J.J. McCarthy headlines Minnesota’s 2025 preview, with the panel scrutinizing how he handles NFL pace, pressure, and big moments from the get-go. They focus on his ability to start fast, respond to adversity, and operate the offense fluently alongside Jefferson and Addison, while the line depth and run game support will shape early outcomes. The convo also weighs the roadmap for McCarthy’s rookie year amid a tougher schedule and heightened playoff stakes.

Beyond McCarthy, the discussion touches on the Vikings’ ceiling with a proven supporting cast, the defensive front’s depth, and how cohesion up front can unlock a high-powered passing attack. The roundtable threads in Burrow, Jackson, and Burrow-adjacent AFC heat, placing Minnesota’s long view in a wider NFL context as Week 1 looms.