MN Vikings Keeping All QB Options on Table vs Packers

Week 18 features a divisional matchup for the Minnesota Vikings. Typically, a home game against the Green Bay Packers is one of the highlights of the season. That couldn’t be further from the truth this year.

Minnesota sits at 8-8 with a a chance to finish above .500. Green Bay, meanwhile, is locked into a playoff spot and plans to rest its regulars. How the Vikings respond remains to be seen, but Kevin O’Connell wants every option available.

QB Remains a Mystery for Vikings in Week 18

Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is still recovering from a broken hand, and it would seem unwise to rush him back for a meaningless game. However, it doesn’t appear as simple as handing the start to Max Brosmer.

As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert reports, the Vikings intend to have every quarterback on the roster ready to play. Things likely would have gone differently this season had Carson Wentz remained healthy and available throughout the year.

Instead, the quarterback situation has been a mess. McCarthy posted a mixed bag of performances while going 5-4 as a starter. Brosmer is 1-1 while completing 63.5% of his passes, but his limitations are evident. He’s averaging just 4.3 yards per attempt and has yet to throw a touchdown, finishing with a 0-4 TD-to-interception ratio.

John Wolford hasn’t appeared in a regular-season game since 2022, but he has familiarity with both Sean McVay and Kevin O’Connell. If Wolford plays ahead of Brosmer, it would signal O’Connell’s reluctance to continue rolling out either rookie.

Regardless of who lines up under center, finding Justin Jefferson should be the priority. The star wide receiver is just 53 yards shy of 1,000 on the season, and there’s no reason his five-year streak of hitting the mark should come to an end.

Green Bay faces its own quarterback uncertainty. Jordan Love won’t play, and Malik Willis could also be rested. That would elevate Clayton Tune from the practice squad, potentially making his first start since 2023.

The Vikings and Packers will kick off a watered-down version of their rivalry on Sunday at noon.