Minnesota Vikings 2025 Season Preview: Star Players, Key Matchups & Where to Watch
The Vikings were one of 2024’s biggest surprises, starting strong and staying steady until a disappointing early playoff exit.
To take the next step in 2025, they’ll need to be more consistent and clutch, especially with one of the league’s toughest schedules ahead. That challenge grows with rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy at the helm and a defense missing key pieces from last season. This year will be a true test of Minnesota’s resilience and readiness.
📺 Top 5 Must-Watch Vikings Games in 2025
🏈 Week 1 (Sept 8) - @ Chicago Bears
ESPN/ABC, 8:15 PM ET
Quite a way to open the season: JJ McCarthy will get his first NFL start against the Bears in primetime at Soldier Field. It would make quite the impression if Minny could get the win here.
🏈 Week 2 (Sept 14) - vs Atlanta Falcons
NBC/Peacock, 8:20 PM ET
The home opener doesn’t get much easier, as another one of McCarthy’s 2024 draft classmates looks to make his mark in Michael Penix Jr. Two explosive offenses going head to head for playoff hopefuls, this should be a good one.
🏈 Week 7 (Oct 19) - vs Philadelphia Eagles
FOX, 1:00 PM ET
The Vikes have the benefit of playing the defending champs at home, coming off their bye, but that might not make things much easier for them against a stacked Philly team.
🏈 Week 10 (Nov 9) - vs Baltimore Ravens
FOX, 1:00 PM ET
Hosting an AFC powerhouse midseason will be a true test of where Kevin O’Connell’s men are. The Ravens are one of the most well-rounded teams in football and will be difficult to beat on either side of the ball.
🏈 Week 17 (Dec 25) - vs Detroit Lions
Netflix, 4:30 PM ET
Heated divisional matchup, on Christmas, in Minneapolis? The perfect occasion for the Vikings to avenge their 2024 late-season collapse, which began with their loss to Detroit 12 months prior.
🌙 Vikings in Prime Time: When to Tune In
- Monday Night (MNF) Games
- Week 1 @ Chicago
- Sunday Night Football (SNF) Games
- Week 2 vs Atlanta
- Week 15 @ Dallas
- Thursday Night Football (TNF) Games
- Week 8 @ LA Chargers
- Week 17 vs Detroit
- Christmas Day
- Week 17 vs Detroit
- International Games
- Week 4 @ Pittsburgh
- (Dublin, Ireland)
- Week 5 @ Cleveland
- (London, England)
- Week 4 @ Pittsburgh
For the second time in franchise history, the Vikings will open their season with back-to-back primetime games. The only other time that happened was in 1981, and they lost both, so they’ll be hoping to improve on that record some 40-odd years later. Minnesota will also be the first road team in back-to-back international games, an NFL first, and as things stand, are undefeated in regular-season games in London. Christmas is another story. Minnesota stands at 1-3 in holiday games, with its last win coming 36 years ago over the Bengals.
⭐️2025 Star Players to Watch
🔥 On OffenseJustin Jefferson – Top 2 WR in the league, a reference point for the entire franchise. Jordan Addison – Underrated WR2, who will miss time through suspension.
TJ Hockenson – Top-tier TE who is looking to bounce back from a major injury in 2025.
Aaron Jones – Jones will look to build on a fantastic debut season in Minnesota.
JJ McCarthy – This entire offense will hinge on how fast McCarthy adapts to the league.
🛡️ On DefenseAndrew Van Ginkel– Epic first season in Minnesota, emerging as a leader on this defense. Jonathan Greenard – Versatile pass-rusher who helped make the Vikings a top 5 defense.
Byron Murphy – Hoping to build on a 6-interception 2024 as the Vikings CB1.
Harrison Smith – Hitman is sticking around for year 14, a stalwart of the Vikings franchise.
How to Watch the Vikings in 2025
It varies game to game. For the best, most in-depth access, NFL Network offers the most complete coverage. Nationally broadcast games are available on major networks such as Fox, CBS, and NBC, with other offerings on Prime Video and Netflix as well.
💡 Pro Tip: For full schedule and TV listings, visit our Minnesota Vikings Subpage.
🧠 Final Thought: Can they be an NFC threat?
2025 will be a decisive year in Minnesota; they’ve gone all in on JJ McCarthy, who is a complete unknown going into the regular season. His track record of winning at every level bodes well for the organization, which hasn’t seen many trophies in its storied history. The Super Bowl window is certainly open for them, but only time will tell if the Lombardi is headed for the Twin Cities. Boom or bust, this season will be telling for the Vikes.
📲 Don’t miss a moment — bookmark our Minnesota Vikings Team Page to stay up-to-date all season long.
Written by: Venuse, Inc. (Sports Content Creator)
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