Andrew Van Ginkel was born to be a Viking. (Sports Illustrated)
Patrick Mahomes — who just last month moaned about his Chiefs not getting enough blowout wins — suffered an ankle injury that puts into question his status for Week 16; Jalen Hurts broke a finger in his non-throwing hand; and Geno Smith hurt his knee, casting a pall over Seattle’s playoff hopes.
Seeking Sacks
After winning 13 games in 2022 — their best season since 2017 — the Minnesota Vikings fell apart last year, managing just seven. This season, the turnaround has been dramatic as they enter their Monday Night Football matchup against Chicago with 11 wins already.
The schedule makers probably expected this game to be a battle for NFC North supremacy; instead, it means nothing to the Bears, who are already eliminated from playoff contention. The Vikings, however, have a division title on the line as they can tie Detroit for the NFC North lead with a win.
It’s going to be fun to watch Minnesota and its aggressive blitzing approach (first in the NFL in blitz rate) against a Chicago offense that features Caleb Williams, who has been sacked more than any quarterback in the NFL this season (56).
This could get ugly for da Bears, but prove super fun for Minny LB Andrew Van Ginkel. He’s been a bit quiet lately (no sacks in the last two games), but with a career-best nine sacks and two interceptions (both returned for TDs) already, he’s enjoying a fantastic first season in the NFC and clearly will not be denied for long.
Van Ginkel has also racked up 15 tackles for losses this season, giving him a share of the team lead. He parlayed a very strong 2023 in Miami into a two-year, $20-million deal with the Vikings, and so far it’s been a very astute signing by the team and clearly one that defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves (see video below).
Former Wisconsin star AVG just looks like a Viking, and he kind of plays like one, too, considering how involved he is and the constant energy he brings to each play. For a fifth round pick that was expected to top out as a special teams player, he’s done quite well for himself.
Battle of Division Winners
Among the more interesting matchups in Week 16 involves a pair of teams that have already clinched their respective division titles and are now jostling for playoff seeding. The Houston Texans — with two straight wins now just one away from a second straight double-digit victory season — are currently 2.5-point faves as per FanDuel to beat the Chiefs in KC on Saturday afternoon (a line that could move dramatically based on Mahomes’ status).
It was defense that led the way in Houston’s latest win, 20-12 over Miami, as the unit forced four turnovers. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. was especially brilliant, holding Tyreke Hill to two catches for 36 yards while recording a pair of interceptions in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
The third overall pick in 2022, Stingley Jr. also recorded five tackles (two for a loss) and two passes defended, and now has three picks over the last two games and four in the last four. He’s matched his interception total from all of last season and has shattered his personal best with five stuffs.
Stingley Jr. showed flashes last season, but missed six games with a hamstring issue. This year, after a slow start he’s very much come into his own as a defensive force. If you’re seeking IDP help, Stingley Jr. is a great addition off the waiver wire.
RotoRob Tune of the Day
Synth pop gods Depeche Mode hail from Basildon, Essex in England. In 1990 they released their seventh album, Violator, and the first single from this effort was “Personal Jesus,” which cracked the top 15 on the UK Singles Chart.
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