2025 MINNESOTA VIKINGS SEASON PREVIEW

It was the best Vikings’ season in recent memory in 2024. Minnesota got off to a quick start and entered the final week of the season at 14-2 and at the top of the NFC North. The Vikings fell apart against the Detroit Lions, entering the playoffs as a 14-win wild-card team. It ended in disappointing fashion against the Los Angeles Rams on Wild Card Weekend.

OFFENSE

It all comes down to the most-important position on the field.

Sam Darnold was one of the biggest surprises of the season playing at an MVP level for a majority of the season. He landed a big-money contract from the Seattle Seahawks and the keys are now handed to J.J. McCarthy, who will start in one of the best situations in football.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell has risen the level of many quarterbacks during his tenure — including Darnold, Kirk Cousins, and Nick Mullens. McCarthy is a former first-round pick who got the chance to sit last season and learn the ways of the NFL.

The receiving corps is among the best in the league. Justin Jefferson is a top-two receiver in the NFL while Jordan Addison is among the league’s best No. 2 options. Addison is waiting to hear from the league about a suspension, which will likely be the first few games of the year. T.J. Hockenson adds to the elite group of pass catchers while Aaron Jones is a proven back.

Both McCarthy and Jones will benefit from an improved offensive line. The front for the Vikings was not bad last season but it is even better entering 2025.

Minnesota added two veterans in Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. Donovan Jackson will be pegged at left guard as a rookie to solidify the interior. On the outside, Christian Darrisaw is among the best left tackles in football and Brian O’Neill is another elite tackle on the right side.

The Vikings have all the pieces in place to be successful once again. If McCarthy plays like a first-round talent right away, the team can win double-digit games once again.

DEFENSE

The Viking defense went from a big problem to a productive group in just a few years.

Last year, Minnesota allowed the fifth-fewest points in the NFL. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has turned the Vikings into an attacking unit and that will be the case once again.

Flores will have a strong front to work with this season. Along the interior, the Vikings added Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Allen is a Pro Bowl lineman who can rejuvenate his career in Minnesota. On the outside. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are back after leading the Vikings with a combined 23.5 sacks.

Let’s not forget Dallas Turner. The former first-round pick was not a factor as a rookie but has a chance to take a step forward this season.

The secondary has a chance to be as good as the front this season. Minnesota added Isaiah Rodgers and will get Mekhi Blackmon back as well, who missed the 2024 season with a torn ACL. Byron Murphy turned into an elite member of the secondary last season.

Harrison Smith enters his age-36 season and while his age has been a concern, continues to be productive at safety. Smith and Josh Metellus are a rock-solid group as the last line of defense.

SCHEDULE

Week 1: at Chicago Bears (Monday Night)

Week 2: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 3: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Dublin)

Week 5: vs. Cleveland Browns (London)

Week 6: BYE WEEK

Week 7: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers (Thursday Night)

Week 9: at Detroit Lions

Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 11: vs. Chicago Bears

Week 12: at Green Bay Packers

Week 13: at Seattle Seahawks

Week 14: vs. Washington Commanders

Week 15: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 16: at New York Giants

Week 17: vs. Detroit Lions (Christmas Day)

Week 18: vs. Green Bay Packers

Record Prediction: 9-8