Vikings' JJ McCarthy Just Got a Head-Turning 2025 Prediction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The 2025 NFL season is the start of a new era for the Minnesota Vikings. J.J. McCarthy will be taking over as the team's starting quarterback and will be looking to keep the team at the top of the NFC.
Last season under veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, the Vikings went 14-3 in the regular season. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in their Wild Card playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
McCarthy has the talent and potential to be the team's long-term franchise quarterback. However, there are still concerns about his readiness to play after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on in the second quarter of the preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 10, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Photo byWith that being said, a major new prediction has been made for McCarthy heading into his first season as the starter.
Read more: Vikings Might Still Be in Play for Major QB Move
ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky is very high on the young Minnesota signal caller entering the season. He's expecting big things from McCarthy in 2025.
"I think he's going to be awesome this year," Orlovsky said. "Minnesota is the easiest place in the NFL this year. It's as good of a roster as there is in the NFL, and if you combine it with scheme and play caller, Kevin O'Connell, a lot of guys would go to Minnesota and play good football."
While McCarthy will still need to prove himself on the field, there are a lot of media members who believe he's going to get off to a good start.
There are very few quarterbacks who are given a better opportunity than McCarthy is being given. He has an elite offense to work with.
Read more: Bears QB Caleb Williams Sends Clear Message to Packers Fans
Justin Jefferson will be his No. 1 weapon in 2025. He is arguably the best wide receiver currently in the NFL. Jordan Addison will be the No. 2 weapon for the Vikings, while T.J. Hockenson has the ability to be another key target.
Having Aaron Jones in the backfield will also be helpful for Minnesota. Jones can make plays both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. McCarthy will have a lot of pressure taken off of his shoulders due to the presence of Jones.
All of that being said, the season cannot get here soon enough. There are questions surrounding McCarthy, but Orlovsky seems to think he'll answer them and pass the test with flying colors.
For more Minnesota Vikings and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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