Rookie QB Max Brosmer to start as Vikings visit Sam Darnold, Seahawks

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."

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Value Picks: Week 13

Player Notes
Kayshon Boutte Nov 30 7:00am CT
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte carries a high ceiling and low floor into Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 13. Boutte has repeatedly shown that he's capable of big games, strengthening his rapport with Drake Maye deep downfield. However, he has also turned in plenty of duds, including last week's performance that saw him catch just two passes for 15 yards despite an impressive 80% snap share. Part of last week's quiet outing could be attributed to the tight end position; both Boutte and Stefon Diggs had just two catches while Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper feasted against the Cincinnati Bengals, combining for 10 catches, 154 yards, and a touchdown. With slightly less motivation to get the ball to his tight ends this week, Maye could look Boutte's way more often, especially against a Giants defense allowing the third-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. The 23-year-old certainly isn't the safest option, but he's worth the risk as a WR3/flex in deeper leagues. Boutte ranks as the overall WR52 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Nov 30 7:00am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry feasted last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. However, he might not find as much success against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 13. Henry exploded last week thanks to the Bengals being historically terrible against tight ends. The Giants' defense is much better, allowing the 12th-fewest receiving yards and 11th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025. As a result, Henry will come back down to earth and is a longshot to replicate last week's performance. The veteran tight end had seven consecutive games with single-digit fantasy points before breaking out against the Giants, so managers shouldn't be surprised if he returns to that level of production in Week 13. As it stands, Henry ranks as the overall TE9 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 30 6:50am CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has a favorable matchup against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 13, but he's not a dependable fantasy starter as long as TreVeyon Henderson remains healthy. Stevenson returned from a three-week injury absence last Sunday and found himself relegated to the backup role; he played just 31% of the offensive snaps and logged a measly 10 scrimmage yards on seven touches. Henderson was far more productive and efficient on his 65% snap share and 21 touches. The rookie has officially taken over as the primary ball carrier in New England, leaving Stevenson stuck in a depth role. If he were more efficient, Stevenson would be a candidate to carve out standalone value in games with favorable matchups. However, he has just 3.19 yards per carry this year, including just 1.95 yards per carry over his last two games. With a small workload, Stevenson's inefficiency makes it nearly impossible for him to carve out any sort of production or fantasy value. The Giants have allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025, but he ranks as the RB44 in RotoBaller's Week 13 rankings and can be benched in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Nov 30 6:50am CT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs let down his fantasy managers last Sunday, catching just two passes for 20 yards as he finished with his first single-digit fantasy performance (PPR) since Week 6. He still has a solid 61 catches, 679 yards, and three touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR17 this season, which is impressive considering that he has played only 54.6% of the offensive snaps. Despite his smaller snap share, Diggs typically takes advantage of every opportunity presented to him. Therefore, even if he continues to play fewer than 60% of the snaps on Monday night against the New York Giants, he can still be a fringe top-12 receiver in fantasy football. Fortunately for Diggs, the Giants have allowed the third-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. Just last week, they surrendered nine catches, 149 yards, and one touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown. With such an enticing matchup headed his way, Diggs ranks as the overall WR13 in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Nov 30 6:40am CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been the fifth-highest-scoring quarterback in fantasy football this season, and he'll look to build on his impressive year against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football in Week 13. Maye continues to play at a high level, albeit perhaps not quite as sensational as earlier in the year. Over his last four games, he has 1,104 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, three interceptions, and one lost fumble, as well as 57 rushing yards. Through 13 weeks this year, he has 23 total touchdowns and eight turnovers. Maye has a chance to explode in a favorable matchup this Monday. Although the Giants do have NFC sack leader Brian Burns, New York is also allowing the second-most fantasy points and the most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Maye ranks as the overall QB2 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Nov 30 6:40am CT
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson cemented himself as the team's lead back while fending off Rhamondre Stevenson last Sunday, and in doing so, he also strengthened his position as a low-end RB1 in fantasy football. Henderson continues to find himself in the must-start range ahead of Monday Night Football against the New York Giants in Week 13. The rookie played 65% of the snaps last week, holding Stevenson to just seven touches for 10 yards. Meanwhile, Henderson had 18 carries for 66 rushing yards, plus three catches for an additional 15 receiving yards. The Ohio State product didn't find the end zone, but he did have five touchdowns over his previous two games. In four games since taking over as the Patriots' primary ball carrier, he is the third-highest-scoring running back in PPR leagues. He'll have a great chance to strengthen his fantasy value this week against the Giants, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Henderson ranks as the overall RB9 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Nov 30 12:30am CT
Chigoziem Okonkwo

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo (foot) is expected to be available for Week 13's meeting with their division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Okonkwo has had trouble shaking a foot issue he's dealt with since Week 9, although it hasn't stopped him from suiting up once since then. Even after logging a DNP in the middle of the week, the fourth-year pro is on track to play in Sunday's home matchup. Tennessee anticipates getting wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) back from a one-game absence, so targets will be even more attenuated in a subpar Tennessee scheme. Ayomanor's return, coupled with fellow tight end Gunnar Helm's recent uptick in involvement, lowers Okonkwo's floor further, making him a stream to avoid for fantasy managers despite the juicy matchup.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Nov 30 12:10am CT
Elic Ayomanor

The Tennessee Titans anticipate wide receiver Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) suiting up for Week 13's outing against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Stanford alum was unable to play in last weekend's 30-24 loss to the Seahawks, but it appears he'll only miss one game despite not logging a full practice. Ayomanor hasn't stood out in a struggling Tennessee attack in 2025. Still, there's some hope for the unit down the stretch with rookie QB Cameron Ward playing better of late. Jacksonville boasts the best unit in terms of rushing yards allowed per game (83.8), but they're beatable through the air, and are by no means a scary matchup for fantasy wideouts. Ayomanor would be a boost to the passing game if he can play, though he'll be tough to trust for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 29 11:50pm CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight (knee) is on track to be active for Sunday's clash with the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the news. Knight has dealt with injuries for a few weeks now, first with an ankle issue, and now his ailing knee, which kept him limited at practice this week leading up to the game. If he plays, the 24-year-old is likely to assume a similar role as in the previous few contests, splitting time with backfield mate Michael Carter while Emari Demercado (ankle) misses another outing. For what it's worth, Carter has out-snapped Knight in two straight games, although the latter has out-touched the former, keeping his fantasy value afloat with scores on the ground. Fortunately, Tampa Bay's defense has been kind to fantasy running backs.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Nov 29 11:40pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (illness) is expected to be active for Sunday's road clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The former fourth-overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft has been held out of Arizona's last two contests as he recovered from an appendectomy. After returning to practice this week on a limited basis for the first time since his surgery, the sentiment seems to be that he'll play, despite garnering a questionable tag ahead of Week 13's outing. If Harrison Jr. does indeed suit up, teammate Michael Wilson figures to see a considerable dip in targets, while Greg Dortch would go back to a minimal role in the offense. That is, if the 23-year-old is suitable for his usual allotment of snaps.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 29 11:30pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) should be active for Week 13's game with the visiting Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Irving hasn't made an appearance since Week 4 while dealing with multiple injuries, but he'll hopefully make his return on Sunday when his team squares off with the Cardinals at home. It's unclear in what capacity the 23-year-old will operate, considering it's his first in-game action in two months. However, there's reason to believe he could boast a significant workload if all goes well. For now, owners can expect Irving to work in tandem with backfield mates Sean Tucker and Rachaad White until the Oregon product is back up to speed. Fortunately, he'll be eased back in against a middle-of-the-road Cardinals' rush defense if he's healthy enough to play.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Nov 29 11:20pm CT
Chris Olave

Per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, the New Orleans Saints anticipate wide receiver Chris Olave (back) to suit up for Sunday's road tilt with the Miami Dolphins. The fourth-year pro was forced from practice earlier in the week after dealing with back spasms that eventually made him miss Thursday's session altogether. However, Olave appears on track to play despite the inconvenience. In the case that he might be limited during the game, fantasy managers can expect teammates Kevin Austin Jr. and Mason Tipton to pick up more snaps behind Devaughn Vele. Otherwise, Olave projects as a strong WR2 option, even against a Dolphins' defense that's been less-than-favorable to fantasy wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Nov 29 9:10pm CT
Mack Hollins

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins projects as a low-volume fantasy option for Week 13, despite an excellent matchup against a vulnerable New York Giants defense. The ninth-year pro has had a few nice outings this season in a high-flying Patriots' offense. However, quarterback Drake Maye's tendency to spread the ball around and the team's inclination toward a more run-heavy game script (46.83% [ninth-highest]) have left the veteran on the outside looking in at times. Through 12 contests, he's recorded more than two receptions on only four occasions, eclipsing 50 receiving yards thrice. Hollins has a decent role in an offense that gets the job done (26.5 points per game), although the lack of concentrated target share makes him an inconsistent fantasy asset. The 32-year-old lands as RotoBaller's PPR WR57 for his bout on Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Nov 29 9:00pm CT
Tutu Atwell

According to Mike Masala of USA Today, the Los Angeles Rams won't activate wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) ahead of Sunday's road outing with the Carolina Panthers. The Florida native has been shelved since injuring his hamstring in the team's Week 7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars abroad. Despite LA opening Atwell's 21-day practice window earlier this week -- and him logging three full practices -- he won't rejoin them against the hosting Panthers. For one more game, at least, teammates Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith will play behind snap leaders Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. When Atwell returns, he figures to slot back in ahead of Mumpfield and Smith in the hierarchy of the corps.

From RotoBaller

George Holani Nov 29 8:50pm CT
George Holani

Per the team, Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani (hamstring) has been placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury picked up in last weekend's 30-24 win over the Tennessee Titans. The Boise State product will now miss at least the next four games, with his earliest return date coming for the team's outing against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. In a corresponding move, Seattle signed veteran RB Myles Gaskin from their practice squad to the active roster. While Gaskin may work intermittently in place of Holani, he'll still be a distant third option behind teammates Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in the Seahawks' backfield. Seattle's ground attack will get a dream matchup in Week 13 against a struggling Minnesota rush defense.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Hodgins Nov 29 8:40pm CT
Isaiah Hodgins

New York Giants wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins has been a decent fantasy contributor in two starts with the team, though he'll get another difficult matchup this Monday night against the New England Patriots. Hodgins was signed off the Steelers' practice squad a few weeks back, reuniting him with the Giants' organization. For one game, at least, it appears Hodgins has worked his way behind only Wan'Dale Robinson in terms of snap share, logging two more than Darius Slayton (52) upon the latter's return from a one-game absence. While the Oregon State product may have moved ahead of Slayton in the pecking order, fantasy managers may want to wait one more week before relying on him as a low-floor dart throw, considering a less-than-ideal outing with a tough Pats' defense. Hodgins is RotoBaller's PPR WR69 for his clash with New England.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Nov 29 8:30pm CT
Tyler Allgeier

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier garnered double-digit carries in Week 12, rushing 12 times for 44 yards, and even received one target, which he caught for five yards. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who deployed him as a Flex option, the 25-year-old was unable to find the end zone as he'd done in three of the four previous weeks and seven times this season. The BYU product could see a similar workload in Week 13 in what should be a competitive contest versus the Jets, with the Falcons as three-point road favorites. New York has yielded the ninth-most half-point PPR points to opposing running backs this season, but in what projects to be a low-scoring affair, Allgeier will continue to be a risky RB3/Flex that, if he doesn't score, comes with a very low floor.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Nov 29 8:20pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is set for another stiff test in Week 13 when his team squares off with the hosting New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. The former Buffalo Bill has seen a heavier workload over the previous two games, as New York's pace of play shot up with quarterback Jameis Winston under center. That could remain true even with Jaxson Dart back in the fold, but the running game won't be afforded any favors against a staunch Patriots' defense. On the season, New England has allowed the second-fewest rush yards (87.7) and fantasy points per game to running backs (16.63). Singletary sports some low-end flex appeal either way if he can remain involved in the Giants' offense. However, fantasy managers should temper expectations against one of the league's stronger rush defenses. The 28-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR RB42 for this week's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Michael Mayer Nov 29 7:20pm CT
Michael Mayer

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (ankle) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mayer was unable to participate for the entire week due to an ankle injury he had sustained early in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old was quickly ruled out last week after injuring his ankle in the first half of the game. Mayers has shown flashes during a lost season for the Raiders and had seen 15 targets in his previous three games before this ankle injury. In Week 13, the Raiders' offense will continue to rely on Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker, and recently acquired Tyler Lockett to lead the passing attack. It is worth noting that this will be the first game this season in which Greg Olson takes over play-calling duties for the Raiders. Ian Thomas should see an increase in snaps and will serve as the Raiders' backup tight end to Bowers with Mayer sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Nov 29 7:10pm CT
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson has ridden the fantasy roller coaster so far this season. Since Week 4, Johnson has been an inconsistent fantasy option, finishing inside the Top-12 five times and finishing outside the Top-20 four times. The 24-year-old will see a decent matchup heading into Week 13 against the New England Patriots. The Patriots' defense has allowed the fifth-fewest rushing yards and the 10th most passing touchdowns this season. With a tough run defense, the Giants' offense could be forced to go to a pass-heavy game script early to sustain drives. This, along with Johnson's red zone presence against a struggling red zone passing defense, could work in his favor. It is worth noting that the Giants will be getting Jaxson Dart back after missing two games due to a concussion. The stars seem to be aligning for Johnson to be a viable TE2 with a good chance to score his first touchdown since Week 9.

From RotoBaller