 reacts during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Jonathan-Greenard.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=596,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Jonathan-Greenard.jpg”><figcaption><span>Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) reacts during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images</span></figcaption></figure><div class='code-block code-block-3' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>
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Minnesota Vikings predictions are flying around hot and heavy, as the NFL regular season is four days away — Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football.
Dustin Baker shares his official predictions for the 2025 Vikings, breaking down wins, losses, and the outlook for Kevin O’Connell’s team.
Annually, Vikings predictions are documented on this site, and 2025 is no different.
So, to be held accountable, these are 2025 predictions for the Vikings, listed in no particular order.
Last year’s predictions were a mixed bag. You can read them here.
Final 2025 Vikings Predictions from Dustin Baker
Getting the prognostications on record.
 during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_22170973.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_22170973.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/USATSI_22170973.jpg” alt=”Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell argues a call with the line judge during Vikings vs. Lions in December 2023. Dustin Baker predictions 2025. “><figcaption>Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell argues a first-quarter call with line judge Brian Bolinger (40) on Dec 24, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. O’Connell voiced his frustration during the divisional matchup with the Detroit Lions as tensions ran high early in the contest. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<h3>1. Vikings Win a Playoff Game for the First Time Since 2019</h3>
<p>The last time Minnesota won in the playoffs? The 2019 walk-off touchdown reception by Kyle Rudolph from Kirk Cousins down in New Orleans. The drought has lasted for over five years.</p>
<p>Of course, the Vikings have been back to the postseason — and lost twice. Once in 2022 at home against the New York Giants and last year on the road versus the Los Angeles Rams. This time, Kevin O’Connell’s team will reach the postseason with a 10-7 record, travel to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and win a Wildcard game over Baker Mayfield and friends.</p>
<p>The drought ends in 2025.</p>
<h3>2. Jeff Okudah Fails to Launch</h3>
<p>Minnesota signed Jeff Okudah in March, along with Super Bowl champion corner Isaiah Rodgers — in addition to locking Byron Murphy Jr. down for the long haul. </p>
<p>Rodgers will play respectably, but Okudah won’t quite take off. The man has had five seasons to stand off the page since the Detroit Lions drafted him third overall in 2020. He won’t magically turn into a baller now just because Brian Flores is his boss.</p>
<p>Okudah’s 2025 ceiling is probably a<em> Pro Football Focus</em> grade around 60 or so. The summer Okudah hype will look silly in retrospect.</p>
<p>Our <a href=)
Janik Eckardt noted on Okudah this week, “The Vikings need him to emerge as a solid defender in the upcoming season if they want to play a role in the NFC playoff picture. The only backup on the roster is sophomore Dwight McGlothern, and Fabian Moreau is on the practice squad. Okudah will play Shaq Griffin’s role, who logged 572 defensive snaps in 2025, equaling half of all defensive snaps.”
“The first obstacle to overcome is his health, and the second is his performance on the field. It’s a big bet to make for the Vikings, a team with high expectations going into the season. There’s minimal urgency to hire someone else to take his place. He was handed the CB3 job in training camp without much competition, and it remains to be seen whether that was a wise decision or not.”
3. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Trades for a CB Midseason
Therefore, coupled with the unfortunate Okudah prediction, Adofo-Mensah will trade for a cornerback before the November deadline. La’Jaruis Sneed of the Tennessee Titans, Greg Newsome II of the Cleveland Browns, Jaylen Watson of the Kansas City Chiefs, or Deonte Banks of the New York Giants might make sense.
 and Denzel Ward (21) celebrate a third-down stop during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. The Browns won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Corey Perrine-USA TODAY NETWORK.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Greg-Newsome.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=643,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Greg-Newsome.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Greg-Newsome.jpg” alt=”Greg Newsome II and Denzel Ward celebrate a stop against the Jaguars in September 2024.” ><figcaption>Cleveland Browns cornerbacks Greg Newsome II (0) and Denzel Ward (21) celebrate a defensive stop against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sep 15, 2024, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The tandem energized the defense in the opening quarter of a game Cleveland went on to win 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Corey Perrine-USA TODAY NETWORK.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Adofo-Mensah is never afraid to pull the trigger on a trade, and that will be a cornerback in late October or early November. </p>
<h3>4. Minnesota Beats Detroit at Least Once</h3>
<p>Remember when <a href=)
Kevin O’Connell was hired as the head coach in 2022? He defeated the Detroit Lions in his first-ever meeting against Dan Campbell.
But that was it.
The Lions have defeated the Vikings five times in a row, a nauseating stat for a rivalry that is mostly one-sided in Minnesota’s favor. It’s not clear whether Minnesota will win at U.S. Bank Stadium or at Ford Field, but O’Connell will find at least one win over Campbell this year.
 celebrates with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and center Frank Ragnow (77) after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=430,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/lap.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=643,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/lap.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=430,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/lap.jpg” alt=”Sam LaPorta celebrates a touchdown with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Frank Ragnow vs. Broncos in 2023.”><figcaption>Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and center Frank Ragnow (77) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos on Dec 16, 2023, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The score extended Detroit’s momentum in the primetime win. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p><em>Pro Football </em><span><em>Focus</em>‘</span> <a href=)
Trevor Sikkema wrote about the Lions’ offseason in May: “The Lions lost coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head-coaching vacancies, and although there’s nothing they could’ve done about that, it still hurts. They basically swapped Carlton Davis III for D.J. Reed, which wasn’t a bad move; Davis earned a 72.1 PFF coverage grade in 2024, while Reed earned a 70.1 mark.”
“The hope is that second-round pick Tate Ratledge can fill in for Kevin Zeitler, who earned an 86.5 PFF overall grade at guard for Detroit last season. The front office didn’t do much at edge rusher and will need Aidan Hutchinson to return to his pre-injury form.”
It’s time.
5. J.J. McCarthy Delivers 24-27 TDs
J.J. McCarthy will look the part for Minnesota in 2025 — just not all the time. He’s basically a rookie, and patience must be afforded to his development.
 talks to the media during media day before the College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies at George R Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/J.J.-McCarthy-4.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=626,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/J.J.-McCarthy-4.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/J.J.-McCarthy-4.jpg” alt=”J.J. McCarthy talks with reporters during CFP national championship media day in January 2024.”><figcaption>Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) speaks with the media on Jan 6, 2024, during College Football Playoff national championship media day at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. McCarthy addressed reporters ahead of the title game against the Washington Huskies. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>Players like Patrick Mahomes in 2018, Justin Herbert in 2020, <a href=)
C.J. Stroud in 2023, and Jayden Daniels have set a high bar for rookie or essentially-rookie passers. McCarthy’s maiden voyage will check in just a step below that group.
He’ll throw for about 25 touchdowns, 3,500 passing yards, and generate enough excitement for fans to know the team has the right guy for the long haul.