Monday Showdown Week 12

Ben Cummins's Monday Showdown Week 12 Ben Cummins Published 11/27/2023

Disclaimer

These contests are intended to be fun as you’re watching the game. It’s incredibly difficult to get a real edge as there are so few options, and in MME contests, there are often many duplicate lineups. One play or one penalty can change the entire outcome of the game.

Game Strategy

  • Over/Under: 43.5
  • Spread: Vikings -3
  • Vikings Implied Team Total: 23.3
  • Bears Implied Team Total: 20.3

The Vikings are three-point home favorites, but the return of Justin Fields last week brought the spark back to Chicago's offense. Both sides are in play in this one, with a slight lean toward Minnesota.

Injury Roundup

Captain Consideration:

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Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback

Joshua Dobbs - Captain/Flex

The dual-threat Josh Dobbs has a rushing touchdown in five straight games and all three contests as a Minnesota Viking. He's at home in a great matchup against a Bears defense that only ranks 27th in EPA/Play Allowed and 26th in Dropback EPA Allowed.

Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End

T.J. Hockenson - Captain/Flex

T.J. Hockenson ranks 15th in the entire NFL in targets per game (9.3) and has seen at least seven targets in all but one game this season. He's in a great spot at home against a Bears defense that has allowed the fifth most fantasy points per game (11.4) to the tight end position this year. And although Justin Jefferson is listed as questionable, all signs point to him resting up through Minnesota's Week 13 bye.

Jordan Addison - Captain/Flex

With Justin Jefferson expected to sit out, Jordan Addison will once again operate as Minnesota's WR1. Addison is a strong tournament play thanks to recency bias, causing many to overweight his recent performances. Prior to his three-game scoreless streak, Addison had scored five times over a four-game stretch.

Ty Chandler - Flex

With Cam Akers on Injured Reserve, Ty Chandler is the new RB2 in Minnesota. Chandler has speed and brings juice to the offense that Alexander Mattison can't. Chandler is the more talented player but likely will play fewer snaps than Mattison. Last week's offensive snap percentages were Mattison at 65% and Chandler at 31%. Even with the limited playing time, Chandler still shined, turning 14 opportunities into 110 total yards. Look for Chandler to keep his positive momentum rolling in a favorable matchup at home against a Bears defense that ranks middle of the pack (17th) in Rush EPA Allowed.

Alexander Mattison - Flex

Alexander Mattison's talent is limited, but he's a volume-based play coming off a 20-opportunity game in his first contest after the Cam Akers injury.

K.J. Osborn - Flex

With Justin Jefferson expected to sit out, K.J. Osborn will again operate as Minnesota's WR2. Osborn played on 96% of the offensive snaps and actually ran two more routes than Jordan Addison last week.

Chicago Bears

Quarterback

Justin Fields - Captain/Flex

Justin Fields returned from injury last week and ran the ball 18 times for 104 yards. Fields is a dynamic dual threat in fantasy land and will be tested here on the road against a Vikings defense that has been strong this season, ranking eighth in EPA/Play Allowed and 13th in Dropback EPA Allowed.

Running Back/Wide Receiver/Tight End

DJ Moore - Captain/Flex

DJ Moore caught 7 of 9 targets for 96 yards and 1 touchdown last week in Justin Fields' return to the lineup. Moore is the alpha in Chicago. He has 19 more targets than any teammate, 10 more receptions than any teammate, 450 more receiving yards than any teammate, and one more touchdown reception than any teammate.

Khalil Herbert - Flex

D'Onta Foreman is doubtful, which opens up a significant opportunity for Khalil Herbert. Herbert returned from injury last week to play on 43% of the offensive snaps. Expect Herbert's playing time to rise in his second game back and Foreman out of the picture.

Cole Kmet - Flex

Cole Kmet is a red-zone weapon for Justin Fields. He ranks second on the team in touchdown receptions (5) and only has one fewer than DJ Moore. He'll be needed in a contest where the Bears project to be playing from behind.

Photos provided by Imagn Images

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