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

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 14

Player Notes
Josh Jacobs Dec 5 3:30pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is off the injury report following a full practice session on Friday, and he'll be good to go for the Packers' Week 14 matchup with the Chicago Bears. Jacobs has been an awesome fantasy option this season, but last week was one of his least-productive fantasy outings with just 10.1 fantasy points. Week 13 marks just the second game in which Jacobs played the full game and didn't get in the end zone. That's how seemingly automatic Jacobs has been this season, and as the engine of the Packers' offense, Jacobs should be in a good position to do well against a middle-of-the-road Bears' run defense. Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 fantasy option in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Dec 5 3:30pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs has been in a bit of a funk in terms of fantasy production over the last few weeks, but he'll look to get back on track in the Packers' Week 14 showdown with the Chicago Bears. Doubs had an excellent stretch of fantasy viability with three games among the top-25 wide receivers from Week 4 to Week 9. From Week 10 on, Doubs has disappointed fantasy managers with lackluster production. Doubs has averaged just 6.8 fantasy points per game in the four-game stretch starting in Week 10, and is averaging just three receptions for 25 yards per game. He's also taken a backseat to not just the running game, but also Christian Watson, who has exceeded Doubs' production in recent weeks. Against the Chicago Bears in Week 14, Doubs is still a low-end flex option, but one that's much harder to trust than in the middle of the season.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 5 3:30pm CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner (calf) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. Gardner did not practice this week after suffering a calf injury in the Colts' Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans. Head coach Shane Steichen said earlier this week that the star cornerback was going to "miss some time," but he is expected to avoid being placed on Injured Reserve. It's unfortunate news for the Colts after acquiring Gardner for two future first-round picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell at the trade deadline, but he at least seems to have avoided a season-ending injury. Indy's secondary will be a little more vulnerable this weekend in a battle for first place in the AFC South versus the Jags.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Dec 5 3:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has been far and away the best Packers' pass-catcher for the last few weeks and will look to put forth another strong effort in Week 14's divisional showdown against the Chicago Bears. Watson has been fantasy's WR10 since Week 11, with 16.3 fantasy points per game. Additionally, he's seen first-read target percentages above 30% in each of the last three weeks, leading the team all three weeks. Watson has an excellent matchup this week against the Bears, as they've allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Combining the solid matchup with Watson's recent utilization, he's a solid fantasy WR2 option this week against the Bears.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Dec 5 3:30pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) is off the injury report with three limited practices and looks to keep his run going after his best game of the season in Week 13 as the Packers host the Chicago Bears. Wicks is fresh off his Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions, where he was the overall WR3 for fantasy, notching 94 yards on six receptions while bringing in two touchdowns. While Wicks has been on the field much more in recent weeks, with at least 69% routes per dropback in the past three weeks, he's a bit behind in the pecking order for Green Bay's offensive production. Those in deep fantasy leagues may find Wicks useful as a flex option in the Packers' Week 14 game against Chicago, but typical 12-team formats may have more consistent fantasy options than Wicks this week.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has been ruled out for Week 14's game against the Tennessee Titans, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN reports. The Browns opened up Watson's 21-day practice window earlier this week, but the 30-year-old signal-caller is not expected to play this year. Watson tore his Achilles tendon in Week 7 last season and then underwent surgery shortly after to repair it. He subsequently re-ruptured his Achilles during his recovery and was forced to undergo a second surgery on Jan. 9. Watson is expected to remain on Cleveland's roster next season unless the Browns want to take on a dead salary of over $80 million in 2026, and no team would be willing to trade for him at this point. Rookie Shedeur Sanders will start at quarterback again for the Browns in Week 14 against the Titans and has a chance to remain the starter for the rest of the season if he plays well enough.

From RotoBaller

Tutu Atwell Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Tutu Atwell

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) will not be activated off Injured Reserve for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Nate Atkinsof The Athletic. The 26-year-old wideout has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Rams' Week 7 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The Rams opened Atwell's 21-day practice window last week, and while he's been a full participant for every practice, his return will wait at least another week. Teammates Jordan Whittington, Xavier Smith, and Konata Mumpfield will continue to split reps behind the Rams' star wide receiver duo of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Atwell's next chance to return to the field will be for a Week 15 showdown against the Detroit Lions in L.A.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Dec 5 3:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is coming off one of his better games of the season in Week 13 and looks to continue that momentum when the Packers host the Bears in a divisional showdown in Week 14. Love was QB2 overall last week in the Packers' win over the Lions, throwing for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Even with Chicago returning Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon to their secondary, it's a secondary that can be thrown on. Add the weapons that the Packers may get back with Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden, who are both questionable for Week 14, and the Packers have a wealth of options for Love to throw to. Consider Love a fringe QB1 fantasy option when the Packers host the Bears in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Dec 5 3:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) has been cleared from the injury report and is good to go for Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Njoku was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday and Thursday but will play in Week 14 despite managing a knee injury. The 29-year-old tight end hasn't had much production in recent weeks, recording just five receptions (six targets) for 32 yards and one touchdown over the past four games. The veteran has played behind impressive rookie Harold Fannin Jr. and isn't a trustworthy fantasy option with his current role in the Browns' low-scoring offense. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for a potential streaming option in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) practiced without a non-contact jersey on Friday, a positive sign for his chances to play on Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kris Rihm of ESPN reports. Hampton said on Thursday that he feels great and is ready to get back on the field, but the decision is ultimately up to the doctors. The rookie first-rounder has been sidelined since Week 5 when he suffered a fractured ankle, and it's a great sign to see the rookie first-rounder shed the non-contact jersey in practice. Hampton is trending toward being activated off Injured Reserve and playing in Week 14 against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, though he's likely to operate in a timeshare with Kimani Vidal in his first game back. He projects as RB3/FLEX option if he is active on Monday night.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Jordan Mason

Running back Jordan Mason of the Minnesota Vikings enters a Week 14 game with some lineup appeal as an RB3/flex candidate with the Washington Commanders coming to U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings have struggled immensely in recent weeks, but could see a reprieve in the form of a lowly ranked Commanders defense. Through 13 weeks, Washington is allowing scoring drives on nearly 49% of opposing possessions -- the worst rate in the NFL -- and ranks 29th overall against half-PPR running backs. That could line up well for Mason, who may see more work if Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) sees any issues with his lingering injury, though it bears mentioning that Jones does not carry an injury designation despite leaving last week's loss at Seattle. Minnesota will see the return of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and likely will lean on the running game to aid the struggling passing attack. Relying on any Viking at the moment comes with risk, but the setting is good enough to consider playing Mason in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 5 2:50pm CT
Aaron Jones

Running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) of the Minnesota Vikings does not have an injury designation when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14, but he should be considered a risky flex option for fantasy lineups. The veteran has drawn more playing time than backfield mate Jordan Mason, but departed last week's loss at Seattle and did not return after re-aggravating his previous AC joint ailment that also knocked him out of Week 9's game at Detroit. The Vikings surely will want to lean on the running game against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th against half-PPR running backs to help their floundering passing offense, which could present opportunities for both backs. While the matchup is excellent, managers will have to consider that the shoulder is a lingering issue Jones will have to deal with, and the Vikings haven't exactly inspired much confidence in recent weeks.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Dec 5 2:50pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back in the lineup and facing one of the NFL's worst defenses in the Washington Commanders, but should be considered a volatile QB2 option for fantasy lineups. The second-year quarterback picked up two huge NFC North road wins earlier this season, but has once again missed significant time due to injuries and mostly struggled when available. McCarthy has 10 interceptions and a 54.1% completion percentage in his six starts, though Washington's defense has had its own issues. The Commanders have allowed scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL and rank in the bottom five against fantasy quarterbacks, and McCarthy has shown flashes of mobility with 120 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 23 carries. Managers approaching the fantasy playoffs in Superflex formats will have to evaluate McCarthy against their other options, but there is some hope that a talented Minnesota offense can finally turn a corner against a bad defense at home.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Nailor Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Jalen Nailor

After the Minnesota Vikings' offensive struggles reached a new low in Week 13, wide receiver Jalen Nailor should be considered a high-risk option when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14. The Commanders' defense has been hugely ineffective this season, and it enters this week having allowed the highest percentage of scoring drives in the league. In the past month, however, Minnesota has been even worse. The offense's turnover rate has ballooned to over 17% of their possessions, and they've scored 42 points in their past 16 quarters. Nailor had a career-best day with quarterback J.J. McCarthy in Week 10, but caught just one pass on three targets combined during the next three games. The matchup this week is great, but starting Nailor should be considered a desperation play, given his low volume in what has been a bad offense.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings will take on the struggling defense of the Washington Commanders in Week 14, which brings both potential and risk for wide receiver Jordan Addison. Washington is allowing opposing offenses to score on nearly 49% of possessions, which is the worst mark in the league, but the Vikings have been the most hapless offense in the NFL over the past month. Minnesota scored 42 points in its past four games, including the franchise's first shutout loss in 18 years last week at Seattle. Despite playing more than 90% of the team's offensive snaps in every one of those four games, Addison has just 10 total catches to show for it. Addison is a talented receiver with a great matchup, but the Vikings have been so awful on offense recently that even their best players have disappointed in fantasy lineups. The setting is good enough this week to consider Addison for a flex spot, but he's a wild card due to Minnesota's volatility.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Dec 5 2:40pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Will Reichard

The 2025 season has been the same story for Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard: he's been excellent when the team has needed him, but a major regression on offense has made him an average fantasy play most weeks. More than 17% of the Vikings' drives have ended in turnovers, far and away the worst rate in the NFL, and the offense is now scoring on fewer than a third of its possessions overall. Naturally, the second-year kicker has been unpredictable alongside an offense that is struggling to stay on the field. Reichard has eight makes from beyond 50 yards this year and is a terrific 21-for-23 on field goal attempts, but starting him in Week 14 will be contingent on the Minnesota offense breaking its slump against the Washington Commanders. However, against a Washington defense allowing scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL, there is some hope for Reichard, albeit with risk involved.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 5 2:30pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) has been cleared from the injury report and will suit up on Sunday against the Washington Commanders, according to the team's official website. Jones was limited on Wednesday and Thursday after exiting early during the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13 due to a shoulder injury, but he is good to go in Week 14. The 31-year-old running back struggled to find running lanes against Seattle's stout defense, handling six carries for just three yards, but he was productive as a receiver with four receptions (four targets) for 22 yards before leaving. Jones has continued to play ahead of Jordan Mason since returning in Week 8, and he'll get a favorable matchup in Week 14 against a Commanders defense that has allowed the fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing running backs. Another plus for Jones is that quarterback J.J. McCarthy is back this week following a one-game absence due to a concussion.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Dec 5 2:30pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Tight end T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings has a strong matchup against a bad Washington Commanders defense in Week 14, but fantasy managers should consider him a TE2 option due to the team's continued struggles on offense. The Commanders allow scoring drives at the highest rate in the NFL, but the Vikings are turning over the ball at the highest rate, which has been a major contributor to the team scoring on fewer than 32% of its possessions. Hockenson is coming off his best game of the year with six catches for 59 yards at Seattle, but Minnesota will experience yet another quarterback change now that starter J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is back. Even when the Vikings' offense is at its best, the veteran tight end is the team's third option behind receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, so managers may want to reserve Hockenson only for formats that start more than one tight end.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 5 2:20pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) is officially listed as questionable for Week 14's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave was held out of Wednesday's practice before being a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, a similar progression to last week when he was ultimately able to suit up against the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old didn't seem affected by the injury last week, posting his normal route share and recording four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in the loss to Miami. He is trending toward playing through the injury again and profiles as a top-10 wide receiver option for Sunday's matchup against the division-rival Buccaneers. In the first meeting with Tampa on Oct. 26, Olave had eight catches on 12 targets for 63 yards.

From RotoBaller