The Minnesota Vikings were one win away from earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season, but oddsmakers expect them to take a step back in 2025. Per BetMGM, Minnesota is projected to be a .500 team this year.
Regular-season win total: 8.5 (BetMGM)
Outlook: The Vikings are coming off a 14-3 season in 2024, and after a busy offseason, they might have an even better roster in 2025.
Minnesota still has an electric group of offensive weapons led by wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones. Christian Darrisaw is one of the best in the business at left tackle. Minnesota improved its weak interior by signing center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries in free agency.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Vikings deployed a similar strategy by signing veteran defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They also placed an emphasis on the secondary by re-signing cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and signing CBs Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah this offseason. Linebackers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, who combined for 23.5 sacks last season, return as key contributors.
As balanced as Minnesota’s roster is on paper, the team’s success depends on how second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy performs. McCarthy will take over the offense after Sam Darnold left town to join the Seattle Seahawks, and there’s already a ton of pressure on the 22-year-old with a Super Bowl-caliber roster around him.
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