Kevin O’Connell’s Decisions Will Define the Final Two Weeks
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t going to the playoffs in 2025, and they certainly aren’t playing for anything of substance. Hovering around .500 at 7-8, it really doesn’t behoove them to lose for the sake of draft positioning either.
With the postseason out of reach, Minnesota’s focus shifts to evaluation and risk management, putting every decision under a brighter spotlight than the standings suggest.
Now with J.J. McCarthy very much in danger of missing the final two games of the season, head coach Kevin O’Connell has some lofty decisions to make. Minnesota will face off against the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. They can play spoiler for both of those teams, and that would put a nice cherry on top of what has otherwise been a crap sundae.
The Vikings’ Final Two Weeks Matter More Than the Record
The reality, though, is that O’Connell must lean into the realities in front of him. His top two quarterbacks are down. The offensive line is a mess. Key contributors have been lost all over the field. What can be proven the rest of the way?
It makes some sense to involve rookies like Tai Felton and Zavier Scott in regular downs. It makes sense to push Max Brosmer and see if he can compete at this level. It makes sense to see what level of aggressiveness this depleted unit can handle, and to get a head start on how decisions will be made on the fringes in 2026.
Brosmer came in for McCarthy on Sunday. He looked substantially more capable than he did while starting against the Seattle Seahawks. Of course, the quality of the opponent helped there, but he was still largely contained by the gameplan from the head coach. Beating either the Lions or Packers won’t happen by showing such a level of conservativeness, and there really isn’t a significant reason to shield a third-string undrafted quarterback from the deep end.
Justin Jefferson needs to get an opportunity for a 1,000-yard season, but beyond that, he should be shelved until next year. There’s no reason to subject the superstar to more incompetent play around him or to further hits that could affect his effectiveness going forward. Felton, or even Myles Price, getting offensive opportunities makes a good deal of sense.
At the end of the day, whether the Vikings finish 9-8, 7-10, or somewhere in between, the practical result is the same. O’Connell must challenge his traditional way of thinking and accept the situation he’s in. There’s something to be learned here, but only if you capture the opportunity.
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