With two games remaining, the Detroit Lions may need a Christmas miracle to reach the playoffs. At 8-7, the Lions need to win their final two games while the Green Bay Packers lose out to make their third straight trip to the playoffs, and the first part of that quest begins when they travel to face the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
But just as Lions fans feel like the Grinch stole their extra-caffinated coffees and Metallica cassette tapes that they set out for head coach Dan Campbell, the Vikings have stepped in with an early gift of their own.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Tuesday that strting quarterback J.J. McCarthy suffered a hairline fracture in a Week 16 victory over the New York Giants. The injury means that backup QB Max Brosmer will get the start for the Vikings and be exactly what the Lions need to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Vikings QB Max Brosmer Could Give the Lions a Very Merry Christmas in Week 17
The Lions' defense has needed all the help it can get while trying to slow down opponents in the closing weeks of the regular season. Injuries to defensive backs Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch, and Terrion Arnold have not helped the cause, and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s unit has been tagged for over 30 points in three of its past four games.
That stretch would have extended to Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers had Chris Boswell not missed a 37-yard field goal with 2:09 left to play, and the defense has had trouble stopping anyone, allowing over 350 yards in six of its past seven games.
This is why the Lions will be happy to see Brosmer sitting under their tree. An undrafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota, Brosmer entered his first career start against the Seattle Seahawks with plenty of hype, only to throw four interceptions, including a meme-worthy Pick-6 in a 26-0 loss on Nov. 30.
In addition, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz noted that Brosmer led the worst offensive game in Vikings franchise history in terms of DVOA at minus-96.8%. The previous record was held by a 42-13 loss to the San Diego Chargers at minus-68.7% back in 1984 and is the 30th worst offensive game in NFL history.
This all sounds like great news for the Lions, who will also face a Vikings team that had four starters, including tight end T.J. Hockenson, center Ryan Kelly, and running back Jordan Mason, join McCarthy as non-participants on Tuesday's injury report. A fifth starter, offensive tackle Brian O'Neill, was also a limited participant on Tuesday after being listed as a non-participant in Monday's simulation, potentially making the job easier for the Lions on Thursday.
A banged-up team with an inexperienced QB should be enough to keep the Lions on track, and while they could be eliminated with a Packers win over the Baltimore Ravens, who could be without Lamar Jackson, on Saturday night, it at least would ensure a Merry Christmas back home in the Motor City.