Minnesota Vikings matchup against former QB seen as must watch in 2025
Minnesota Vikings matchup against former QB seen as must watch in 2025
Before the end of the 2024 season, there was speculation that the Minnesota Vikings could bring Sam Darnold back for another year. The seventh-year quarterback was on his way to his first Pro Bowl and had the Vikings in position to have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
As we all know, Darnold melted down against the Detroit Lions in Week 18 and then against the Los Angeles Rams one week later in the Wild Card round. That made the decision to move on from Darnold easier, instead moving forward with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy.
Darnold signed a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seahawks in March, but that doesn't mean everyone feels the Vikings made the right decision to move on to an unproven commodity. Fortunately, we get to see the two quarterbacks square off in 2025, perhaps giving some closure to the debate.
PFF's Brad Gagnon believes the Week 13 matchup between Darnold and McCarthy is one of the 12 best quarterback matchups of the season. He ranked it 11th on his list last week.
Why it's cool: McCarthy should be deep into his first full season as a starter in place of Darnold, who stood out as Minnesota's quarterback throughout 2024 before leaving town for big money in Seattle. Both quarterbacks will feel they have a lot to prove in this spot.
Prediction: The Vikings are simply the better team, McCarthy should be settled in by this point, and I don't really believe in Darnold. This should be a Vikes win, causing the franchise to feel comfortable with its decision to stick with its 2024 first-round pick.
Of course, the singular game won't solely determine if the Vikings made the right decision to move on from Darnold. But it could offer some validation, much like the Vikings' 42-21 win over Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14 of 2024.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Urban Meyer Names 'Greatest' Player of All-Time Without Hesitation
Urban Meyer Names 'Greatest' Player of All-Time Without Hesitation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Former Florida Gators head coach Urban Meyer saw plenty of talent come through Gainesville. Advertisement However, there was one player who stood out as the "greatest" of all time in his eyes. On a recent edition of "The Triple Option," Meyer believed former Florida receiver Percy Harvin fit that mold. Meyer was at Florida from 2005-2010, winning national titles in 2006 and 2008. Harvin was at the university from 2006-08 and was a true offensive weapon. Harvin was not only useful as a receiving threat, but in the running game as well. He accounted for 3,781 scrimmage yards and 32 touchdowns in three years with the Gators. Florida Gators wide receiver (8) Percy Harvin. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images "I've said this and not many people disagree who watched him, or played against him, or played with him," Meyer said. "I think he's arguably the greatest player to put on a helmet. He's the most violent runner I've ever had, and Mark, he never got hit. We used to say he'd have eyes on the side and the back of his head." Advertisement After a successful college career, Harvin headed to the NFL. He was taken with the 22nd overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2009 NFL Draft. He got off to a great start, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and making the Pro Bowl in 2009. Harvin also played for the Seattle Seahawks (2013-14), New York Jets (2014) and Buffalo Bills (2015-16). He retired from football in 2016 after dealing with injuries throughout his NFL career. From 2013-16, Harvin played in just 21 games due to injury. Meyer is full of stories from his time at Florida. In a previous episode of the podcast, he explained the way he used to motivate players by not giving championship rings to those with poor grades. Advertisement He has shied away from discussing the best Florida players he coached, along with Harvin. On one episode, he named the Pouncey twins, Harvin and Carlos Dunlap as the best NFL players Meyer coached in college. Related: Urban Meyer Sends Blunt Message About College Football Playoff This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
NFL Analyst Gushes Over Commanders' Offseason Moves
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. Last season, the Washington Commanders found themselves rapidly climbing the ranks in the NFC. Jayden Daniels quickly adapted to the pro level, putting together an impressive rookie campaign. Not only did he lead the Commanders to the postseason, but Washington pulled off multiple upsets en route to appearing in the NFC Championship game. Coming off a successful 2024 campaign, the Commanders wasted no time building on their positive momentum. The front office quickly got to work improving the roster, securing upgrades at various important positions. By far their biggest splash was trading for San Francisco 49ers' wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Also read: Cowboys Star Utters Bold Statement on Commanders' Jayden Daniels A few weeks out from training camp, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks put out a column breaking down the biggest winners from this past offseason. The Commanders received praise for their numerous additions, but he did cite needing to resolve Terry McLaurin's contract holdout. Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024. Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024."It's hard to improve from good to great in the NFL, but the Commanders might join the league's elites with an improved roster that features more blue-chip players around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels," Brooks wrote. "The trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel place a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in marquee positions (left tackle and WR2) that should help the offense unlock another gear in 2025. If the team can resolve Terry McLaurin's contract situation, the Commanders will have a chance to open the season with an electric offense that will put plenty of stress on defensive coordinators crafting plans to stop the juggernaut." Also read: NFL Writer Cites 'Overreaction' to Commanders Star's Holdout Since entering the NFL back in 2016, Tunsil has emerged as one of the top offensive tackles in the league. He spent the past two years protecting CJ Stroud and now will be doing so for another young dynamic quarterback. Samuel is coming off a down year with the 49ers, but that should alter the opinion of him joining the Commanders. He'll be able to provide a new element to Washington's offensive and gives Daniels another weapon at his disposal. In the event McLaurin works things out with the front office, he and Samuel can emerge as one of the top wide receiver duos in the league. With Daniels having a year of experience under his belt and the roster's improvements, the Commanders have a good chance to remain in the hunt in the NFC. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bills' 'Magical' James Cook Gets Brutal Prediction from Insider
Bills' 'Magical' James Cook Gets Brutal Prediction from Insider originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Last season, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook had quite the 2024 season as the offense's bellcow back. Advertisement He rushed for 16 touchdowns, tying the franchise record, while again rushing for over 1,000 yards. Plus, James rushed for another three scores in the playoffs to go with 272 yards in three games. It was also Cook's second consecutive season of 1,000+ rushing yards and a Pro Bowl nod, and now he is looking to get a new contract this offseason. But with Buffalo's finances, that will be tough, so James might have to play on the last year of his rookie deal, and if he does, he needs to play well. But Sports Illustrated's Michael Fabiano thinks Cook is set for a regression. "Cook is coming off a magical season in terms of end zone visits, scoring 18 times," Fabiano writes. "He scored just nine combined touchdowns in his first two seasons, so this was a major uptick … and it's likely to come with some regression in 2025. Cook is also looking at a potential holdout over a contract dispute, which has not been a good situation for many players in the past. Keep tabs on Cook's status." Buffalo Bills RB James Cook reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Kansas City J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Cook's "regression" might not be down to form at all. Advertisement Backing up a 16-touchdown season is a tall order, and there aren't many backs in football who could do that. James' down season might still see him post 12 rushing touchdowns, which would still signify a good year, but a "regression" from 2024. With Cook and his contract saga showing no signs of being finalized, training camp looms as a big watch, as the running back has said he will be there, but it is unknown if he will participate without a deal. And for James to fight this "regression" talk, having a full preseason will go a long way in keeping those doubters at now. Related: NFL's Top 100 Players: Where Is Bills' MVP Josh Allen? Related: Bills Receiver Narrative Still Being Pushed This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
