1) It’s all about J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota. The second-year quarterback will be under the microscope as he takes over an offense that rejuvenated Sam Darnold‘s career last season. The Vikings decided not to buffer McCarthy with a veteran backup after Daniel Jones opted to sign with Indianapolis. Apologies to the Sam Howell stans, but he’s not a threat to McCarthy. The former first-round pick inherited the Porsche of offenses, which has made almost every driver look good. Kevin O’Connell is a proven QB whisperer, so the assumption is that McCarthy should have little trouble keeping things afloat. With Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and a remade offensive line, the Vikes offer weapons to aid the young signal-caller. Minnesota is a 14-win club that, on paper, improved entering 2025. The loudest question is McCarthy and whether he can keep the engine humming after missing all of 2024. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that McCarthy is the pendulum that could swing the course of the entire NFC North.
