Game Info
Kickoff: Thursday, December 25, 2025, 4:30 PM ET
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Network: Netflix
Detroit Lions
Quarterback
Jared Goff: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)
Jared Goff started slow against the Steelers but would throw for nearly 400 yards and toss three touchdowns in the Lions’ heartbreaking loss to the Steelers. The rule of thumb is usually if Goff is indoors, he scores. But with Minnesota starting Brosmer and allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, I’m pivoting away from him in 1QB leagues.
Running Back
Jahmyr Gibbs: START, QB1
David Montgomery: SIT
Jahmyr Gibbs is an automatic start in all formats, but did you know that if he weren’t juking defenders on Sunday, he claims he would be trying to knock them out? In a rookie interview, Gibbs revealed that his dream alternate career would be fighting in the UFC, a fitting choice for a player who runs with such surprising violence and balance despite his smaller frame. David Montgomery was listed as a non-participant in Tuesday’s walkthrough due to an illness, but it isn’t expected to impact his availability for Week 17. But with eight or fewer carries in six straight games, Monty is an unreliable fantasy option.
Wide Receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown: START, WR1
Jameson Williams: START, WR2
Isaac TeSlaa: SIT
Amon-Ra St. Brown is expected to start despite dealing with a minor knee issue, but he was limited for the Lions’ walkthrough practice on Tuesday and bears watching heading into their Christmas matchup with the Vikings. If he’s active for them, he’s active for you. Jameson Williams is still a volatile fantasy asset, but his recent surge in target share raises his floor to keep him in the WR2 range. Taking a stroll down narrative street, the Lions could lean on the run if the Vikings can’t muster any offense, putting Jamo at potential let-down risk. But his upside is too tremendous to consider sitting him.
Tight End
Shane Zylstra: SIT
The equivalent of getting coal in your stocking.
Defense/Special Teams
Detroit Lions: START
Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback
J.J. McCarthy
Max Brosmer: SIT
JJ McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in his throwing hand against the Giants and has already been declared out for Week 17. Max Brosmer will start, and…
"Maybe Max Brosmer will actually throw catchable passes to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison."
Brosmer: pic.twitter.com/1oWjrtfhNH
— Jay Felicio (@GMenJay) November 30, 2025
Running Back
Aaron Jones Sr: SIT
Jordan Mason: SIT
In Brosmers lone start, Aaron Jones carried the ball three times for a half a yard, caught four passes for 22 yards. While it may not be that bad against the Lions, Detroit is a tough fantasy matchup for running backs. They allow an average of 3.7 receptions per game to backs, fifth lowest in the league, putting a damper on the one way Jones could produce. There could be some garbage time work, but you’re better off benching the entire Minnesota offense. Probably their defense, too.
Wide Receiver
Justin Jefferson: SIT
Jordan Addison: SIT
Jalen Nailor: SIT
Tight End
T.J. Hockenson: SIT
Defense/Special Teams
Minnesota Vikings: SIT