Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Kevin O'Connell. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: O'Connell has quickly ascended the ranks among the top head coaches in the NFL, which is why entering a contract year in 2025 it seemed destined that he would earn an extension. While there were reports teams could be interested in trading for him, Minnesota was likely never going to let him out of their sights. Locking him in keeps around a coach who has maximized his rosters consistently.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said QB J.J. McCarthy has returned to on-field training. (Source: Alec Lewis on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The big question all offseason will be whether or not Minnesota brings back Sam Darnold. If he heads elsewhere, McCarthy will likely figure to enter next season as the starter.

The Vikings re-signed DL Jalen Redmond. (Source: Minnesota Vikings on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Redmond recorded 10 solo tackles and one sack in his first season in the NFL with Minnesota. He'll continue to compete for a depth role on the defensive line for Minnesota.

The Vikings signed QB Brett Rypien to a reserve/futures contract.

Fantasy Impact: Rypien will compete for the QB3 role for Minnesota this offseason.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said the team is opening up DT Taki Taimani's 21-day window on Thursday. (Source: Alec Lewis on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Taimani was placed on injured reserve back in November with an ankle injury. It is unclear if he'll be activated in time for Monday's Wild Card game against the Rams.

The Vikings signed Daniel Jones to their active roster heading into the playoffs. (Source: Ben Goessling on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: This move puts Minnesota in line to get a compensatory pick for Jones if he leaves in free agency this offseason. Brett Rypien was waived as the corresponding move.

T.J. Hockenson caught two passes for nine yards on eight targets in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He was held out of the end zone in his return to Detroit.

Fantasy Impact: Hockenson's struggles were a major disappointment for fantasy managers who started him in Week 18. He'll look to bounce back in the playoffs.

Aaron Jones rushed 10 times for 45 yards in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He also caught five passes for 30 yards.

Fantasy Impact: Jones' performance was a solid contribution in PPR leagues, but his lack of a touchdown limited his overall fantasy impact. Due to his receiving ability, he remains a valuable fantasy asset in PPR formats.

Justin Jefferson caught three passes for 54 yards on nine targets in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He was held out of the end zone for the first time since Week 12.

Fantasy Impact: Jefferson's quiet performance was a disappointing end to an otherwise stellar fantasy season. He finished the year with over 1,500 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Cam Akers rushed for 65 yards on six carries in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. He also caught two passes for four yards. Akers' longest run of the game was a 58-yard burst in the second quarter, his longest run since his rookie season in 2020.

Fantasy Impact: Akers' big play provided a spark for the Vikings' offense, but his overall production was limited. He remains a volatile fantasy option with limited upside in a crowded backfield.

Sam Darnold had a rough outing in Sunday night's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions, completing just 18 of 41 passes for 166 yards and no touchdowns. The Vikings' offense struggled mightily, failing to score a touchdown for the first time all season.

Fantasy Impact: Darnold's disappointing performance was a significant letdown for fantasy managers who started him in Week 18, especially with the Vikings playing for the NFC's No. 1 seed. He'll need to bounce back in the Wild Card round if the Vikings hope to make a deep playoff run.

Vikings S Harrison Smith (foot) was limited in practice Wednesday. (Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Smith was able to suit up in Week 17 after missing the previous game with a foot injury. Barring a setback in practice during the week, the veteran will likely suit up against the Lions Sunday.

Jalen Nailor caught all five of his targets for 81 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Nailor's score came on a nice 31-yard bomb from Sam Darnold in the second quarter. It was easily his best game of the season, with season highs in receptions and receiving yards, but he's not someone to put into your lineups on any regular basis.

Jordan Addison caught 6-of-8 of his targets for 69 yards and a score in the Vikings' 27-25 win over the Packers on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact: Addison has been on a nice run recently, scoring seven touchdowns in his last seven games. He's seen at least 8 targets in six of those games as well and is a nice WR2 option for those in need of a play in Week 18.

The Vikings released Coy Cronk from their practice squad. (Source: Minnesota Vikings on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cronk was released to make room for the signing of T Leroy Watson to the practice squad.

The Vikings opened the practice window of Ivan Pace Jr. (Source: Around the NFL on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Pace has been sidelined since Week 12 with a hamstring injury. He'll have a chance to return in Week 17 against the Packers.

Will Reichard made both of his field goal attempts (52, 48) and 3-of-3 extra point attempts on Sunday against Seattle.

Fantasy Impact: Reichard continues to take advantage of playing with one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. He should be part of another higher-scoring game next week when the Vikings take on the Packers.

The Raiders are signing Andre Carter II to their active roster off the Vikings practice squad. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Carter will help add some depth off the edge for Las Vegas after losing Maxx Crosby for the season.

Vikings CB Stephon Gilmore (hamstring) is listed among the team's inactives and will not play in Week 15 on Monday Night Football. (Source: Minnesota Vikings on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Gilmore was a DNP on both Wednesday and Thursday and practiced in limited fashion on Friday before being listed as questionable headed into this weekend. Unfortunately he was not deemed healthy enough to play in the divisional matchup vs. the Bears in Week 15.

Josh Oliver caught one of his two targets for 26 yards in the Vikings' 42-21 win over the Falcons in Week 14.

Fantasy Impact: Oliver has seen moderate involvement in the Minnesota offense of late, posting three or more receptions in three of his last five games. The tight end remains a risky option in all formats despite a favorable Week 15 matchup against the Chicago Bears up next.