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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Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Quentin Lake Dec 2 11:50am CT
Quentin Lake

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that he doesn't know if it's "realistic" for safety Quentin Lake (elbow) to be back before the playoffs, according to Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. Lake was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering an elbow injury in the Week 11 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The 26-year-old needed surgery on his elbow. It's a big blow for the Rams' secondary, as Lake was a captain who played every snap and could line up anywhere on the field. Lake's injury means that the Rams will be forced to use Cobie Durant in the slot more, with Josh Wallace seeing more snaps in a rotational role. Lake's absence was certainly felt in the Week 13 loss to the Carolina Panthers, as they rushed for 164 yards on 40 carries. The Rams' defense/special teams will have a great chance to rebound this weekend, though, against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals.

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Malik Davis Dec 2 11:40am CT
Malik Davis

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis is a player on the rise as the backup RB in Dallas. The 27-year-old has taken on a bigger role behind Javonte Williams in recent weeks, with rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue being a healthy scratch for the last four games. Davis has had at least three carries for the Cowboys in the last three games, and he ran for a season-high 47 yards and his first touchdown of 2025 in the Thanksgiving Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs last Thursday. Williams is still the team's unquestioned workhorse back, though, which means Davis is going to continue to see scraps out of the backfield as the team heads into a Week 14 tilt on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. Davis is not rostered in any Yahoo leagues at the moment, but fantasy managers who have Williams might want to consider handcuffing him to Davis to close out the year.

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AJ Barner Dec 2 11:30am CT
AJ Barner

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner led the team in receiving in their 26-0 shutout victory over the visiting Minnesota Vikings in Week 13. However, on a day in which Seattle's offense took the air out of the ball, Barner only had 35 receiving yards on four receptions (five targets). The 23-year-old has been the team's top pass-catching tight end in his second year in the NFL, hauling in 37 of his 46 targets for 359 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. Barner had his best performance of 2025 several weeks ago in the loss to the Los Angeles Rams, setting season highs in catches (10), targets (11), and receiving yards (70). In the two games since, he has six catches on nine targets for 53 yards. Barner will be in the TE2 streaming conversation for the rest of the year, but he hasn't scored since Week 5 and will get a Falcons defense in Week 14 that is allowing the second-fewest half-PPR points per game to tight ends.

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Isaiah Likely Dec 2 11:10am CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely posted his most productive performance of the season in Week 13, recording five catches for 95 yards on six targets against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the 25-year-old was also responsible for one of the turning points in the game when he coughed up a fumble as he was crossing the goal line, turning a touchdown into a touchback. Still, Likely's increased involvement is a positive sign for fantasy managers. Although he's failed to find the end zone so far this season, Likely recorded six touchdowns on 58 targets across 16 games in 2024 and has shown stretches of red zone chemistry with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throughout his career. The presence of tight ends Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar in Baltimore limits Likely's upside, as he's played fewer than 60% of the team's offensive snaps in six straight games heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in deep fantasy leagues, Likely may be worth stashing off the waiver wire in case an injury to Andrews opens up a significant playing time opportunity in Baltimore.

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Elijah Moore Dec 2 10:50am CT
Elijah Moore

The Denver Broncos are signing veteran wide receiver Elijah Moore to their practice squad, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Moore was released by the Buffalo Bills in late November. Across nine games with Buffalo this season, the 25-year-old recorded nine catches for 112 yards on 17 targets. Moore posted consecutive 100-plus target seasons in 2023 and 2024 with the Cleveland Browns, but he was never able to gain much traction with the Bills. He'll now get his next opportunity with the Broncos, but Denver's crowded wide receiver room may make it difficult for Moore to make an impact. Broncos wideouts Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr. all played at least 33% of the team's offensive snaps in the team's Week 13 win over the Washington Commanders. Unless there's an injury in Denver, Moore should likely remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

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Blake Grupe Dec 2 10:40am CT
Blake Grupe

The Indianapolis Colts are hosting kicker workouts on Tuesday, and former New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe is one of the players invited, according to Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. The Colts lost kicker Spencer Shrader (knee) to a season-ending knee injury in Week 3 and have been relying on replacement kicker Michael Badgley ever since. While Badgley has made 10 of his 11 field goal attempts with Indianapolis, it appears the team may be looking to go in a different direction. Grupe was released by the New Orleans Saints in late November. He struggled in 11 games for New Orleans this season, converting on just 18 of 26 field goal attempts. However, Grupe has made 15 field goals from 50-plus yards across 45 career NFL games, while Badgley has made just seven across 71 career games. Badgley's lack of deep range may be why the Colts are looking to make a switch.

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Brock Purdy Dec 2 10:40am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy went 16-for-29 for 168 yards and one touchdown in the team's 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. Purdy's production reached season lows in completions, completion rate, and passing yards, but it was enough to finish as a top-12 quarterback in fantasy. Despite Purdy's mediocre stat line, it was an improvement over his performance against the Panthers, when he threw three interceptions and completed just one pass of 10 air yards or more. Against Cleveland, Purdy managed to complete six of his 11 such pass attempts, including a 30-yard bomb to George Kittle that set up a chip-shot field goal for Matt Gay at the end of the first half. San Francisco is on bye in Week 14, but it has favorable matchups in the fantasy football playoffs with meetings against the Titans in Week 15 and the Bears in Week 17.

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Brandon Aiyuk Dec 2 10:40am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said he is "not sure" but "hopeful" when asked if it's realistic to expect wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to take the field in 2025, per David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Aiyuk tore multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 7 of the 2024 season and has yet to play in a game since. Aiyuk was one of the most efficient wide receivers in the NFL in the last full season he played back in 2023, recording 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets. However, it appears as though he may not be healthy until 2026. Aiyuk also may be locked into a contract stand-off with the team, as the 49ers reportedly voided guarantees in his current contract. Between the injury and the contractual issues, fantasy managers should likely proceed as though Aiyuk will not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2025.

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Tua Tagovailoa Dec 2 10:30am CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Across 12 games this season, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has completed 67.2% of his pass attempts for 2,280 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. While the 27-year-old's numbers do not jump off the page, Miami has played its best football in recent weeks, winning three straight games and four out of its last five heading into Week 14. Tagovailoa should have an opportunity to post solid numbers in a favorable matchup in Week 14 against the New York Jets. In his first matchup against New York back in Week 4, Tagovailoa threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns. His lack of rushing ability limits his fantasy upside. However, in deeper fantasy leagues or two-quarterback formats, Tagovailoa could be a solid streaming option off the waiver wire in Week 14.

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Trevor Lawrence Dec 2 10:30am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had an up-and-down fantasy season so far through 12 games, but he has played decently in recent weeks. Since Week 9, Lawrence has completed 61.6% of his passes for 1,016 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding 27 carries for 122 yards and three touchdowns as a runner. The 26-year-old is averaging 18.6 fantasy points per game during that time, ranking as the QB10. He's adding more value as a runner this season, and his five rushing scores have already matched a career high. Lawrence is still frustrating at times and is one of the more turnover-prone quarterbacks in the league, but he's been a useful player in fantasy for roughly a month now. He's in play as a potential streamer in Week 14 against an Indianapolis Colts defense that will be without top cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf).

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Kayshon Boutte Dec 2 10:20am CT
Kayshon Boutte

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte scored his team-leading sixth touchdown of the season in Monday night's win over the New York Giants. Boutte has been an impactful player for New England in his third season, leading the league with 12.7 yards per target. When healthy, the 23-year-old has operated as one of the Patriots' starting wide receivers, leading their wide receiver group in route share (67.3%). Boutte isn't a major target-earner, but he's been an explosive playmaker for breakout quarterback Drake Maye. Boutte and the Patriots head into their Week 14 bye on a high note and will prepare for a big divisional matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. Boutte is a low-floor, high-ceiling player who could be worth adding off the waiver wire this week to have as a flex option for the rest of the season.

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C.J. Stroud Dec 2 10:20am CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returned to the field in Week 13 after missing three games with a concussion and completed 22 of 35 pass attempts for 276 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception against the Indianapolis Colts. Across nine games this season, Stroud has completed 66.1% of his pass attempts for 1,978 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. However, the Texans have turned to a much more pass-heavy approach in recent weeks. Over his last three full games, Stroud is averaging 41 pass attempts per contest. The high-volume approach gives Stroud an opportunity for fantasy production every week, even if Houston's offense struggles to be efficient. In deeper fantasy leagues, Stroud could be a solid streaming option at the quarterback position heading into a Week 14 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Jacoby Brissett Dec 2 10:00am CT
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has delivered multiple standout fantasy performances since becoming the team's starter in Week 6 while filling in for an injured Kyler Murray (foot). Brissett is averaging 312.6 passing yards on 43 attempts per game with 14 total touchdowns and four interceptions during that time. His 43 passes per game would be the highest in the league if he qualified. The high passing volume has made the 32-year-old signal-caller a strong streaming option, as he's cleared 300 yards passing in three straight games. Brissett draws a tougher matchup in Week 14, however, against a Los Angeles Rams defense that has allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks.

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Josh Downs Dec 2 9:50am CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has struggled lately, recording just five catches for 57 yards on 13 targets over the past three games. The 24-year-old hasn't been a major factor in the Colts' passing attack, taking a back seat to the team's other primary weapons. Downs mostly operates out of the slot, limiting him to three-wide receiver sets. The former 2022 third-round pick is still a useful player in deeper PPR leagues, but it's tough to trust him in 12-team leagues. He's totaled 40 receptions (59 targets) for 370 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games this season, averaging 8.5 PPR points. Downs at least has a more favorable Week 14 matchup against the Jaguars after facing the elite Texans defense last week.

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Brandon Aiyuk Dec 2 9:30am CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) has yet to be physically cleared to return from a torn ACL, MCL, and meniscus suffered in Week 7 last season, and it remains to be seen if he will. The 49ers reportedly voided guarantees in Aiyuk's four-year contract extension, which could lead to Aiyuk not suiting up for the 49ers this season. The Washington Commanders are one team to watch for if Aiyuk becomes available, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The 27-year-old Aiyuk is close with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, his former teammate at Arizona State. In addition, general manager Adam Peters was on staff when the 49ers drafted and extended Aiyuk, so he has a good understanding of Aiyuk as a player and person. Aiyuk, when healthy, is still an excellent player. He recorded 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns on 105 targets in his last full season in 2023. Aiyuk would draw interest from multiple teams if he reaches free agency, and Washington is expected to be one of the top suitors.

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Tre Tucker Dec 2 9:10am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker only had three catches for 20 yards in Week 13 against the Chargers, but he still served as the team's No. 1 wide receiver, playing 96% of snaps. No other receiver played more than 56% of snaps, and Tucker's three targets were behind only RB Ashton Jeanty's and TE Brock Bowers' target totals. Tucker had been even busier in the previous two weeks, drawing 18 targets in those two games from Geno Smith. He has multiple catches in each of his 12 games this season, totaling 44 catches for 550 yards and five touchdowns. The third-year receiver should stay very involved as the Raiders' top wide receiver moving forward, but he has tough matchups in Week 14 against the Broncos and Week 16 against the Texans. He does have potential upside, but will remain unreliable since the Raiders' offense has been scuffling so badly in recent weeks.

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Chimere Dike Dec 2 9:00am CT
Chimere Dike

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike has shown lots of big-play potential this season on both special teams and as a receiver. The fourth-round pick has a pair of punt return touchdowns and a pair of receiving scores this season and has hauled in 12 of his 17 targets for a total of 361 yards. With Calvin Ridley (fibula) done for the season, Dike and fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor should continue to get plenty of opportunities to work with Cam Ward. Dike has at least three targets in eight straight games and has been involved as a rusher. His big-play potential makes him a high-risk option in a flex spot, but he does bring upside if you're searching for receiver depth on the waiver wire. In Week 14, he faces the Browns before a more favorable matchup against the 49ers in Week 15.

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Isaac TeSlaa Dec 2 8:50am CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa caught both of his two targets for 35 yards and one touchdown in the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Packers. The third-round rookie could be lined up for even more work in the next few weeks since both Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle) and Kalif Raymond (ankle) are battling injuries, which could move him up to second on the depth chart behind only Jameson Williams. With tight end Sam LaPorta (back) already out as well, the Lions will need pass-catchers to step up in Week 14's Thursday Night Football matchup with the Cowboys, who have been a great matchup for receivers this season. Even though he only has six catches for 100 yards this season, TeSlaa has three touchdowns, and in an expanded role, he's a high-risk option that you can plug straight into a flex spot as a strong streaming option in Week 14 if Raymond and St. Brown are sidelined.

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Andrei Iosivas Dec 2 8:40am CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas has gotten extra playing time the last two weeks with Ja'Marr Chase (suspension) and Tee Higgins (concussion) missing time. Iosivas had four catches for 61 yards against the Patriots without Chase, but he only managed one catch for 29 yards against the Ravens. He still had a solid fantasy day, though, since his 29-yard catch went for a touchdown. With Higgins still in the concussion protocol as the week of preparation begins for the Bengals' trip to Buffalo, Iosivas could be in an expanded role again this week. If Higgins is out again, Iosivas will be a high-risk flex play with good upside since he should be set for more targets once again as Joe Burrow settles in and the Bengals try to make a late playoff push. Until Higgins is cleared, Iosivas still has solid fantasy value and potential.

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Devin Singletary Dec 2 8:30am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary had 12 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots on Monday Night Football and added three catches for 34 more yards. He played 28 snaps (51%) compared to 27 for Tyrone Tracy Jr. (49%), who took some big hits and was ultimately carted to the locker room. Tracy has been banged up, and the Giants will likely be careful with him going forward, leaving more work potentially for Singletary. The Giants are on a bye in Week 14, but they have favorable matchups against the Commanders and Raiders in two of their next three contests. After getting double-digit carries in three straight games and scoring three touchdowns in that span, Singletary is definitely a low-end flex option in those favorable matchups following the bye.

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