The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2025 season with high hopes after a 14‑win campaign the year before, but a collapse at the quarterback position left them scrambling for answers.
Quarterback competition
Kyler Murray is widely expected to win the starting role, edging out J.J. McCarthy, who will serve as the backup. Murray’s ability to rediscover the form that made him a Pro Bowl selection is seen as the linchpin for any offensive revival.
Draft reinforcement
The front seven received a boost in the draft, with several high‑profile selections aimed at shoring up a unit that had been a strength in 2024 but began to fade last season.
Running backs Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are being highlighted as quality zero‑RB targets, offering the team flexibility in a backfield that could see more balanced usage.
At receiver, Justin Jefferson is projected to rebound to elite status, though his 2025 production dipped to an average of 48 yards per game when J.J. McCarthy was under center.
Tight end TJ Hockenson, a late‑round pick in many drafts, could provide a reliable option in the middle of the field, especially if the offense finds a rhythm early.
Season outlook
Analysts have placed the Vikings’ win total under 8.5 for the upcoming season, but the consensus is that a turnaround is possible if the quarterback play clicks and the defense maintains its recent upward trajectory.
With a mix of veteran talent and fresh draft additions, Minnesota hopes to be playing meaningful football in January, turning a disappointing 2025 into a springboard for 2026.