Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones will face off against the Chicago Bears in Week 18. The veteran had been limited in practice this past week with finger and knee injuries but was left off of the final injury report and will be active for the regular season finale. Jones has been on an absolute tear the past two weeks, tallying 247 rushing yards and averaging six yards per carry. This week will be a tough test for the 29-year-old, as Chicago has given up the third-fewest yards to running backs all season. With that said, AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) will not play this weekend, leaving Jones with the bulk of touches to himself. Consider the long-time Packer a top 15 option in Week 18.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been on a downward spiral as inefficient and mistake-ridden play has quickly overshadowed the promise he showed earlier in the season. This week, the second-year quarterback has a tough matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. During their previous matchup in Week 12, Howell couldn't get much going while Washington fell victim to a 35-point blowout loss. Now, if the Cowboys win this game, they'll be locked in as NFC East division champions. While the Cowboys have everything to gain by winning this matchup, the Commanders have no reason to shoot for a win other than pride. With Howell sputtering and Washington having its eyes set on the offseason, he's looking like a low-end QB2 in Week 18.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) remained a non-participant at Thursday's practice. A concussion has forced Nailor to the sidelines for Minnesota's last three games, and there's no indication that he is making much progress in the league's five-step protocol to return to action. With that said, the 24-year-old deep threat should be considered doubtful at best for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions. Nailor has been buried in the Vikings' receiving corps, anyway, essentially serving as a depth piece with three receptions on six targets for 29 yards in six outings, and his likely absence won't free up any noticeable target volume for any of the Vikes' surrounding pass catchers in Week 18.

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (finger, knee) was limited in the team's practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Jones isn't in any real danger of missing the team's must-win Week 18 regular season finale against the visiting Chicago Bears this weekend. Backfield mate AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) has yet to practice this week, too, so Jones could have a bigger workload in Green Bay's backfield on Sunday if Dillon is limited or out entirely. The 29-year-old Jones is peaking late in the season for fantasy managers and will be a midrange RB2 option against Chicago. In his last two games, Jones has 41 carries for 247 yards and has caught two passes for 18 additional yards. He'll have the opportunity for another big game against a Bears defense that has been a top-10 matchup for opposing fantasy RBs.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday as his team began preparing to face off against the Detroit Lions in Week 18. The wideout has missed the past three games with a concussion and is apparently still in the league's concussion protocol as the Vikings prepare for their regular-season finale. Nailor will need to get onto the field in at least a limited capacity by Friday in order to have a shot at playing in Week 18.