The Vikings opened with a 20-10 win as J.J. McCarthy returned from last year’s knee injury in a controlled preseason showing, completing 4 of 7 for 30 yards. He will not suit up vs. New England, with Sam Howell stepping in as QB1 for Minnesota’s second tune-up. The Texans tilt offered a first glimpse at the depth behind McCarthy, while Minnesota’s coaching staff signaled patience and a plan to protect the rookie through the preseason.

Brett Rypien and undrafted Max Brosmer also saw work, with Brosmer delivering the most eye-catching numbers (5 of 8, 47 yards, 1 TD) and Dashed expectations for Howell’s job security a week earlier. Jefferson’s availability remains a fantasy watch point, as Minnesota balances development with rest. The Saturday clash against the Patriots will be a key early indicator of how quickly McCarthy progresses and how Minnesota leverages its young quarterback room for fantasy value later in the season.

Across the league, New England rolled to a 48-18 opener win over Washington, providing a contrast in how teams are handling QB reps in August. Viewership details and broadcast teams are covered, with fantasy-minded fans focusing on how preseason rotations translate to real-week load and potential sleeper options emerging from backup groups.

The Minnesota Vikings sit at No. 10 in ESPN’s power rankings ahead of 2025, a spot that mirrors real optimism around a loaded roster and one of the league’s strongest coaching staffs. The biggest swing factor is J.J. McCarthy, a first-time starter whose success would lift the club’s playoff ceiling and validate a patient build around McCarthy’s upside.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell have extended their jobs and stacked a veteran-savvy group, with little heat on any major names. The Vikings’ path to a higher rank hinges on athletic additions turning into consistency: McCarthy producing, plus solid campaigns from Dallas Turner and Donovan Jackson to anchor the interior. Addison’s emergence remains pivotal, given he was the lone starter drafted 2022–2024. If McCarthy proves himself, the club could drift higher as the season unfolds.

There’s a strategic wrinkle: ESPN hints the 2026 draft process could get a makeover if results don’t materialize from recent picks, a potential reset that could alter how fantasy managers view asset upside in this offense. In fantasy terms, McCarthy’s workload and efficiency would set Addison’s target profile, Turner’s athletic growth, and Jackson’s line play up for bigger roles as Minnesota pushes for a postseason berth.

Bottom line: Minnesota heads into 2025 in a sweet spot, but the quarterback play remains the fulcrum. Acknowledging that, McCarthy’s performance could unlock top-shelf fantasy value for Addison and the Vikings’ offense, while Turner and Jackson chase breakout campaigns behind a veteran-forward lineup.

Justin Jefferson returns to practice Monday, ramping up ahead of Minnesota's 2025 opener against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings’ star has missed most of camp with a hamstring issue, but coach Kevin O’Connell indicated he will participate in practice inBits and pieces as he climbs back toward full speed. Jefferson’s elite track record—five straight 1,000+ yard seasons, four Pro Bowls, and an Offensive Player of the Year award—promises a dramatic uptick for the Vikings’ offense once healthy. He’ll help second-year passer J.J. McCarthy settle in as the starter, a process that Minnesota will manage carefully in Week 1. The Bears visit U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 8 to open the season.

Jefferson’s return accelerates Minnesota’s air game, but the ramp-up means Week 1 could feature limited snaps and a measured workload. Fantasy managers should brace for a cautious start, then expect Jefferson to dominate targets as he nears full strength. In the meantime, McCarthy’s timing and the Vikings’ growing chemistry will be the tell for how high the ceiling can rise this season. The early signal is clear: Minnesota wants Jefferson back and healthy as soon as possible, with Week 1 as the first litmus test.

The Vikings are narrowing their 2025 roster with one preseason game left, before the Aug. 26 cut deadline. The slate of competitions centers on backup quarterback, receiver depth, punter and punt returner roles, and the usual 53-man jostling across the offense and defense.

Quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer form the trio, with Sam Howell waived. Rypien’s command of the scheme and Brosmer’s ascent keep the group intact, while the No. 3 emergency quarterback could dress for games if on the 53-man roster.

At running back, Aaron Jones anchors behind Mason and Scott, with Ham handling fullback duties; Ty Chandler is waived. Five receivers sit behind Jefferson and Addison, including Nailor, Felton, Lucky Jackson and Tim Jones, with Addison suspended three games and Rondale Moore on I.R. The fifth spot likely goes to Tim Jones for his special-teams versatility.

T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek headline the tight ends, with Gavin Bartholomew on the PUP list and Bartholomew missing at least four games. Up front, nine blockers and a deep defensive line lock in, while the linebackers and secondary mix features multiple veterans and young players, including Harrison Smith, Jay Ward and Kahlef Hailassie among others. Special teams include Reichard, Wright and DePaola, with Oscar Chapman as the International Pathway option.