Vikings face a must-win scenario with key injuries piling up as Darasaw’s status looms and Jefferson remains the offense’s centerpiece, especially with McCarthy sidelined. Carson Wentz’s veteran presence could unlock a quicker, pass-heavy rhythm and maximize Jefferson’s target share, while Hawkinson stresses rhythm and timing as the critical path to production. Cincinnati counters with Hendrickson’s edge power and a depleted corner depth, forcing Browning to leverage schemed throws to Hopkins and Chase. The game figures to be a grind, with run-game struggles on both sides and a need for big plays from special teams and defense to tilt the scales.

Fantasy implications center on Jefferson delivering big volume if the offense clicks, potentially pushing past the 100-yard mark with 7–10 looks. Browning must avoid costly mistakes and rely on short, quick throws to keep the chains moving, while the Vikings will lean on a healthier Darasaw to blunt Hendrickson and create rhythm. If Darasaw plays and Wentz can move the ball efficiently, Jefferson becomes a premier weekly floor option even in a tough matchup.