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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The Paur Report
Value Picks: Week 13
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer had a forgettable first NFL start, throwing four interceptions in a disastrous 26-0 loss at Seattle. The undrafted rookie on the road against one of the NFL's top defenses went as expected, as Brosmer finished 19-for-30 passing for 126 yards and threw an awful pick-six in the first half that gave Seattle a double-digit lead it held for the rest of the day. From a fantasy perspective, playing Brosmer was a huge risk that came up totally empty. Star receiver Justin Jefferson finished with two catches and four yards receiving, while the offense gained only 162 total yards. Whether Brosmer plays again will be determined by starter J.J. McCarthy (concussion), who would need to clear protocol to return for a Week 14 game against Washington.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard hasn't given fantasy managers much value outside of the first few weeks of the season. That changed this weekend as Hubbard posted a strong performance against the Los Angeles Rams. Hubbard took a screen pass for a 35-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The 26-year-old continued having success throughout the game as tied his season-high with 17 rushing attempts. Hubbard rushed for a season-high 83 yards on those 17 attempts, while hauling in two receptions for 41 yards and one score in the win. This was a nice performance from Hubbard, but he continues to split up the backfield duties with Rico Dowdle who saw 18 carries on Sunday. We'll see where Hubbard is placed on the depth chart after the team comes out of their bye week in Week 15.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett posted another strong performance during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brissett continues to look impressive under center with his third straight game with over 300 passing yards. The 32-year-old completed 29-of-40 passing attempts for 301 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the loss. Brissett had a chance to take his team down the field for a game-tying score, but was unable to succeed. It seems highly unlikely that Kyler Murray (foot) is going to be back next week. Given his success, Brissett should be under center once again versus the Los Angeles Rams next weekend.
From RotoBaller
Playing alongside an undrafted rookie at quarterback, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught just two of six targets for four yards in a 26-0 loss on Sunday at Seattle. Jefferson had negative receiving yardage until late in the fourth quarter as Minnesota looked woeful yet again, this time behind first-time starting quarterback Max Brosmer. The rookie tossed four interceptions, including one for a touchdown, as Minnesota gained only 162 total yards on the day. The Vikings have scored just 42 total points the past four weeks, making the prospect of starting any player on this offense -- even one as good as Jefferson -- a tough sell at the moment. Minnesota will return home to play Washington in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams somehow was able to almost match his epic two-touchdown performance from last week. The 32-year-old continued his dominance by hauling in a four-yard touchdown in the first quarter. It didn't take him long as he scored his second touchdown of the game with a seven-yard score in the second quarter. This is now back-to-back two-touchdown games for Adams, who leads the league with 14 touchdowns this season. He finished this game with four receptions for 58 yards and two scores in the loss to the Carolina Panthers. Adams will look to extend his six-game touchdown streak against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) is currently listed as questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. Jones landed awkwardly on his shoulder during a three-yard catch in the third quarter. This is not good news, considering Jones was on the injury report with a shoulder issue. Given the box score, Jones is unlikely to return with this game being a blowout. Jordan Mason would see increased chances if Jones is unable to play. If he doesn't return, Jones will finish with six rushing attempts for three yards, while hauling in four passes for 22 additional yards through the air.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor made his second straight start versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. Taylor was held in check during the first half with less than 40 passing yards at half. The 36-year-old was able to turn it around in the second half, which included a 52-yard touchdown to Adonai Mitchell. Taylor led his team down the field and scored a game-tying touchdown with under a minute remaining. After that, Taylor was able to get the Jets offense in position for a field goal to win the game. He completed 19-of-33 passing attempts for 172 yards with one touchdown. Taylor also rushed the ball eight times for 44 yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. Given his success, Taylor figures to remain the starter for next week's matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence did a much better job of securing the football during Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Last week, Lawrence threw three interceptions in what ended up being a win over the Arizona Cardinals. Lawrence avoided the same mistakes this weekend as he completed 16-of-27 passing attempts for 229 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the win. This marked the first time since Week 7 that Lawrence has gotten through a game without an interception. He has five touchdowns over his last two games and will look to keep the good times rolling in a tough divisional matchup against the Indianapolis Colts next week.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell posted the best game of his young career in Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons, totaling eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. The second-year wideout recorded a career high in targets, receptions, and yards, and scored his first career touchdown in his third game with the Jets since being acquired at this year's trade deadline. The 2024 second-rounder has flashed the ability and upside at times in his young career, but was buried behind multiple good players in Indianapolis and had some frustrating moments, which ultimately led to him being traded away. The 23-year-old broke out on Sunday against the Falcons and looks like a strong addition to a Jets offense that desperately needs playmakers alongside star wideout Garrett Wilson, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury. Mitchell will be a hot waiver add this week, and he has the upside to be an impactful player down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk was not targeted in a Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: It's been a down season for Kirk, who has played in just eight games due to injury and hasn't been able to find a connection with either Houston quarterback.
From TheHuddle
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young led his team to a big upset win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13, completing 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns to go with five carries for 23 yards. Young bounced back after a disappointing game last Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, consistently showing up in the biggest moments of the game. His first touchdown came on a swing pass to Chuba Hubbard on third down that Hubbard turned into a 35-yard score, while both of his other touchdowns came on pivotal fourth downs on beautiful throws. The Panthers leaned into the run more with 35 total running back carries after just nine last week in San Francisco to help put Young in more favorable situations. The third-year signal caller hasn't been consistent game to game, but he's delivered in some big spots and helped lead the Panthers to a massive upset win over arguably the best team in football in the Rams. Young and the Panthers will ride this momentum into their Week 14 bye before three big divisional games in the final four weeks.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb ran nine times for 34 yards and a touchdown in a Week 13 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Fantasy Spin: Chubb, who scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter, continues to lose carries to Woody Marks each week. The 34 yards was his fewest sine 16 at Seattle on Oct. 20. He's only worth rostering as a deep back-up in case of multiple injuries.
From TheHuddle
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson went off on Sunday against the New York Jets despite the 27-24 loss, recording 23 carries for 142 yards and a touchdown along with five receptions (seven targets) for 51 yards as a receiver. Robinson was excellent once again and was the engine of Atlanta's offense in this game, accounting for 191 of 389 total yards of offense for the Falcons. It marks the second-most total yards in a game this season for the superstar running back, only trailing his 238-yard performance back in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. The 23-year-old is one of the best receiving backs in football and has six games this season with at least five receptions, with Sunday being his first since Week 9 against the Patriots. Robinson remains one of the top running backs in fantasy, but faces a tough matchup in Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku caught two passes for four yards against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13. He was targeted two times during the game.
Fantasy Spin: Njoku has become smaller part of the passing game as the season has gone on and has only 11 receiving yards in the last three games. He can be avoided in fantasy leagues unless Harold Fannin Jr. suffers an injury at some point.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints TE/QB Taysom Hill had just a single 2-yard rush and a 5-yard reception on his lone target in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell referred to tight end Brock Wright's injury as a "trachea" and said that it could be a long-term issue, according to Dave Birkett of Detroit Free Press. Campbell said that the team is still sending out scans for other opinions, but it's not good news for the 27-year-old tight end. Wright suffered what was initially described as a neck injury during Detroit's Week 12 overtime win over the New York Giants and missed their Week 13 game against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving. Wright hasn't been a big receiving threat with just 14 receptions (22 targets) for 108 yards and two touchdowns this season, but he was the team's top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve. Ross Dwelley and Anthony Firsker are next up on the depth chart for Detroit's options at tight end moving forward.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin made 13 tackles - five solo - in a Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders will start again next week against the Tennessee Titans, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Sanders completed 16 of 25 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown while adding one carry for six yards in Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He took only one sack last week against the Raiders, but he took three sacks for a loss of 34 yards in this one. The rookie fifth-rounder from Colorado played decently in his second career start despite the loss, finding fellow rookie Harold Fannin Jr. for a 34-yard touchdown near the end of the first half. Sanders has earned another opportunity to start next week against Tennessee and potentially for the foreseeable future.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers WR Demarcus Robinson was targeted one time during the Week 13 game against the Cleveland Browns but finished with zero receptions. He also rushed for six yards on one carry during the game.
From TheHuddle
