Vikings backups slumped in a 20-12 loss to New England, failing to build on momentum from the week’s joint practices. Sam Howell’s shaky day (0.0 rating on five passes) highlighted depth-chart uncertainty behind Minnesota’s starters, while Max Brosmer endured four sacks and 15 completions on 27 attempts. The Vikings were penalized seven times for 44 yards through three quarters, and special teams produced costly miscues, including a kick-return fumble by Tai Felton and a late 62-yard Patriots return that put New England in position for a scoring drive before halftime.

Drake Maye and several New England starters joined early, while Josh Dobbs supplied the most productive stretch for the Patriots, notching 11 of 16 for 33 yards to Elton Chism III and a 12-yard TD to Chism. Minnesota also got a cost-free lesson from the NFL’s virtual measurement tool when a third-down call ended three inches short of a first down. The day reinforced the Vikings’ depth questions, the Patriots’ QB flexibility, and the growing importance of return and special-teams discipline for fantasy rosters.

Fantasy angle: rostering Minnesota’s backups is a gamble, with Brosmer showing decisiveness but facing pressure and inconsistent protection. Upside could come from the receivers stepping up in a raucous stadium environment, yet the risk remains high until the Vikings stabilize their penalties and QB sequencing behind Howell and Brosmer. Dynasty/DFS managers should monitor Brosmer’s progress and any shift in the Vikings’ third-string receiver corps after back-to-back joint practices this week.