The Vikings don't intend to use their franchise tag on Keenum before the March 6, allowing the quarterback to instead hit unrestricted free agency, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The franchise tag for quarterbacks is projected at around $23 million in 2018, so the Vikings weren't eager to pony up to retain Keenum at that price coming off just one season as a full-time starter, albeit an effective one. Minnesota's reluctance to use the tag on Keenum doesn't necessarily indicate the club isn't interested in retaining the 30-year-old, but he may rate as a fallback option at this point in the event the Vikings aren't able to ink the top quarterback available on the market in Kirk Cousins, who isn't expected to receive the franchise tag from Washington after the Redskins agreed earlier this offseason to acquire Alex Smith from the Chiefs.

Keenum completed 28 of 48 pass attempts for 271 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 38-7 loss to the Eagles.

EDGE Analysis

Keenum struggled for much of the afternoon, completing just 58 percent of his passes for 5.6 yards per attempt. He threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph on the opening drive of the game, but he thew a pick-six later in the quarter and was intercepted again on the final possession, with the game already out of hand. Keenum put together a strong regular season, setting career highs in every single offensive category, and came within a game of leading his team to the Super Bowl. Those things should play up his value on the free agent market, and it remains to be seen of the Vikings elect to bring him back after his breakout campaign.

Keenum completed 25 of 40 passes for 318 yards, one touchdown and one interception during Sunday's 29-24 NFC divisional-round victory over the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Keenum marched the Vikings offense up and down the field throughout the first two quarters of play, setting up both Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon for rushing touchdowns to put Minnesota up 17-0 at half. However, the Saints defense tightened up thereafter and Keenum couldn't get much of anything going before hitting Stefon Diggs for a 61-yard, game-winning touchdown as time expired. While it wasn't a huge statistical outing for the quarterback -- especially since the bulk of his fantasy production came on the last play of regulation -- Keenum did just enough to advance his team to next weekend's NFC championship game against the top-seeded Eagles. DFS owners considering the 29-year-old quarterback should keep in mind that Philadelphia boasted one of the NFL's best defenses during the regular season, allowing just 3.8 yards per rush (sixth-lowest in the league) and 6.5 yards per pass attempt (third-lowest).

Keenum was 21-of-29 passing for 189 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Keenum didn't need to do too much in the passing game after the Vikings got an early lead, but he was efficient as usual with a 101.1 passer rating. He'll try to keep his unexpected breakout season going at home in the playoffs after a bye.

Keenum completed 14 of 25 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 16-0 victory at Green Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Overall, Keenum's stat line wasn't impressive by any metric, but he managed the game once again, avoiding a turnover for the ninth time in 14 appearances this season. In fact, the 139 passing yards marked his fewest in any game this season and were joined by four carries for minus-two yards. He salvaged his day, though, with a TD connection with Stefon Diggs to conclude the Vikings' third drive of the evening and set the tone for yet another win. If the Vikings emerge from this weekend with the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs -- a Panthers loss or tie Sunday and an Eagles win Monday will ensure it -- Keenum likely will hand off QB duties to backup Teddy Bridgewater in Week 17.

Keenum completed 20 of 23 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns while adding a 20-yard rush in Sunday's 34-7 beatdown of the Bengals.

EDGE Analysis

Keenum was extremely accurate and efficient, misfiring on just three passes while throwing touchdown passes from 20 yards and one yard out to Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph, respectively. He was replaced by Teddy Bridgewater after the Rudolph score gave Minnesota a 34-0 lead, but there's no quarterback controversy here. Any inkling of such a narrative was put to rest when Bridgewater promptly threw an interception on his first passing attempt.

Keenum will start in Week 15 against the Bengals, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rumors about Teddy Bridgewater taking the job went quiet the past month as Keenum continued to play at a high level. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer made it clear that one bad outing won't cost Keenum the job, as Sunday's 31-24 loss in Carolina was preceded by eight consecutive victories, with five of those coming against teams that currently own winning records. Keenum threw two picks and lost a fumble in Sunday's loss, but he also tossed a pair of touchdowns while accounting for 320 yards of offense (40 on the ground).

Keenum completed 27 of 44 passes for 280 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday's 31-24 loss to Carolina. He also scrambled five times for 40 yards and lost a fumble.

EDGE Analysis

While Keenum was picked off on a deep ball intended for Adam Thielen on the opening drive, he made amends with an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph on the next possession. The quarterback threw another interception while targeting Stefon Diggs in the fourth quarter, but looked Thielen's way with more success on a 52-yard touchdown on the next drive and added a successful two-point conversion to Blake Bell. While a late winning drive by Carolina ended up rendering Minnesota's comeback moot, Keenum once again provided a serviceable fantasy performance despite the mistake-filled effort.

Keenum completed 25 of 30 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday's 14-9 win over the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Keenum completed an impressive 83 percent of his passes while connecting with nine different receivers. He connected with Jerick McKinnon on a two-yard touchdown in the second quarter and hit Kyle Rudolph for a six-yard score in the fourth. Keenum is in excellent form over the last five weeks, averaging 276.2 yards per game with 12 total touchdowns compared to three turnovers. His stellar play has earned him a bit of job security, as Mike Zimmer stated that he'll start against the Panthers next week despite Teddy Bridgewater's availability, according to Chris Thompson of the St. Paul Pioneer-Express.

Keenum will start against the Falcons in Week 13, but Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said the team is still re-evaluating its quarterback situation on a weekly basis, Andrew Krammer of The Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

As much as the Vikings want to see Teddy Bridgewater under center, Keenum is making it impossible for the thriving team to make a change. He's led Minnesota to seven consecutive victories, most recently completing 21 of 30 passes for 282 yards and two scores (with another touchdown on the ground) in Thursday's 30-23 win over the Lions. Keenum may have even earned some leash to work with, whereas it once seemed a single bad outing would be enough to give Bridgewater the job. There is some potential for a step backward the next two weeks when the Vikings travel to Atlanta and Carolina (in that order).