Week 18 features a divisional matchup for the Minnesota Vikings. Often the Green Bay Packers home game is among the highlights of the year. That couldn’t be less from the truth this season.
Minnesota is 8-8, with a a chance at a winning record on the table. Green Bay is locked into a playoff spot, and they won’t be playing their regulars. How the Vikings combat that remains to be seen, but Kevin O’Connell wants everyone ready.
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QB remains a mystery for Vikings in Week 18
Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is still recovering from a broken hand. It would seem unwise to put him back out there for a meaningless game. It doesn’t sound as straightforward as simply starting Max Brosmer either.
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As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports, the Minnesota Vikings intend to have every quarterback available ready to roll. Things probably could have gone better this year had Carson Wentz remained healthy and available all season.
Instead, it’s been a mess at the quarterback spot. J.J. McCarthy has turned in a mix bag while posting a 5-4 record. Max Brosmer has gone 1-1 while completing 63.5% of his passes. Unfortunately he has appeared so limited, he’s averaging just 4.3 yards per attempt and has a 0/4 TD/INT ratio.
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John Wolford hasn’t played in a regular season game since 2022, but has worked with both Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell previously. If he plays in front of Brosmer, it would be a signal that O’Connell has grown reluctant to play either of his rookies.
Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
No matter who is throwing passes, they best be capable of finding Justin Jefferson. The superstar wide receiver is just 53 yards short of 1,000 on the season, and there’s no reason his five-year streak of hitting the mark needs to end.
Green Bay has a level of quarterback uncertainty on their own as well. Jordan Love won’t play, and Malik Willis could be rested as well. That would mean Clatyon Tune is elevated from the practice squad and starts in his first game since 2023.
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The two teams kick off a meaningless version of the rivalry game on Sunday at 12pm.
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