Back Vikings To Repeat Last Season’s Success Behind J.J. McCarthy

National Football League: Back Vikings To Repeat Last Season’s Success Behind J.J. McCarthy

Published Jul. 30, 2025 3:14 p.m. ET

When you’re optimistic about a specific NFL team heading into a season, it’s important to reassess your expectations and gauge the overall situation. This doesn’t mean just messaging your high school friends who always convince you to support the team. After all, betting on the Chicago Bears to go over for the last 12 seasons would leave you with a record of 1-11. You need honest opinions.

As we approach this season, I find myself fully believing in the Minnesota Vikings. They boast one of the best rosters in the NFL, and head coach Kevin O’Connell, along with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, excels at maximizing their talents through smart strategies and execution.

Whenever I feel particularly enthusiastic about the Vikings in August, I reach out to Thor Nystrom, a football analyst at Fantasy Life. He’s deeply involved with the Vikings and has connections within the organization. Nystrom is also refreshingly candid gilas pilipinas final line up. “They have a real good shot to be a top-three defense this year,” he shared with me earlier this week. “Sportsbooks were way too low on [the Vikings] when they released the new odds after the Super Bowl.”

As long as 22-year-old quarterback J.J. McCarthy isn’t a significant downgrade from what we’ve seen historically, Minnesota should be in great shape. Nystrom has examined how McCarthy performed under pressure at Michigan and is very impressed with his abilities. “The kid is a killer,” he noted back in February 2024. “He’s mobile, and when he scrambles, he can throw on the run. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the nation under difficult circumstances.”

Consider the potential with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and T.J. Hockenson behind a strengthened offensive line with O’Connell at the helm coach bag ph. Here are three bets I’m keen on for the 2025 Vikings:

1. J up dlsu game 2.J. McCarthy Comeback Player of the Year (+1000 at DraftKings)

We’ll soon see if McCarthy is ready to take his game to the next level. The odds are in his favor after winning a national championship and spending a full year learning O’Connell’s offense. Dak Prescott and Aidan Hutchinson are co-favorites, but McCarthy has a clear path to success. If he returns from a meniscus tear and helps Minnesota secure 10 wins or more, he’s a strong contender.

2. Jonathan Greenard Defensive Player of the Year (+10000 at BetMGM)

If the Vikings emerge as a top-five defense, one of their key players deserves a shot at this title. The front office has brought in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, which should ease the pressure on Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel on the edge. Both recorded double-digit sacks last year, and it feels quite unjust that many sportsbooks are offering Greenard at such a high price.

3 jollibee menu 2023 philippines price list. Make the Playoffs (-105 at FanDuel)

As noted earlier, I believe Minnesota has one of the most talented rosters in football. Staying injury-free is crucial, but I anticipate success if the team can avoid major health issues mlbb ph. O’Connell and Flores have all the tools necessary to keep the Vikings among the top seven teams in the NFC.

Sam Panayotovich is a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and the BetMGM Network. He has previously contributed to WGN Radio, NBC Sports, and VSiN. Follow him on Twitter @spshoot.

What do you think about the Vikings’ chances this season?