Quick Read
- Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie, will start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13.
- Both Vikings starter J.J. McCarthy and backup Carson Wentz are unavailable due to injuries.
- Seattle’s defense is one of the toughest in the league, allowing scoring drives on less than 31% of possessions.
- Brosmer is ranked as the No. 32 fantasy quarterback this week, making him a risky fantasy play.
- Projected fantasy points for Brosmer are 15.9, with minimal rushing output.
Who Is Max Brosmer? Minnesota’s Latest QB Gamble
When it comes to quarterback drama, few stories in the 2025 NFL season have been as unpredictable as the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 13 situation. With injuries sidelining both starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and backup Carson Wentz (shoulder surgery), the Vikings have turned to undrafted rookie Max Brosmer to lead the offense against the Seattle Seahawks. For many fans, Brosmer’s name is unfamiliar—a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can shift in professional football.
Brosmer’s Unlikely Opportunity
Max Brosmer’s rise to the starting role is a testament to the chaos that injuries can unleash. He wasn’t selected in the draft, joining the Vikings roster as a long shot. Yet, with McCarthy unable to clear concussion protocol and Wentz out for the season, Brosmer suddenly finds himself at the center of Minnesota’s playoff hopes. It’s a scenario that, for most rookies, would be a dream come true. For Brosmer, it’s a trial by fire.
The Matchup: Seattle’s Defense Stands Tall
The challenge ahead for Brosmer is considerable. Seattle’s defense is among the league’s best at limiting scoring drives, allowing opponents to score on fewer than 31% of possessions—a figure that ranks second in the NFL, according to Fantasy Football Calculator. This isn’t just a tough matchup; it’s one of the toughest. Seattle has developed a reputation for confusing young quarterbacks with their schemes, leveraging both pressure up front and deceptive coverage on the back end.
Brosmer’s projected stats reflect the uphill battle: 15.9 fantasy points, with a modest 8.7 rushing yards and just 0.1 rushing touchdowns. There are no projected passing stats listed, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his actual impact. For fantasy managers, Brosmer is considered the single biggest risk at quarterback this week—a sentiment echoed by analysts across major platforms.
Vikings’ Offensive Weapons: Can They Help Brosmer?
Despite the adversity, Brosmer won’t be alone. The Vikings’ roster includes standout receiver Justin Jefferson, whose ability to create separation and haul in tough catches has made him one of the NFL’s premier playmakers. In theory, Jefferson and the rest of Minnesota’s skill group could provide Brosmer with opportunities to move the ball, but those chances will hinge on Brosmer’s ability to read defenses, deliver accurate throws, and avoid costly mistakes.
For an undrafted rookie, the pressure is immense. Seattle’s defensive line is relentless, and their secondary is adept at baiting quarterbacks into turnovers. Brosmer’s lack of NFL experience only magnifies the risk. If he struggles early, the Vikings may be forced to rely more heavily on the run game or short, safe passes—limiting their offensive ceiling.
Fantasy Football Implications: Proceed with Caution
Fantasy football managers face a difficult decision. With Brosmer ranked as RotoBaller’s No. 32 fantasy quarterback for the week, he’s considered a deep risk even in two-quarterback formats. His projected point total trails far behind other options, and there’s little historical data to suggest he can overcome the odds in such a hostile environment.
Comparatively, Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba is projected to have a stellar week, reinforcing the gulf between an established star and a rookie thrust into action. For those debating between Brosmer and more proven options, the advice is clear: check for last-minute health updates, but expect a volatile outcome if you roll the dice on Minnesota’s new starter.
What’s at Stake for Brosmer and the Vikings?
For Max Brosmer, Week 13 is more than just a game—it’s an audition on one of football’s biggest stages. A strong performance could propel him into the conversation for a more permanent role, while a poor showing might reinforce the risks of relying on untested talent. For the Vikings, the stakes are equally high. Their playoff hopes hinge on finding stability at the quarterback position, and Brosmer’s ability to manage the offense will be under intense scrutiny.
The NFL is notorious for its unpredictability. Sometimes, the least likely candidates rise to the occasion; other times, the pressure proves overwhelming. Brosmer’s debut is a reminder of the razor-thin margin between opportunity and risk in professional sports. It’s a storyline that will unfold in real time, with every snap offering new data points for coaches, fans, and fantasy managers alike.
Max Brosmer’s Week 13 start encapsulates the relentless uncertainty of the NFL—a league where injuries, opportunity, and pressure converge to create moments of both hope and hazard. For the Vikings, Brosmer represents a necessary gamble; for fans, he’s a wild card whose impact is impossible to predict. The facts underscore just how precarious Minnesota’s quarterback situation has become, and why Brosmer’s performance will be scrutinized from every angle.