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By Evan Massey
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Minnesota Vikings are beginning a new era of football during the 2025 NFL season with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking over as the starter.
After a big-time season in 2024 from Sam Darnold, the team saw him leave in free agency to sign a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Daniel Jones also left town in free agency to sign with the Indianapolis Colts.
While many thought the Vikings could be a landing spot for Aaron Rodgers, they decided to roll with McCarthy. Behind him, Minnesota acquired Sam Howell from the Seahawks to be McCarthy's primary backup.
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No one knows what to expect from McCarthy this season. He missed all of last season due to a knee injury that he suffered during preseason action.
Read more: Vikings' Justin Jefferson Sends Clear Message to JJ McCarthy
Despite the valuable missed time, the Vikings have full faith in McCarthy. He was drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to be a starter, and now he'll have a chance to prove the franchise right for believing in him.
Ahead of the upcoming 2025 campaign, Minnesota and McCarthy have received a shocking prediction.
During a fill-in appearance on "The Herd," Jason McIntyre of FS1 did not hold back his opinion on the Vikings and McCarthy. He is expecting huge things from the team in 2025.
"I am coming out right now and telling all of America I'm all in on J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings," McIntyre said. "They will play in the NFC Championship this year. ... I am all in on this team."
McIntyre continued forward, doubling down with his belief that Minnesota is in for a special season with McCarthy leading the way.
Read more: Steelers Linked to Possible Trade With Packers for Aaron Rodgers Support
"There's a couple things at play: Without any prompting, Aaron Jones has not stopped talking about J.J. McCarthy. The leadership — the dude's got it," he said. "Sometimes you just have it. ... Jim Harbaugh, who knows a little bit about football, loves J.J. McCarthy. The team of destiny this year is the Minnesota Vikings."
If McCarthy can come in and lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in his first year as a starter, he will instantly quiet all of the doubters. He has a proven track record of winning and will look to bring that success to a franchise that has never won a Super Bowl.
With the young quarterback leading the way, McIntyre sees something special brewing in Minnesota. It will be interesting to see if he's right.
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