Minnesota Vikings News

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J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Emerging as a Viable Deep-League Option

Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy had a rough start to the season, with mistakes and injuries keeping him from being a fantasy option in almost all formats. In the last few weeks, though, the Michigan man has found a very nice groove while leading his team to wins over the Commanders and Cowboys. On Sunday Night Football, he completed 15 of 24 pass attempts for 250 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 15 rushing yards and a third score on the ground. He has six total touchdowns and just one turnover in those two games, and he has a great matchup to keep his momentum going in Week 16 as the Vikings head to New York and face the Giants. If you're looking for a second QB or are desperate for a streaming option, McCarthy's rushing potential makes him a solid snatch and start option this week.

2 hours ago

Christian Darrisaw • OT • Vikings

Vikings Hope Christian Darrisaw Will Return This Year

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that he's hoping that left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) will be back in the final three weeks of the season, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. O'Connell called Darrisaw's injury week-to-week and day-to-day. The 26-year-old has been dealing with a knee injury this month. He was able to play in Week 14 but was held out of the Sunday night win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. Darrisaw's practice status this week will determine if he'll be available to protect quarterback J.J. McCarthy's blind side in Week 16 on the road in New York versus the Giants. If Darrisaw misses a second straight game this weekend, Justin Skule will make another start at left tackle for the Vikings.

15 hours ago

Jonathan Greenard • OLB • Vikings

Jonathan Greenard to Miss the Rest of the Season

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (shoulder) will miss the rest of the season with a left-shoulder injury, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Greenard originally injured his left shoulder in Week 10 and missed two games. Greenard had been playing on a part-time basis in the last three games before aggravating the injury in the 34-26 Sunday night win over the hosting Dallas Cowboys. He will undergo surgery and is expected to be at full strength for the start of next season. The 28-year-old pass-rusher was limited to 12 games this year due to his shoulder injury, and he will finish with three sacks while ranking fifth in the league with a 13.5% pressure rate. Second-year linebacker Dallas Turner should have a full-time role in Minnesota for the final three games with Greenard out. Greenard signed a four-year, $72 million contract in 2024 and recorded 12 sacks in 17 games to earn Pro Bowl honors.

18 hours ago

T.J. Hockenson • TE • Vikings

T.J. Hockenson Leads Vikings In Receiving

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught four passes on five targets for 66 yards, which led the way for his team in a 34-26 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran tight end appears to be developing a rapport with young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, with whom he connected for a touchdown the week prior. As the Vikings have struggled massively throughout portions of the season, Hockenson has been a fantasy disappointment who still ranks outside the top-20 PPR tight ends. But with Minnesota prioritizing its running game and tight ends in recent weeks, Hockenson will look to continue his strong finish in Week 16 at the New York Giants.

Yesterday

Jalen Nailor • WR • Vikings

Two Touchdowns for Jalen Nailor in Sunday Night Victory

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor found the end zone twice to help his team score a 34-26 victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Nailor caught three of five targets for 47 yards and was on the receiving end of both of quarterback J.J. McCarthy's passing touchdowns. The Michigan State product has developed a nice connection with his quarterback, with whom he also connected on a key fourth-down conversion that led to a touchdown later on the same drive. For fantasy purposes, however, Nailor remains a tough sell. The Vikings have raved about Nailor, but as a secondary pass catcher, he's still averaging fewer than two catches per game as Minnesota prepares to play the New York Giants in Week 16.

Yesterday

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson Held To Two Catches At Dallas

For the second straight week, the Minnesota Vikings put together an excellent offensive day with modest output from wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who was held to only two catches in his team's 34-26 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings targeted Jefferson a team-high eight times, but the result was two catches for 22 yards. It was a hard-luck night for Jefferson, who caught a touchdown from quarterback J.J. McCarthy that was negated by an illegal formation penalty in the first half, missed out on a would-have-been big play when McCarthy overthrew him in the fourth quarter, and then dropped a touchdown later on the same drive. Managers who survived into Week 16 will see Jefferson in a favorable setting against the New York Giants, yet with just six catches in the past three games, it's getting more and more difficult to trust Minnesota's offense to get Jefferson the ball.

Yesterday

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Totals Three Touchdowns in Promising Week 15 Performance

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy delivered another encouraging outing in Sunday night's win over the Dallas Cowboys, completing 15 of 24 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception while adding four carries for 15 yards and another score on the ground. McCarthy threw an interception on his first pass of the game, but he settled in nicely afterwards and had arguably his best game as a pro. McCarthy has established a legitimate connection with Jalen Nailor, as they connected for two scores, while he continues to struggle to get on the same page with top wideout Justin Jefferson. The second-year quarterback has totaled 413 passing yards, 34 rushing yards, and six total touchdowns with one turnover over the past two weeks. McCarthy will look to build on his recent improvement in Week 16 in another great matchup against the New York Giants on the road.

Yesterday

Ty Chandler • RB • Vikings

Ty Chandler Won't Be Activated Off Injured Reserve This Week

Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler (knee) won't come off Injured Reserve this week and has been ruled out for Sunday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Chandler hasn't played since injuring his knee back in Week 1's win over the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old had his practice window opened ahead of Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks, but the team has still determined that he is not ready to return for game action. Chandler was a full participant in practice this week, so it seems he is getting close. He will need to be activated by next week, or he will revert to Injured Reserve and miss the remainder of the season. If he can return, Chandler will contribute primarily on special teams while serving as the RB3 behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason.

2 days ago

Jalen Nailor • WR • Vikings

Jalen Nailor a Risky Option in Week 15

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has been uninvolved in the offense since posting a career high 124 yards and a touchdown on five catches (six targets) in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens. Nailor has totaled just four catches for 46 yards on six targets in four games since that game. J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense showed signs of life last week in a dominant performance against a poor Washington Commanders defense. Still, the 26-year-old wideout should be considered a desperation play entering Week 15's Sunday night matchup against the Dallas Cowboys defense, who have been even worse than the Commanders against wide receivers, allowing the most PPR points per game to the position.

2 days ago

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Brings Superflex Potential In Week 15

Coming off the best game of his young NFL career, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will see another quality fantasy matchup when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. The former Michigan star has been particularly hot-and-cold, even for a young quarterback, but managers in Superflex formats can consider him an option this week against the Cowboys' defense. While Dallas leads the NFL in pressure percentage, the Cowboys rank 31st in passing yards allowed, 30th in net yards per attempt, and 32nd in passing touchdowns surrendered. The biggest issue for McCarthy has been turnovers, but he's coming off a week in which he played turnover-free ball and set a career-best mark for passer rating in a decisive win against Washington. McCarthy is rushing for nearly five yards per attempt and still has an excellent collection of weapons, giving him lineup potential if he can continue to build upon last week's blueprint.

3 days ago

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. in Flex Territory at Cowboys

The Minnesota Vikings may have developed a rest-of-season formula last week, which could mean continued RB3/flex potential for running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) against the Dallas Cowboys. In a 31-0 rout of Washington last week, the Vikings leaned on their running game, which led to 14 carries and 76 rushing yards for Jones. The veteran still hasn't had a breakout game this season, but has maintained a steady floor, even as the Vikings have struggled for much of the year. Additionally, he'll see a plus matchup against a Dallas defense that ranks 28th against PPR running backs and presents added potential for Jones, who has 31 targets in nine games. Jones has been battling a shoulder injury for over a month now, but has still appeared in all five games since sustaining the injury, so managers can consider him a high-floor flex option in Week 15.

3 days ago

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings

Jordan Mason In Middle Ground Against Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is coming off a solid performance last week, but remains a risky, mid-tier option when his team travels to Dallas in Week 15. The first-year Viking has been solid when called upon, but has only finished better than 20th among PPR running backs one time this season. The Vikings have favored the run more than usual as they attempt to acclimate second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, though Mason has drawn double-digit touches only once in the past five weeks as Minnesota has continued to favor Aaron Jones Sr. The Cowboys rank a lowly 28th against PPR running backs, but Mason has just 13 catches on the season and has become a touchdown-dependent fantasy play. Ranked as RotoBaller's No. 41 running back for Week 15, Mason is likely best saved for deeper formats.

3 days ago

Justin Jefferson • WR • Vikings

Justin Jefferson's Continued Slump Creates Tough Call in Week 15

Week 15, which marks the start of the fantasy playoffs in many leagues, brings about an especially difficult call for fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of a primetime game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. On one hand, Jefferson remains one of the game's best; he's healthy, and he's up against a Cowboys defense that has allowed more points to fantasy receivers than any other team. On the other hand, the superstar receiver's recent lack of production is staggering. Jefferson hasn't finished among the top 20 PPR receivers since Week 9, and he has just 15 combined receiving yards in Minnesota's past two games. Managers who have been burned surely feel cautious; however, the matchup is favorable, and Jefferson is still too good to completely overlook. Factoring in the offense's struggles as they break in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Jefferson is more of a WR2/high-end flex, but there is serious potential against a Dallas defense that has given up a ton of production to wide receivers this season.

3 days ago

Jordan Addison • WR • Vikings

Excellent Matchup Facing Jordan Addison At Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Achilles) should be considered a high-risk, high-reward WR3/flex candidate with the Vikings set to travel to Dallas in Week 15. Minnesota's typically dangerous passing game has taken a significant step back in 2025 as second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy has faced both injuries and periods of struggle, prompting the Vikings to simplify the offense and prioritize their running attack. McCarthy has favored Addison, however, as the receiver has 17 targets in the past two weeks. That offers breakout potential against a Dallas defense that ranks 30th in net yards per attempt allowed, 32nd in passing touchdowns allowed, and 32nd against fantasy wide receivers. Off the injury report and now facing a quality matchup, Addison has a pathway to a big week, albeit with risk, given the Vikings' offensive volatility this year.

3 days ago

T.J. Hockenson • TE • Vikings

Decreased Volume Limits T.J. Hockenson In Week 15

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shin) is coming off a highlight-worthy touchdown last week, but a decrease in passing volume will once again keep him as a low-end TE2 option when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy played the best game of his NFL career last week, which coincided with a tight-end-friendly gameplan. All three of McCarthy's passing touchdowns went to tight ends -- two to Josh Oliver and one to Hockenson -- but just three overall targets went Hockenson's way as Minnesota prioritized its running game. The Cowboys have been abysmal against the pass overall, surrendering the most passing touchdowns and second-most yards, but receivers have done much more damage: Dallas ranks a respectable 11th against half-PPR tight ends. While Hockenson is off the injury report, he's averaging just 3.5 catches and 28.5 yards per game, so he's best saved for formats that start more than one tight end.

3 days ago

Will Reichard • K • Vikings

Middling Potential For Will Reichard Against Cowboys

Despite going up against a struggling Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 15, Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard should be considered an average fantasy kicker option this week. Reichard, the 12th-ranked fantasy kicker, has been mostly reliable despite the Vikings' struggles on offense. He's 22-for-24 on field-goal attempts, which includes eight makes from 50 or more yards. Ironically, Dallas has been one of the poorer matchups for fantasy kickers, but mostly because its defense is having such a hard time getting to fourth down. The Cowboys have allowed 29 passing touchdowns and a 47.8% third-down conversion rate, both the worst marks in the NFL, and they are allowing red-zone touchdowns at the third-highest rate in the league. While Reichard has been consistent, managers may want to consider a stronger option if they're in the fantasy playoffs.

3 days ago

Jordan Addison • WR • Vikings

Jordan Addison Emerging as a Consistent Target-Earner in Minnesota

Given the highly inconsistent play they've received at the quarterback position, the Minnesota Vikings' pass offense has been an overall disappointment so far in 2025. However, wide receiver Jordan Addison (Achilles) has been showing signs of life in recent weeks. Addison has earned at least seven targets in four out of his last five games heading into a favorable Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The 23-year-old has been a limited practice participant so far this week due to an Achilles injury, so fantasy managers should monitor his progress before inserting him into their Week 15 lineup. Assuming Addison can avoid missed time, he may be establishing himself as a reliable target earner. If Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy can build upon his encouraging showing in Minnesota's Week 14 over the Washington Commanders, Addison could re-establish consistent fantasy value down the stretch of the season.

4 days ago

J.J. McCarthy • QB • Vikings

J.J. McCarthy Set Up for Strong Finish?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has largely struggled so far this season. Across seven starts, the 22-year-old has completed 56% of his pass attempts for 1,092 yards, nine touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. However, McCarthy had one of his best performances of the season in his team's Week 14 win over the Washington Commanders, completing 16 of 23 pass attempts for 163 yards, three touchdowns, and zero turnovers. McCarthy has also shown some ability to provide production with his legs, rushing for 139 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Given that McCarthy has only cracked 170 passing yards in one start, fantasy managers should keep their expectations moderate. Still, McCarthy profiles as a high-end fantasy QB2 in a favorable Week 15 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and could be trending upward down the stretch of the season.

4 days ago

Jordan Addison • WR • Vikings

Jordan Addison Stays Limited on Thursday

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (Achilles) stayed limited in practice on Thursday. It's the second straight day this week that Addison has had his reps capped due to an Achilles injury, so the 23-year-old might need a full practice on Friday to avoid a questionable designation going into the Sunday night showdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. The former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC went over 50 receiving yards in last week's blowout win over the Washington Commanders for the first time since Oct. 19, catching four of his seven targets for 62 yards. Addison has been highly inconsistent with a low floor in a Vikings offense that has really struggled this year under second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy. However, he has some upside potential as a WR3/flex in Week 15 (if he plays) against a Cowboys defense allowing a league-high 255.2 passing yards per game.

4 days ago

T.J. Hockenson • TE • Vikings

T.J. Hockenson Upgrades to Limited Practice

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shin) upgraded to a limited practice participant on Thursday. Hockenson was unable to practice on Wednesday due to a shin injury, so it's a step in the right direction for the 28-year-old to be able to play on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15. If Hockenson were unable to play this weekend, Josh Oliver, who scored twice in last week's blowout win over the Washington Commanders, would be more attractive as a deep-league TE streamer. Hockenson caught his third touchdown of the season in Week 14, but it came on only two receptions for 12 yards on three targets. He's been pretty hard to trust as a fantasy option in 2025 with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggling and missing plenty of time due to injuries. Hockenson has gone over 50 receiving yards just once in 13 games this year, making him a low-end TE2 in fantasy if he plays against Dallas.

4 days ago

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