X-Factor Viking Could Decide the NFC North

It’s J.J. McCarthy, silly.
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy has been named the key X-factor in determining the chase for the NFC North. And truth be told, the theory checks out.
That’s the message from Bleacher Report‘s Moe Moton, who defined each NFL division’s X-factor last week. In sizing up the NFC North, McCarthy got the nod.
Moton used this criterion for the publication: “Every offseason, NFL general managers tweak rosters to build a stronger team than the previous year’s group. In some cases, you can pick out star acquisitions as difference-makers; in others, the biggest X-factor isn’t clear. These selections focus on roster acquisitions, projected new starters and the potential development or decline of players in key positions.”
The NFC North X-Factor Is J.J. McCarthy
The Vikings quarterback could decide the division’s balance of power.

J.J. McCarthy Is the NFC North X-Factor, Says Bleacher Report
For the division, according to Bleacher Report, McCarthy is the main X-factor.
Moton wrote, “J.J. McCarthy is one of the biggest X-factors across the league. He sat out his rookie season because of a torn meniscus and has the pressure of taking over an offense that ranked ninth in scoring and 12th in total yards last season. However, the Vikings have the personnel group in place to help the 22-year-old’s development.”
“He’ll have a dynamic receiver duo with two-time All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson and budding third-year wideout Jordan Addison on the perimeter. By December, two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson will be two years removed from a torn ACL and MCL. Minnesota also bolstered its offensive line with the addition of four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly, rookie first-round guard Donovan Jackson and fifth-year veteran guard Will Fries.”
Sam Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024, and while that may not be easy to duplicate, a 10-7 record or so should be achievable for McCarthy’s Vikings, assuming McCarthy doesn’t play dreadfully.
Moton added, “Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason can lead a complementary ground game. McCarthy led Michigan to a national title in his final collegiate year, but he’s still had to answer critics who question his ability to lead a robust passing attack. McCarthy just needs to avoid egregious mistakes and put the ball in the right spots for his playmakers.”
“If he does that, the Vikings won’t see much offensive drop-off from last year and remain in contention for a division title.”
Bleacher Report … Is Right
Moton is spot-on. Consider the stakes and swings. If McCarthy plays like a rookie whose skill set is woefully unprepared for the spotlight of the NFL, Minnesota will sink to last place in the division. Plain and simple.
However, if McCarthy has the juice to play like Justin Herbert in 2020, C.J. Stroud in 2023, or Jayden Daniels in 2024, well, the Vikings can win the Super Bowl. Full stop.
In that vein, McCarthy, indeed, is the NFC North X-factor.
Lions Guaranteed to Be Competent
While the Lions will hope to mitigate the losses of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (Bears) and Aaron Glenn (Jets), their roster is a lock to furnish a winning record.

A Jared Goff injury could ruin everything, but that can be said for most NFL teams. From head to toe, the Lions’ roster is stacked and should be in the driver’s seat to win the NFC North for a third consecutive year — unless McCarthy has the Jayden Daniels package ready and waiting.
Verdict Out on Vikings, Bears, and Packers
On the other hand, Minnesota, Chicago, and Green Bay are question marks.
Chicago could finally rectify its longstanding doldrums with the aforementioned Johnson in the saddle. Caleb Williams has all the physical tools to succeed.

In Green Bay, Matt LaFleur fosters consistency, so much so that second place in the division should be the expectation. Yet, regarding the pecking order, the division is up for grabs beneath the Lions’ stranglehold.
Aaron Rodgers, Steelers’ Offense X-Factor in AFC North
The Vikings were heavily linked to Aaron Rodgers’ free agency in March and April before the long-time Packer finally signed in Pittsburgh.
And according to Moton, he, along with the Steelers offense, is the AFC North X-factor. Moton explained, “The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t ranked higher than 16th in scoring or total yards since the 2020 season. They had a much-needed offensive overhaul this offseason. They signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers and acquired two-time Pro Bowl wideout DK Metcalf and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith.”
“Rodgers, 41, is at the end of his career, but he’s more equipped to optimize the talent at receiver and tight end than Mason Rudolph. According to The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wants to find a ‘middle ground’ between a pass-heavy and run-heavy approach.”

Some believe Rodgers can reclaim his 2020 and 2021 MVP standard, even if he will turn 42 in December.
“Thus far, Pittsburgh hasn’t brought in any notable veterans who played with Rodgers in Green Bay, unlike the New York Jets did after acquiring him. The 21-year veteran must build a rapport with new faces as the Steelers try to give him an effective ground attack. Rodgers told The Pat McAfee Show he’s going to work with several Steelers receivers in Malibu, California,” Moton continued.
“His chemistry with that unit could be the difference between a push for the AFC North title and a team that hovers around .500 for another wild-card berth.”
The Vikings play Rodgers and the Steelers in Dublin on September 28th. A battle of X-factors.

Beloved Ex-Viking Wants Back In
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