Finding a group of free agents to turn to for late-season help is a challenge at every position in 2025. Front linebackers continue to be key to making an impact on the stats. Meanwhile, some early first-round picks hope to keep the season alive with greater success over the final five weeks.
Minnesota Vikings offense
Aside from three games (350/2, 236/1, 313/0) with Carson Wentz, the Vikings’ quarterback play has been a disaster on almost every play in 2025. JJ McCarthy has fallen short of expectations by a wide margin. Highlighted by gaining just 5.8 yards per pass attempt with a shocking completion rate (54.1), part of his failure was the Minnesota offensive line’s brutal pass protection (45 sacks – 64 pace).
This week, the Vikings offense has a chance to find its rhythm for the first time in weeks. Due to a good confrontation with the Washington Commanders, their defense allowed the quarterback to make big plays (8.7 yards per pass attempt) with 23 rushing touchdowns. Washington also showed some risk on defense against running backs (320.00 fantasy points in PPR format – 27th) and wide receivers. (141/2,006/14 of 209 goals – 26th place)
Offensive success starts with improving McCarthy’s quarterback play. His chance to start in 2026 will depend on the last five games. With another poor performance, I can see Minnesota signing Joe Flacco, at least giving Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison one less glimmer of hope.
The Commander’s defense has recorded four sacks in the last four weeks, while allowing 197 points in six contests (32.8 per game).
Read more: Starting All 4 NFL WRs With Confidence in Week 14 Fantasy Football
In the DFS market, the Vikings offense is a money pit. I hope they play better in this match. At the same time, he offers latent value at many positions across all fantasy formats.
Jordan Mason will bring in some fantasy starters if Aaron Jones is limited in this matchup. Over the past six weeks, Jordan Addison has caught just 15 of his 37 targets for 165 yards with two touchdowns. Justin Jefferson is very frustrated. Highlighting his struggles over the past month (4/37, 5/61, 4/48, and 2/4 on 33 targets), he has just two touchdowns on the year. with a career-low catch rate (59.0%)
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A great 2024 season (4,500 yards with 44 touchdowns) for Mayfield is a distant memory. His passing opportunities and success this year have been affected by multiple injuries to the Buccaneers’ offensive players. The tide of their success appears to be turning with Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving returning to the starting lineup, and Mike Evans returning to training this week.
Tampa Bay is fighting for its playoff life with the Carolina Panthers, but the Bucs have had a good schedule the last five weeks (NO, ATL, @CAR, @MIA and CAR).
In his last three games, Mayfield has passed for just 408 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions while suffering a left shoulder injury in Week 13 against the Rams.
I hope Tampa. Bay will regain momentum on offense this week. Featured by Bucky Irving, Emeka Egbuka and Baker Mayfield.
Read more: Starting All 4 NFL WRs With Confidence in Week 14 Fantasy Football
