As the NFL offseason drags on, Minnesota Vikings fans are buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 season. On a recent episode of The Real Forno Show, hosts Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano took a deep dive into the team’s schedule, pinpointing the games that could define the Vikings’ trajectory. With first-year starter quarterback J.J. McCarthy at the helm, a revamped defense under Brian Flores, and a talented roster featuring stars like Justin Jefferson, the stakes are high. Forness and Stefano approached the exercise with a unique lens, prioritizing not just wins but the why behind each game’s importance—performance, momentum, and narrative-setting moments.

“We’re not just gonna keep saying the same five things about J.J. McCarthy that we talked about since January,” Forness quipped, setting the tone for a fresh perspective. Instead of focusing solely on divisional clashes or hypothetical playoff scenarios, the duo analyzed games based on context, matchups, and their potential to shape the Vikings’ season.

Tyler Forness’ Top 5 Vikings Games of 2025

Forness crafted his list with a nuanced approach, evaluating each game individually rather than applying a uniform set of criteria. “I didn’t use the same criteria to judge each game because each game is so different in placement on the schedule and where the game is located and the different matchups throughout it,” he explained. Here’s his breakdown of the five most important games for the Vikings in 2025.

5. Week 16 at New York Giants: The Trap Game to Avoid

Forness pegged the Week 16 road trip to face the New York Giants as a potential trap game that could derail the Vikings’ late-season momentum. Sandwiched between a home game against the Washington Commanders and a prime-time showdown with the Dallas Cowboys, this cold-weather clash in New York carries significant risk.

“This has super trap game written all over it,” Forness warned. “It’s the only cold weather game on the schedule unless you count the Seahawks at the end of November… You cannot overlook the Giants, who objectively do look like a better team on paper.”

A loss to the Giants could jeopardize the Vikings’ chances of securing the NFC North, especially with critical divisional games against the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers looming. Forness emphasized the need for veteran leadership and focus to avoid a costly slip-up. “You lose to the Giants, maybe now you need the Lions and Packers to lose both games to potentially win the division,” he noted.

4. Week 7 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: A Post-Bye Litmus Test

Coming off their bye week, the Vikings face a formidable challenge in Week 7 against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Forness highlighted this game as a crucial measuring stick for the team’s aspirations, particularly in their quest for the NFC’s top seed.

“Last year they were ready and they played one hell of a game against the Detroit Lions [after the bye],” Forness recalled. “Plus, the Eagles are defending Super Bowl champions. If you want a shot at that number one seed, you’re gonna have to make sure you’re past them.”

The Eagles’ potent offense, led by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, will test Brian Flores’ defense, which Forness expects to adapt after allowing nearly 200 rushing yards to DeAndre Swift in their 2023 matchup. A win here could provide a tiebreaker advantage and boost the Vikings’ confidence heading into a short-week road game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

3. Week 1 at Chicago Bears: McCarthy’s Prime-Time Debut

The season opener against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football is a defining moment for J.J. McCarthy. Forness underscored the importance of McCarthy proving he can handle the spotlight in his NFL debut, especially in a hostile environment like Soldier Field.

“I think J.J. McCarthy coming out and showing that the moment is not too big for him [is key],” Forness said. “The Vikings have QB-proofed this team. McCarthy, just play quarterback like it’s 2022 Michigan… They don’t have to have him do a lot of things.”

A strong performance could set a positive tone for the season, while a struggle might fuel doubts among fans and media. Forness also noted the Bears’ high expectations in Vegas, making this divisional clash a critical early test. “Half of Vegas is very high on the Bears. They’re low on the Vikings, and that low is because of J.J. McCarthy,” he observed.

2. Week 9 at Detroit Lions: Flipping the NFC North Script

Forness ranked the Week 9 road game against the Detroit Lions as his second-most important, citing its potential to reshape the NFC North hierarchy. The Lions, coming off a bye week, will be well-rested, but Forness believes a strong showing from the Vikings could signal their divisional dominance.

“This could be one of the things that flips the script on what the NFC North is going to be,” Forness predicted. “It’s gonna be McCarthy’s first big-time divisional matchup… Showing up is going to be huge in this game.”

After losing both games to the Lions in 2024, the Vikings are hungry for revenge. A win—or even a competitive loss—could keep them in the driver’s seat for the division title, especially if they drop their opener to the Bears.

1. Week 2 vs. Atlanta Falcons: McCarthy’s True Test

Surprisingly, Forness’ top game is the Week 2 home opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football. This prime-time matchup pits McCarthy against fellow 2024 draft pick Michael Penix Jr., adding a layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes game.

“Week two to me is when we’re really gonna start to see McCarthy,” Forness asserted. “He better perform at home, buddy. He better show up and he better play well… It’s also gonna be important because Michael Penix Jr. is gonna be on the other side.”

The national spotlight and the pressure of performing in front of a passionate US Bank Stadium crowd make this game pivotal for McCarthy’s confidence and the fanbase’s perception. A strong outing could silence doubters and set the stage for a challenging Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dave Stefano’s Top 5 Vikings Games of 2025

Producer Dave Stefano took a more divisional-focused approach, emphasizing wins against NFC North rivals and key moments for McCarthy’s development. His list reflects a blend of immediate impact and long-term implications for the Vikings’ season.

1. Week 1 at Chicago Bears: Setting the Tone

Like Forness, Stefano placed the Week 1 Bears game high on his list, viewing it as a chance for McCarthy to make a statement. “We’re gonna see J.J. McCarthy in Chicago, his home, and see how he debuts,” Stefano said. “If he comes out firing… it’s going to be important to get that under their belt.”

A victory against a division opponent in prime time would energize the team and fanbase, providing momentum for the home opener in week 2.

2. Week 9 vs. Detroit Lions: A Gut Check

Stefano echoed Forness’ sentiments about the Week 9 Lions game, calling it a “gut check” for the Vikings. “This one is important because we lost two games to the Lions last season,” he noted. “It’s going to be important to KOC, Brian Flores, and the team… that they go in and get revenge.”

3. Week 12 at Green Bay Packers: Burying a Rival

Stefano’s third pick was the Week 12 road game against the Green Bay Packers, a chance to extend the Vikings’ recent dominance over their rivals. “This will be the third victory in a row over the Packers and it will put hopefully a nail in the coffin about the Packers being so good,” he declared.

4. Week 7 vs. Philadelphia Eagles & Week 8 at Los Angeles Chargers: A Brutal Stretch

Stefano bundled the post-bye Eagles game and the short-week Chargers matchup, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of this stretch. “Coming off that emotional high of playing the Eagles… are they due for a letdown against Los Angeles?” he wondered. “If he [McCarthy] comes out firing for his college head coach [Jim Harbaugh], that’s something.”

5. Weeks 4 & 5 Overseas (Dublin vs. Steelers, London vs. Browns): Maintaining Perfection

Stefano rounded out his list with combining the Vikings’ overseas games in Dublin and London, emphasizing the team’s undefeated international record. “We have never lost an overseas game,” he said. “It is important that we come out from overseas still remaining undefeated.”

Beyond the Games: Key Themes for 2025

The episode wasn’t just about the schedule—it touched on broader themes shaping the Vikings’ 2025 campaign. Forness and Stefano discussed the team’s decision to pass on a trade for Jalen Ramsey, who was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers. “The Vikings essentially told us when Brian Flores took the podium… they weren’t gonna make this move,” Forness said, citing Flores’ confidence in cornerback Isaiah Rogers.

The hosts also addressed the Vikings’ defensive philosophy, particularly their blitz-heavy approach under Flores. “The Vikings believe five is their base pass rush,” Forness explained, predicting they’ll rank among the league’s top blitzing teams despite a unique schematic approach.

McCarthy’s development remained a central focus, with both hosts optimistic about his ability to handle pressure. “He loves pressure. He’s already said it,” Stefano remarked, referencing McCarthy’s poised demeanor.

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Looking Ahead: A Season of Opportunity

As the Vikings prepare for 2025, the games highlighted by Forness and Stefano represent critical junctures in a season filled with promise. From McCarthy’s prime-time debut to divisional showdowns and a potential trap game in New York, these matchups will test the team’s mettle and shape their postseason aspirations.

“This was a good exercise to kind of look at things from a different perspective,” Forness concluded. “It’s gonna be interesting to kind of see how things play out.”

For Vikings fans, the anticipation is palpable. With a talented roster, a creative coaching staff, and a first-year starting quarterback ready to prove himself, 2025 could be a defining year. As Forness and Stefano signed off, their rallying cry echoed: “SKOL Vikings!”

Call to Action

Don’t miss the next episode of The Real Forno Show on Monday and Thursday nights, available on YouTube and podcast feeds via the Fans First Sports Network. Subscribe, like, and ring the bell for notifications to stay updated on all things Vikings. For more NFL insights, check out the Who Will Be King NFC North podcast, featuring Dave Stefano and other division experts. SKOL!

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.

Questions:

Which of these five games do you think will be the biggest test for J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings in 2025? What are your 5 most important games? Drop your thoughts below!