Why Vikings Undrafted Rookie QB Could Break Out vs. Lions on Christmas Day Football

The Minnesota Vikings enter Thursday without their starting quarterback against the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day Football (4:30 p.m. ET, Netflix) - but his replacement could be primed for a big night at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.

With JJ McCarthy ruled out tonight with a hand injury, I'm breaking down the best Max Brosmer player props as part of our NFL Week 17 predictions.

🤔 Who is Max Brosmer?

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The Vikings signed Brosmer after a productive collegiate career that saw him register a combined 11,544 passing yards and 88 passing touchdowns touchdowns across four seasons at New Hampshire and Minnesota.

Brosmer has an extremely impressive 2023 season for New Hampshire as he led FCS with 3,464 passing yards, 29 TDs, and 313.55 passing yards per game.

With McCarthy ruled out for Minnesota, the undrafted rookie will have a tough task to beat a stout Detroit Lions team, But the Lions do struggle at defending the pass, opening the door for Brosmer to introduce himself to the world on Christmas Day. 

📊 Max Brosmer player prop bets vs. Lions: Christmas Day Football

Odds listed via FanDuel and subject to change. Search the best NFL player prop odds for any team or player across every market from legal sportsbooks in your area.

The betting market is still pretty tepid about Brosmer, who has thrown for 220 passing yards, four interceptions, and has yet to throw a touchdown in his limited action during his rookie campaign. That includes several games where he needed to step-in for the injured JJ McCarthy mid-game. This will be the second start of Brosmer's young career.

💰 Best Max Brosmer prop bet for Christmas Day Football

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Max Brosmer Over 178.5 passing yards (-114)

Brosmer has a difficult task in defeating the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. The good news is, that we are looking into value prop bets that I think have a good chance of hitting, not on who will win this game. Brosmer is taking on a Lions defense that has struggled mightily against the pass. The Lions are bottom-10 in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (249.9 passing yards per game).  

The game script will likely play-out to the Lions going up early, and the Vikings needing to throw their way back into the game. Do I think the Vikings will be able to keep up with this Lions offense? I do not, but I do see Brosmer slowly gaining yards as the game progresses. Another factor in play here, is that the Vikings have one of the better receiving cores in the league. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison will both be active and playing in this game, and I don't see the Lions corners being able to contain both. We only need Brosmer to get to 179 passing yards, and with the way this should play out, I expect him to eclipse the 200 yard mark. 

📺 How to watch Christmas Day Football: Lions vs. Vikings

• Date: Thursday, Dec. 25
• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Location: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis)
• TV: Netflix