement of starters for the first time all season at Green Bay before left tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot) and left guard Donovan Jackson (ankle) left with injuries. Darrisaw is listed as questionable on Friday's injury report, while Jackson has been ruled out.
The Seahawks (8-3) are coming off a 30-24 victory at Tennessee in which they built a 20-point lead in the third quarter and coasted from there.
Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seahawks in the offseason after resurrecting his career in Minnesota last year, completed 16 of 26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
Both TDs went to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had eight catches for a season-high 167 yards.
Smith-Njibga leads the NFL in receiving yards with 1,313 and already has eclipsed the franchise record. With six games remaining, he could become the NFL's first 2,000-yard receiver.
"It means a lot," Smith-Njigba said of the team record. "This is a great organization, and great receivers have come through here. Honestly, I look at it as a team award, because, without Sam (Darnold), without the protection, without (fellow wideouts) Sheed (Rashid Shaheed) and Coop (Cooper Kupp), this doesn't happen."
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who missed last week's game with a knee injury, was a full participant in practice this week, while running back George Holani (hamstring), linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (ankle) and safety Ty Okada (oblique) sat out. Holani has been ruled out, Okada questionable, while Jones and Nwosu have no injury designations on the final report.
With Jones, the Seahawks' defensive play-caller, sidelined, Patrick O'Connell was promoted from the practice squad and made a career-high nine tackles with a sack.
"Whoever it is, whatever number it is, whatever guy it is, when they are being called on and it's their time to go, they've been ready," Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas said. "So, credit to the guys that we have and the leadership really to get everybody ready to go for their moment."
Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 13
Buffalo Bills kicker Matt Prater has been a reliable player through 11 games this season, connecting on 15 of 17 field goal attempts and 32 out of 34 extra-point tries. The 41-year-old may have limited range at this point in his career, as he's attempted just two field goals from 50-plus yards out on the season, making one and missing one. In Week 13, the Bills will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Through 12 weeks, Pittsburgh ranks 19th in the NFL in points per game allowed (23.9). While that points to the Bills being able to move the ball on Sunday, the weather in Pittsburgh may play a factor in the kicking game. The current forecast calls for precipitation and colder weather in western Pennsylvania. Prater profiles as a borderline starting kicker option in Week 13, but fantasy managers should be mindful of potential weather issues and check the forecast before lineups lock on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was quiet in last week's loss to the Chicago Bears, but he should bounce back in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Although the Bills haven't given up a ton of fantasy production to kickers, their defense has been subpar overall, allowing nearly 23 points per game. With this contest taking place in Pittsburgh, Boswell's outlook only improves. The 34-year-old has scored at least nine fantasy points in all five of his matchups at Acrisure Stadium this season and is averaging more than five additional fantasy points per game at home than on the road. The inconsistent play of the Steelers' offense caps his reliability a bit, but not enough to remove him from starting consideration. Boswell profiles as a top-10 option on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little seems like a solid kicking option for fantasy managers in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. He has been both a solid real life and fantasy kicker, which should continue against the 1-10 Titans. The Jaguars should score plenty of points, but how Little's day goes will depend on if those points are mostly touchdowns or a mix of field goals as well. Little has shown reliable accuracy and distance, so as long as the opportunities come, he has a chance for a big fantasy day. The Jaguars offense facing the Titans seems like a good combination for a kicker to succeed in fantasy. Managers should feel good about starting Little in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
With Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) sidelined for each of the last two weeks, fellow Bills tight end Dawson Knox has seen a significant increase in snap share. However, Knox has struggled to boost his production, recording just four catches for 40 yards on seven targets over his last two games combined. Kincaid is now questionable to play in Buffalo's Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Knox should still be expected to get his fair share of playing time even if Kincaid returns. Still, Knox has recorded just 16 receptions for 195 yards and a touchdown on 25 targets across 11 games this season. Regardless of Kincaid's final injury status, Knox does not profile as a starting-caliber fantasy tight end in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Across 11 games played in 2025, Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis has recorded just 44 rushing yards on 22 carries. The 26-year-old appears to have completely faded out of his team's offensive plans in recent weeks, as he's failed to earn a single carry in three out of Buffalo's last four games. With top Bills running backs James Cook and Ty Johnson both healthy and ready to roll for the team's Week 13 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, there's little reason for fantasy managers to think that Davis' role will be significantly changed. Since Week 3, Davis has played fewer than 10 offensive snaps in every game but one. He should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) has missed two straight games due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old was able to log limited practices on both Thursday and Friday, so he may be on track to make his return in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Across eight games this season, Kincaid has recorded 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns on 36 targets. When healthy, he's been one of Bills quarterback Josh Allen's favorite red zone targets. However, Kincaid's playing time is consistently limited by how the Bills deploy fellow tight ends Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes. If Kincaid is limited by his hamstring issue, the team could choose to restrict his playing time even further against Pittsburgh. If he's active, Kincaid profiles as a borderline low-end TE1 in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
With his team's wide receiver room in flux, Buffalo Bills wideout Tyrell Shavers had a breakout game in Week 11, recording four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Shavers followed that game up with a dud against the Houston Texans in Week 12, recording zero catches on zero targets. Shavers also played fewer snaps against Houston than Bills wide receivers Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer (ankle), and Gabe Davis. Palmer is questionable to play in Week 13 against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to an ankle injury, but Buffalo also signed veteran wideout Brandin Cooks. For the season overall, Shavers has played fewer than 50% of his team's offensive snaps in every game but one. Shavers should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in Week 13 against Pittsburgh.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has been solid this season, and has a decent chance for another solid outing in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans. He is coming off a five-catch, 71-yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals last week. Washington has done well when given playing time. That playing time may be up in the air, however, with Brian Thomas Jr. returning from injury. Washington has proven he deserves consistent playing time with how well he has produced, showing clear chemistry with Trevor Lawrence. He has also shown his ability in the open field on special teams as a punt returner. His play time is unclear at the moment, but if he does continue to get targets, Washington is an underrated flex option in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson was held without a catch last week and will look to be more involved against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Though Wilson has been quiet more often than not this season, it's worth noting that Mason Rudolph drew the start at quarterback in Week 12. With Aaron Rodgers (wrist) under center this week, Wilson's ceiling rises slightly, as the two have connected for two touchdowns this season. Still, the second-year pro has yet to carve out a reliable role in Pittsburgh's aerial attack, making him difficult to trust, especially in this matchup. Buffalo has held opposing wideouts to the 10th-fewest receptions and receiving yards in 2025. His involvement is worth monitoring, but Wilson can remain on waiver wires in all redraft formats heading into Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange returned from injury with a bang in Week 12, putting up a five-catch, 93 yard performance against the Arizona Cardinals. He was the leading receiver after being out since Week 5. It was an impressive return to an offense in need of a clear number one option, especially with Brian Thomas Jr. out with injury. Thomas Jr. is expected to return this week, but that shouldn't deter fantasy managers from starting Strange with confidence. At a shallow position, even a more difficult matchup and game script not in his favor makes Strange a low-end TE1 this week. The upside is limited, but the floor seems high enough to start Strange in Week 13 against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth returned to the end zone last week and will hope for similar success in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately, he draws the toughest possible matchup. Buffalo has held opposing tight ends to the fewest fantasy points, receptions, yards, and touchdowns this season. While Freiermuth has been more productive than teammate Jonnu Smith, none of Pittsburgh's tight ends are commanding consistent weekly opportunities. Between Freiermuth, Smith, and Darnell Washington, Freiermuth's red-zone usage suggests he is the most likely to score on Sunday, but fantasy managers should steer clear of this matchup if possible.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer hauled in two of four targets for 21 yards in Week 12's 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans. Palmer has been quiet in his first season in Buffalo, as he's currently averaging his fewest fantasy points per game of his entire five-year career. Palmer is a part of one of the worst receiving units in the NFL and has been unable to stand out as a top option in this offense. Maybe this is the week, as the Bills face the league's worst defense against wide receivers this season in the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Palmer may be a cheap and tempting DFS option in Week 13, fantasy managers should steer clear of starting the veteran receiver this week.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (illness) was added to the injury report and is now questionable to play in Week 13 against the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end has been a budding superstar in 2025, hauling in 55 of 74 passes for 662 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. Warren is currently on pace to finish as the TE3 in fantasy points per game and has been a huge part of the Colts' offensive explosion in 2025. If Warren is unable to play in Week 13, it would be a massive blow to this attack, especially against the league's best defense. Fantasy managers will have to check into the pregame reports to see if he's active and if his role will be limited in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (ankle) is off the injury report and ready to go for a Week 13 showdown with the Buffalo Bills. Although Metcalf found the end zone last week, he hasn't topped 50 receiving yards in a game since Week 8 and has become increasingly unreliable for fantasy purposes. The Bills have been strong against the pass, surrendering the 10th-fewest receptions and the 10th-fewest receiving yards to opposing wideouts this season. Even with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) in line to start, Metcalf cannot be projected for a ceiling outcome in this matchup. Fantasy managers can still deploy him as a high-end WR3 or flex option, but expectations for Metcalf should be tempered.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir had a big-time performance in Week 12, hauling in eight of 10 targets for 110 yards against the Houston Texans. His huge outing was his first 10+ target and 100+ yard game of the season. Shakir is averaging 11.5 PPR fantasy points per game, leading the way in Buffalo as the number one option in the passing game. He faces the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, who have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Steelers have also allowed the seventh most fantasy points per game to slot receivers this season, which is where Shakir likes to operate. After being an inconsistent option for fantasy managers at the beginning of the season, Shakir is a WR3/FLEX play in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) missed last week's contest but is set to return at home against the Buffalo Bills. While Buffalo has been vulnerable on the ground, its pass defense has been elite, limiting opposing quarterbacks to the fewest passing yards, the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns, and the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game. Unless the Steelers find themselves trailing early, they're likely to lean heavily on the running game with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. This makes Rodgers tough to trust for fantasy purposes, especially if he is limited at all with his left wrist fracture. Fantasy managers should view Rodgers as a low-end QB2 who is only viable in 2QB and superflex formats in Week 13.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been on a terror in his fourth season in the NFL, totaling 1287 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns in 11 games. Despite the Bills struggling against the Houston Texans in Week 12, Cook had a big game, totaling 129 yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts. Cook has ascended in every season he's been in the NFL, jumping from a 16.7 PPR points per game average in 2024 to an 18.7 average this season. While Cook has been matchup-proof this season, the Steelers are very tough against the run, allowing the sixth fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Despite the difficult matchup, Cook is a sure-fire RB1 in fantasy this week, as he looks to continue his dominance.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten has had mixed involvement in the Jaguars rushing attack, but this week against the 1-10 Titans seems like an ideal week to get him involved. In what should be a straight-forward win, the Jaguars have a chance to get their electric rookie more involved than usual. The game scrip should also favor the running game, and the Titans have a weak rushing defense. It is a risk to start Tuten considering he is coming off a rough seven carry for 17 yards performance against the Arizona Cardinals, but that involvement is still promising enough to have faith in a bounce-back week. Anyone looking for a high-risk high-reward flex in Week 13 should be intrigued by Tuten against the Titans.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is coming off his worst game of the 2025 season, completing 24 of 34 passes for 253 yards and throwing two interceptions against the NFL's top defense. It's been a rollercoaster of a season for the reigning MVP, who's still averaging 23.2 fantasy points per game but has been much more inconsistent than in previous seasons. Allen will head to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in Week 13, in what should be a playoff-like atmosphere. The Steelers' defense has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, including big outings for Caleb Williams, Joe Flacco, and Jordan Love. Allen enters Week 13 looking to bounce back and could be in line for a big game. Per usual, the Bills' star quarterback is a must-start in fantasy this week.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett is coming off his best performance of the season in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, recording four catches for 62 yards on five targets. The veteran has been a reliable pass-catching option over the past three games, leading the Raiders' wide receivers with 12 catches (14 targets) for 139 yards, averaging 8.6 PPR points per game. It will be interesting to see how the Las Vegas offense looks in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers after the dismissal of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly earlier this week. It's a tough matchup on Sunday for Lockett, with the Chargers allowing the second-fewest PPR points per game to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller