In Week 16 vs. the Giants, the Vikings won their third consecutive game. It was a narrow 16-13 win on the road. Minnesota is now 7-8 in 2025.
The team is on short rest heading into Week 17. On Christmas Day, the Vikings will host the Lions at 4:30 p.m. EST. Starting QB J.J. McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his hand vs. the Giants. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy will not play in Week 17. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his second start of the year for the Vikings.
Can Max Brosmer lead Minnesota to an improbable win on Thursday?
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has announced that Max Brosmer will start at QB for the #Vikings on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/EYddmThvT4
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025
After a 14-3 finish during the 2024 regular season, the wins have not come as consistently in 2025. One could argue that the rotating cast of QBs is to blame. Sam Darnold started all 17 games last season for Minnesota. In 2025, three QBs have made at least one start for the team. That includes J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Maz Brosmer. McCarthy has made nine starts for the Vikings this season and has gone 5-4.
However, the 22-year-old suffered a hairline fracture while taking a sack in Week 16 vs. the Giants. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced McCarthy would not be available for Christmas Day. Earlier in the year, Carson Wentz was the backup for Minnesota. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
“I just felt like it was a great team effort and because of that we had success and won the game.” – QB Max Brosmer on Sunday’s win over the Giants pic.twitter.com/EyCotMyh0S
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 23, 2025
That’s left undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as the backup for the last two months. He made his first NFL start on November 30 vs. the Seahawks on the road. Minnesota lost that game 26-0. Kevin O’Connell said Max Brosmer will start on Christmas Day for the Vikings when they face the Lions. Can he lead the team to an improbable win?
Max Brosmer has appeared in five of Minnesota’s 15 games in 2025 and made one start. He’ll make his second start on Christmas Day vs. Detroit. In their last matchup, the Vikings beat the Lions 27-24. Minnesota’s defense will have to play lights out with what the team will be working with offensively. Despite being on the road, the Lions are favored to win on Christmas Day vs. the Vikings.
