Everything went the Minnesota Vikings’ way during the 2024 season. They went on to have one of their best seasons in franchise history by posting a 14-3 record. However, their ending resulted in a similar fashion that we have seen over the years when they have great teams. The Vikings were 14-3 last season but lost an important game that would have allowed them to capture home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. With everything on the line in Week 18, the Vikings were blown out by division rival, the Detroit Lions. The following week, they would suffer a 27-9 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. With Sam Darnold now in Seattle, the Vikings shift their focus towards developing their quarterback of the future, J.J. McCarthy.
Previewing the Vikings Offense
Here’s how Sam Darnold went on to have a productive campaign in 2024. When J.J. McCarthy was lost for the entire season because of a torn meniscus injury in his right knee, the team decided to go all in on the former USC Trojan. However, no one was expecting the breakout performances on display every Sunday. Darnold would have his best season as an NFL quarterback by throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 66.2 completion percentage. Darnold still may have been a member of the Vikings roster if the outcome had gone in a different direction against the Rams, but instead, they decided to hand the reins over to McCarthy. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has demonstrated that he’s gotten the best out of quarterbacks since he was hired in 2022.
Now he must do it again, but this time, it’s for the quarterback that he chose to be his main guy under center. Like Darnold and previous starter Kirk Cousins, McCarthy will have a full cast of weapons in the passing and running game to help strengthen his case to become the team’s next franchise QB. The front office also bolsters an offensive line rated as the league’s ninth-best unit by adding former Colts players Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. The Vikings’ o-line can emerge as an elite group in 2025 with Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neil, and rookie Donovan Jackson. The team re-signed Aaron Jones and traded for Jordan Mason to strengthen an already tough running game.
Previewing the Vikings Defense
Defensively, the unit has shown consistent growth since Brian Flores was hired to become the team’s Vikings defensive coordinator in 2023. Last season, the Vikings defense ranked 5th in points allowed (19.5), 2nd against the run (93.4), and generated the most takeaways with 33 and 24 interceptions. During the offseason, they added Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Isaiah Rodgers. Team veterans Harrison Smith and Byron Smith also return to the mix for the upcoming season.
Projected Outlook
The Vikings will be back in playoff contention in 2025 if the pieces around J.J. McCarthy on the offensive and defensive sides can have consistent production. However, they will not repeat their tear throughout the NFC this season. My reason for saying so is that there are too many unknowns with McCarthy’s growth as an NFL passer to have a similar run in the conference. 2025 is his debut as a starting quarterback. He did not see action last season due to the injury that occurred during the preseason. As of now, I view Minnesota as a fringe-level playoff team.
Predicted Record: 9-8
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