The Minnesota Vikings exceeded expectations during the 2024 NFL season, posting a 14-3 record and having a chance to win the NFC North in the final week of the season.

However, the Vikings finished the season with a whimper. They scored just 18 total points combined in Week 18 and during their wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams as starting quarterback Sam Darnold struggled to consistently move the ball downfield.

Darnold's struggles marked the end of his one-year tenure with the Vikings. He signed a big-money contract with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency, which paved the way for 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to take over as the team's starting quarterback.

McCarthy missed his entire rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus in the preseason. He had two surgeries to repair the issue but has expressed confidence about being the team's starter in 2025.

The Vikings gave him a similar vote of confidence, resisting overtures from free agent Aaron Rodgers and building up their offensive and defensive lines in front of McCarthy. The team made wholesale changes to its interior offensive line, bringing in veteran center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts and spending a first-round pick on Donovan Jackson to upgrade McCarthy's protection.

Will that be enough to help the 22-year-old to find instant success? He and Kevin O'Connell will try to navigate a difficult-looking slate of opponents while attempting to lead Minnesota on a deep playoff run.