No. 15: Gary Davenport – Bleacher Report
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL's more interesting teams ahead of the 2025 season.
Last year, they far outperformed expectations. With backup quarterback Sam Darnold under center, they won 14 games.
However, a miserable performance in the playoffs got Darnold the gate, and the Vikings now plan to turn the offense over to J.J. McCarthy.
Therein lies the problem: McCarthy's next NFL start will be his first. That's not all, though.
Wide receiver Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games. Minnesota's pass defense was not good last year. And the NFC North is giving the AFC West a run for its money as the league's toughest division.
The Vikings need a hot start as badly as any team in the NFL. And with a manageable early slate, they may well get one.
No. 14: Pete Prisco – CBS Sports
It's all about J.J. McCarthy. Is he ready to lead this team to the postseason in his first year as a starting quarterback? [The Vikings] improved both lines, which was a must.