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Week 15 MNF: Vikings-Bears Preview, Props and Prediction

Mon Dec 16 9:59am ET
Field Level Media

The Chicago Bears didn't get much of a bounce from interim coach Thomas Brown.

Brown replaced the fired Matt Eberflus the day after Thanksgiving but instead of a spark, the Bears went to San Francisco and got pummeled by the 49ers.

Minnesota (11-2) welcomes Chicago as the Bears' losing streak stands at seven games entering Monday night's divisional matchup against the red-hot Vikings.

A six-game winning streak has the Vikings on the heels of the Eagles and Lions in the race for NFC homefield. Minnesota is in the playoffs, clinching a spot with the Seahawks' loss on Sunday night. Most recently, the Vikings racked up 42 points at home against Atlanta in Week 14.

There aren't too many venues that can get louder than the U.S. Bank Stadium when the Vikings are playing well.

Look for Minnesota to jump out to a fast start against a Bears team with a first-year quarterback and a coaching staff that's clearly in a state of flux at this point of the year.

--It's the coaching, stupid

The Bears' decision to fire a head coach in midseason for the first time in franchise history indicates just how dire matters had become at Halas Hall.

Eberflus left them with no choice after his in-game blunder against the Lions on Thanksgiving Day, which was laid bare for the whole world to see.

With 36 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and Chicago trailing 23-20 on Detroit's 41-yard line, Eberflus opted not to call a timeout on third down following a sack to his quarterback Caleb Williams.

Instead, the Bears wasted 30 seconds trying to get organized at the line of scrimmage, throwing an incomplete pass as time expired. Thus, they were unable to attempt a game-tying 58-yard field goal.

After the game, Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen seemed to not so subtly blame the coaching staff directly, telling reporters, "We did enough as players to win this game."

In other words, the players were the ones who held up their end of the bargain.

Unfortunately, the debacle against the Lions was just another example of Eberflus being completely beyond his depth as a head coach this season.

Two weeks before the loss to the Lions, the Bears had a chance for a game-winning field goal against the Packers, but instead of running another play to make the kick shorter, Eberflus ran 27 seconds off the clock only for Green Bay to block a 46-yarder.

--Prop pick: Vikings pass-catchers

Jordan Addison lit up the Chicago secondary in the first meeting Nov. 24 with eight catches for 162 yards and a touchdown and then went for 8-133-3 against the Falcons last week.

The Bears might shake things up with Eberflus no longer calling defensive shots, but Chicago sits in the same pick-your-poison predicament with Justin Jefferson opposite Addison. Tight end T.J. Hockenson also had seven receptions against the Bears last month and had 11 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in two games in this matchup last season.

Quarterback Sam Darnold spreads the wealth in this one with Jefferson and Addison recording six receptions apiece and Addison over 60 yards.

Prop: Two bets parlayed: Addison six-plus receptions, Addison 60-plus receiving yards (+248 FanDuel)

--Bears' coaches are ill-prepared

Before the Bears canned Eberflus, he fired his offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron. Last season, he fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

Thomas Brown, who took over for Waldron as coordinator, is now the interim head coach.

While the Bears' performance on the field certainly warranted some change, this revolving door of coordinators and head coaches isn't particularly beneficial for their rookie quarterback.

There are legitimate concerns about their coaching staff's ability to prepare midweek and devise a plan in the early stages of a game.

Of all 32 teams, the Bears average the third-fewest points in the first half, 7.4, and when they're on the road, that average drops to 4.7.

Given their coaching carousel and staff members being elevated into new positions to fill a void, one can only wonder if there's a lack of quality due to inexperience.

And with the Bears yet to cover the first-half spread in all six road games this season, it's difficult to see them turning the tide on Monday night against a quality Vikings team.

Best bet: Vikings 1H -3.5 (-115 DraftKings)

--Michael Nwaneri, Field Level Media

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Player Notes
Mark Andrews Dec 16 9:20am CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has etched his name in the franchise's record books with his touchdown catch in the lopsided victory over the New York Giants. After finishing the win with two catches for 24 yards and a touchdown, he moved into first place for most touchdowns in franchise history with 48 and counting. After the Ravens went up 28-7 near the end of the third quarter, a lot of the reserves came in and they started to waste some more time. So, Andrews didn't get a chance to notch any more scores. He'll go up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16, and he'll look to redeem himself from his last performance against them.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Dec 16 9:10am CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith caught 11-of-12 targets for 109 yards and a touchdown in the team's 27-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. It was a season-best performance for Smith, who set new highs in receptions and yards while securing a touchdown for the second week straight. He played a key role in Philadelphia's aerial success, leading the team in targets and receptions while notching chunk gains of 22 and 20 yards. His short touchdown catch in the second quarter helped the Eagles establish control of the game early. Despite occasional inconsistency stemming from limited opportunitiesthis was his first game with over seven targets since Week 3Smith's ceiling was on full display. Heading into a Week 16 road matchup against the Washington Commanders, Smith profiles as a high-upside WR2 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Dec 16 9:10am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride set the record for most catches (87) in a single season without catching a receiving touchdown in the Week 15 win over the New England Patriots. McBride had another great performance, catching nine passes for 87 yards despite still not finding the end zone. McBride's record-setting catch came at the one-yard line, coming so close to ending the drought. Despite not being able to find the end zone through the air, McBride has still had a stellar fantasy season, ranking as a top-three tight end in fantasy football at the moment. It's hard to pinpoint one reason why McBride hasn't caught a touchdown pass this season, but with three weeks remaining in the season, there's still time to break through. The Cardinals will face the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, and McBride will, once again, be a lock in the starting tight end spot for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Surtain II Dec 16 9:00am CT
Patrick Surtain II

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II (ankle) exited the game against the Indianapolis Colts early with an ankle injury after registering one tackle and two passes defended. Ian Rapoport is reporting on Monday morning that the injury is believed only to be a minor ankle sprain which comes as big news for the Broncos defense in the final stretch of the year. More information should come out soon as they enter a short week before facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Dec 16 9:00am CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams found the end zone for the first time since Week 11 despite being fourth on the team in targets. During the 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Williams finished the game with 37 yards and a touchdown on three receptions and five targets. The former 12th-overall pick now has accrued 42 receptions for 747 yards and five touchdowns with an average of 62.3 yards per game. That slots him in as the WR30 in half-PPR leagues. Williams and company will set their sights on a divisional matchup in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Dre Greenlaw Dec 16 8:50am CT
Dre Greenlaw

San Francisco 49ers linebacker De'Vondre Campbell won't be joining the team for the final stretch of the season according to Ian Rapoport. The nine-year veteran will be suspended for the team's last three games of the year after refusing to enter the game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Dre Greenlaw, who appeared in his first game of the season, regained his role on the defense while playing 46% of the defensive snap, and that didn't seem to sit well with Campbell. Head coach Kyle Shanahan even said, "His actions from the game is just not something you can do to your team." The next step with Campbell and the team likely won't happen until the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Dec 16 8:50am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson had a very quiet day in the Cardinals' 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. The wide receiver involvement in the Arizona Cardinals offense has been inconsistent all season, and the Cardinals' wide receivers have become touchdown-reliant from a fantasy football perspective. Wilson finished the game with just two catches for 9 yards on two targets. The Patriots' cornerbacks did a good job limiting the Cardinals' receivers from creating separation, and with the Cardinals taking an early lead, they shifted to a run-first approach and found success moving the ball that way. Wilson has become boom-or-bust all season, and this week, he happened to bust. Heading into Week 16, given the favorable matchup for the Cardinals against the Carolina Panthers, Wilson could receive streaming consideration at the flex spot, although it would be a risky play.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Dec 16 8:50am CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown recorded eight receptions on 11 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in the team's 27-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brown delivered a strong showing after a week of headlines criticizing Philadelphia's passing attack, leading to his season-best eight catches and fifth 100-yard outing in 11 games. Brown's performance was highlighted by multiple chunk plays, including receptions of 21, 20, 19, and 17 yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field. He capped his productive day with a five-yard touchdown catch late in the first quarter, helping set the tone for the Eagles' offense. Heading into Week 16, Brown remains a reliable WR1 option for fantasy managers as Philadelphia prepares to take on the Washington Commanders on the road.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Dec 16 8:40am CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (knee) was forced to exit the Week 15 matchup with the Green Bay Packers with a knee injury and wasn't able to return. Before leaving in the third quarter, he registered 149 and one interception on 15-for-19 throwing with one carry for five yards. According to head coach Mike McDaniel, Smith's knee "appears to be intact structurally." His status for Week 16's game against the Minnesota Vikings is uncertain at this time though. If he's unable to suit up, Sam Howell will likely step in again after he threw 5-for-14, 24 yards, and one interception on Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Dec 16 8:40am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was held to just two catches in the 30-17 win over the New England Patriots. Despite a 23-yard catch-and-run on the game's first possession, Murray and Harrison Jr. could only connect one more time. The Cardinals did include Harrison Jr. in their game plan; however, Murray and Harrison Jr. just couldn't connect more than twice on the six targets Harrison Jr. received. Two of those targets came in the red zone, with shots to the end zone that New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez defended well. Now, heading into Week 16, it still appears that Murray and Harrison Jr. cannot find a way to get on the same page. Harrison Jr.'s touchdown upside, especially against the struggling Carolina Panthers, still keeps him in the conversation for a starting spot heading for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Dec 16 7:41am CT
Davante Adams

Dynasty | Jets wide receiver Davante Adams had nine catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets are a dumpster fire, but Adams has been solid since being acquired from the Raiders. His future may hinge on just what Aaron Rodgers does moving forward, but Adams looks like a lineup lock for at least the rest of the season and a solid trade target for contenders in the off-season.

Jerry Jeudy Dec 16 7:40am CT
Jerry Jeudy

Dynasty | Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards in a loss to Cleveland. Dynasty Analysis: Jeudy has been nothing short of fantastic since Deshaun Watson was replaced with Jameis Winston and passed 1,000 yards receiving with his efforts today. A player who was nothing more than bench fodder for much of the season, Jeudy has been fantastic over the past month as he's finally looking like the first rounder he once was with the Broncos. Few players have seen their dynasty value rise more over the past month than Jeudy.

Carlton Davis Dec 16 7:40am CT
Carlton Davis

According to Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, defensive back Carlton Davis III (jaw) and defensive lineman Alim McNeill (knee) are thought to have suffered season-ending injuries in Sunday's 48-42 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The NFL's Ian Rapoport reported the news. Ouch. Davis III picked up his issue early in the second quarter while attempting a tackle on Bills running back Ray Davis, while McNeill sustained his roughly midway through the third frame. Neither returned to the contest, and Campbell noted he "doesn't feel good" about either player's chances of playing again this season. The Lions' injuries on the defensive side of the ball are getting out of hand as their depth chart is studded with red designations that nearly outnumber the healthy athletes. Detroit has a road meeting against their division-rival Chicago Bears on tap for Week 16 with seemingly severely depleted defensive personnel.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Dec 16 7:40am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Dynasty | Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had 14 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that'll work. St. Brown set a season high in catches and yards in this one and it came at a great time for dynasty owners as his performance likely sealed a win for just about anyone who had him on their roster. He's been a stud all year and while Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase get a lot of headlines, few players honestly have more dynasty value than ASB and today's performance solidified that.

Jared Goff Dec 16 7:39am CT
Jared Goff

Dynasty | Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 38-of-59 passes for 494 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions in a loss to Buffalo. Dynasty Analysis: Matthew Stafford somehow had a day once with 520 passing yards in a single game, but this was the second-best performance for a Lions quarterback all-time. Goff has been fantastic all season and now has 30 touchdowns and just ten interceptions on the season as he's inching closer to 4,000 passing yards with a month to go in the season. Goff has been a top-ten quarterback all season and while others may get more publicity, few have honestly been better.

Patrick Surtain II Dec 16 7:39am CT
Patrick Surtain II

Denver Broncos defensive back Patrick Surtain II (ankle) suffered an ankle injury in his team's 31-13 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15. Surtain II's ailment came halfway through the fourth quarter when he intercepted quarterback Anthony Richardson's pass and attempted to turn it upfield. Colts' wide receiver Josh Downs hit the 24-year-old low, diving at his legs in a way that we've previously seen tear up knees. Fortunately, that was not the case. He would return to the contest on the following possession but had to be helped off the field by trainers after attempting a tackle on running back Trey Sermon. His day would end with one tackle and one interception. Head coach Sean Payton did not comment on the severity of the DB's injury after the game, so with the Broncos on a short week and a meeting against the Los Angeles Chargers on tap for this Thursday, expect news on him over the next 24 hours.

T.J. Watt Dec 16 7:39am CT
T.J. Watt

Per Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, outside linebacker T.J. Watt (ankle) sustained a low-ankle injury in Sunday's 27-13 loss to their in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. The superstar pass-rusher picked up his ailment on the game's final drive when rushing quarterback Jalen Hurts. His body appeared to contort weirdly while trying to get by the Eagles' offensive line, and his leg got stuck in the ground. He immediately came up limp. Before his exit, the 30-year-old registered seven tackles, two sacks, and a fumble forced. In excellent news, Watt's X-rays were reportedly clean, and for now, he's evaded the dreaded high-ankle variety of the injury. The Steelers will square off against the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday in a matchup with playoff-seeding repercussions, so Watt likely wants to be available for it. There will be an update on him over the coming days.

Sam Hubbard Dec 16 7:39am CT
Sam Hubbard

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (right knee) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. Hubbard made one tackle prior to his departure, and he actually caught a touchdown pass from Joe Burrow, too. It came at a cost, though, as Hubbard's day is done. Myles Murphy and Joseph Ossai will be tasked with handling additional defensive snaps until Hubbard can return to action.

Noah Gray Dec 16 3:40am CT
Noah Gray

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown in the 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. Gray's touchdown in this contest was his fifth of the year, giving him three more scores than Travis Kelce this season. The Chiefs backup tight end has been a consistent part of the team's passing attack lately, earning at least five targets in four of the last five games. With three other viable pass catchers surrounding him, Gray has been able to find soft spots in the opposing defenses. The 25-year-old will look to score again next week against the Houston Texans, who rank fourth in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. Despite his consistent involvement, fantasy managers should leave Gray out of their lineups in the fantasy playoffs.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Dec 16 3:40am CT
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had one catch for seven yards and a touchdown in the 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. Since returning from his injury, Smith-Schuster has been an afterthought in the Chiefs offense. The 28-year-old tallied only one catch in four of the last five games and has not reached 35 receiving yards since Week 5. Smith-Schuster will hope to be more involved next week against the Houston Texans, who rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Despite scoring in this week's contest, fantasy managers should not consider Smith-Schuster a viable fantasy starter for Week 16.

From RotoBaller