According to Seifert, sources have told the team is “more open-minded about their 2025 plans than many realize” in regards to Darnold and the possibility of bringing him back. Darnold has experience a career resurgence with the Vikings, throwing for 3299-28-10 on the season while inserting himself in the MVP conversation. Darnold won’t win the MVP, but he has already set himself for a handsome pay day next offseason. The Vikings have rookie J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, which has led many to believe Darnold would be allowed to walk next offseason, but that may not entirely be the case. With three weeks left in the regular season and the playoffs ahead of them, the Vikings still have plenty of time left to assess their future with/without Darnold. Regardless of where he lands, it will be an interesting offseason for the former No. 3 overall pick.

Smith exited in the third quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Packers and did not return to the game. He could be seen limping on the sideline before going to the locker room and later returned with his right knee wrapped. Macdonald said Smith will undergo imaging and further evaluation on Monday, but the Seahawks could be looking at starting Sam Howell in Week 16 when they take on the Vikings. Howell struggled mightily in relief of Smith, throwing for just 24 yards and a pick while completing 5-of-14 passes (35.7 percent). He also stayed on brand by taking four sacks. All Seahawks pass-catchers would receive an immediate downgrade next week if Howell lines up under center.

Metcalf was involved early but quickly became victim of rolled coverages in his direction before being forced to catch passes from Sam Howell for the final 20 minutes after Geno Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury. Fantasy managers will want to track the status of Smith ahead of a Week 16 showdown with the Vikings with the team’s playoff hopes on the line.

Things started off hot for Smith-Njigba in the first half as he served as the featured player through the air. Things then took a drastic turn in the third quarter when Geno Smith was forced from the game with a knee injury, with Sam Howell then filling in under center for the remainder of the game. Even so, Smith-Njigba has seen his role grow immensely ever sinve DK Metcalf missed two games in Week 8 and Week 9, now responsible with a primary pass-catching role for a team near the top of the league in pass attempts per game. Fantasy managers will want to track the status of Smith as a Week 16 matchup against the Vikings appraoches.

Charbonnet was victimized by negative game script in this one after the Packers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before taking a 20-3 lead into the half. Geno Smith would then be forced from the game in the third quarter after having his leg rolled up on, which left the team in a state of disarray for the remainder of the game. Charbonnet will remain a low-end RB1 for as long as Kenneth Walker remains out.

Watson did the bulk of his damage on a 36-yard reception down the left sideline on a free play after quarterback Jordan Love got the Seahawks to jump offside. Watson’s modest volume came on a night Love attempted only 27 passes due to the positive nature of the game script after the Packers scored on their opening possession and took a 20-3 lead into the break. It certainly appears as if Watson has worked his way back into a featured role after dealing with numerous injuries this season, playing the highest snap rate of the Green Bay wide receivers for the third consecutive game.

Jacobs got the fun started with a one-yard touchdown plunge on the opening drive after the Packers won the toss and elected to receive the first-half kickoff. In fact, Jacobs saw nine of 10 touches on the first possession while doing the major lifting for the team, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Packers improve to 10-4 with the win ahead of a Week 15 meeting with the floundering Saints at home.

Love the Packers set the tone from the opening kick after winning the coin toss, electing to receive the first half kick, and marching the field to score an opening possession touchdown on a one-yard plunge from running back Josh Jacobs. While Love was only asked to throw the football 27 times, he made numerous veteran plays including a long completion to Christian Watson when the Seahawks jumped offside, a long completion to Tucker Kraft with a free play due to too many men on the field, and a fourth quarter touchdown toss to Romeo Doubs with under five minutes remaining that went down as one of the highlights of the game. The Packers improve to 10-4 and control their playoff destiny with only three weeks left to play. Up next for Love and the Packers are the reeling Saints at home in Week 16.

Smith had his lower leg rolled up on and appeared to be in immediate pain as he initially hopped on one leg before falling to the turf. The athletic training took him to the medical tent after he grimaced in pain on the sideline before ultimately escorting him to the locker room. Sam Howell is in at quarterback for the Seahawks as they try and avoid falling out of the playoff picture in the NFC. Smith completed 15-of-19 passes for 149 yards and an interception prior to departing, adding five yards on his lone carry.

Sutton had next to no chemistry with Bo Nix, who had three interceptions, including one when targeting Sutton in the first half. He salvaged his statistical day with a fourth quarter touchdown — one of three from Nix. Sutton, far and away the Broncos’ No. 1 wideout, now has at least nine targets in five straight games. No other Denver pass catcher had more than four targets against the Colts. Sutton, who had 53 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Chargers, will be a high-floor WR2 option in Week 16 against LA.