our writers opined with their spiciest stuff.
So, with no further ado, here are our flaming hot takes for the 2025 Vikings season.
11 Flaming Hot Takes for the 2025 Vikings Season
Last year’s can be found here. Hold us accountable.
1. Dwight McGlothern Is a Top 3 Vikings CB
From: Janik Eckardt
The Vikings are set at CB1 with Byron Murphy Jr. and hired Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah to go along with Mekhi Blackmon for the other spots. However, sophomore Dwight McGlothern enters that race and emerges as a top-three corner on the depth chart.
2. Theo Jackson Leads Team in INTs
From: Kyle Joudry
3. J.J. McCarthy Is Absolutely Fantastic
From: Ted Schwerzler
McCarthy is going to be that dude. The bar isn’t high, but Sam Darnold was simply a proof of concept. He’d win Rookie of the Year had he not missed last season, but he’ll have a better year than Jayden Daniels.
4. Vikings Lead NFL in RB Rushing Yards
From: Wesley Johnson
Minnesota took a straightforward approach to addressing one of its main weaknesses over the past few seasons, which was a lackluster running game. They focused on adding quality pieces along the offensive line and traded for a complementary back in Jordan Mason to pair with Aaron Jones.
5. Vikings Win the Damn Super Bowl
From: Brevan Bane
Minnesota wins its first ring behind a great defense and J.J. McCarthy being as good as promised. Kevin O’Connell gets respect as the best head coach in the NFL, and McCarthy gets a statue outside of U.S. Bank Stadium.
6. Single Game Defensive Performance Sets Records
From: Tony Schultz
I’ve said previously that the defense will lead the league in sacks. Flores’ dizzying defensive strategy will once again vex many teams and will have a game where they seem discombobulated. However, they will have a game where they record a historic performance, with a high number of sacks and a few turnovers, which will be a defensive performance for the ages.
7. Jordan Mason Notches 10+ Rushing TDs
From: Ali Siddiqui
Given Aaron Jones’ struggles in the red zone last season, look for Mason to get plenty of opportunities.
8. J.J. McCarthy Leads 2024 Drafted QB in Passing TDs
From: Cole Smith
My boldest prediction is that J.J. McCarthy throws for more touchdowns than any other quarterback from the 2024 draft. Minnesota wants to run the ball more efficiently this year, but Kevin O’Connell won’t be able to contain himself when McCarthy shows he can shoulder the load of the offense.
9. J.J. McCarthy Reaches the Pro Bowl
From: Adam New
10. Vikings Finish 11-6, Beat ATL in Round 1, Lose to PHI in Round 2
From: Dustin Baker
The Vikings’ schedule is brutal, but they’ll still post an 11-win season, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in the postseason. The Eagles will prove to be too formidable in the Divisional Round, as Minnesota loses by a field goal. Fans leave the 2025 campaign extremely upbeat about the future.
J.J. McCarthy posts 3,600 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and 4 rushing paydirts.
11. Vikings Win a Playoff Game
From: Josh Frey
The biggest issues that plagued Minnesota in 2024 (a porous interior offensive line and inefficient running game) have been fixed this offseason. To boot, Minnesota has a fearsome defensive front that should wreak havoc. Strength in the trenches leads to playoff success, and the Vikings greatly improved there this spring.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily … More about Dustin Baker
