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2mo ago

Vikings Projected to Stall at .500 as J.J. McCarthy Steps In

Betting markets at 8.5 wins reflect analysts’ forecast that rookie J.J. McCarthy and a bolstered roster may struggle to match last season’s 14-3 performance.

J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings evades a tackle as he looks to pass the ball in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) and head coach Kevin O’Connell react before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Minnesota declined to franchise-tag Sam Darnold and named first-round pick J.J. McCarthy its 2025 starter under coach Kevin O’Connell’s three-year development plan.
  • McCarthy, who sat out last year recovering from a torn meniscus, will have to establish rapport with stars Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
  • The Vikings addressed key needs by adding depth to their secondary and reinforcing the offensive line through free agency and the draft.
  • Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton leads a consensus that Minnesota will hover around a 9-8 record and could finish last in the strengthened NFC North.
  • MGM’s over/under win total of 8.5 (–150 over, +125 under) underscores the team’s wide variance of possible outcomes in 2025.