10 Bold Vikings Predictions for the Preseason
It’s here. The Minnesota Vikings’ preseason kicks off Saturday, as Kevin O’Connell’s group squares off against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium.
We have 10 bold Vikings predictions for the 2025 preseason — from breakout players to surprise depth chart moves. Here’s what could unfold before Week 1 gets underway.
Minnesota won 14 games last year rather unexpectedly, so following up that campaign with a similar win-loss result will be challenging.
And with the preseason here in the flesh, we asked VikingsTerritory writers for a bold prediction about the postseason, on the whole. The projections are not specific to Saturday’s game, but rather applicable to all three contests.
Remember — bold predictions, by design, are weird, far-fetched, out there, or oddly specific.
Here’s what our writers opined.
Bold Vikings Predictions | Preseason 2025
Our writers have weighed in on the Vikings’ preseason.
1. Adam Thielen Returns via Trade
VT Writer: Tony Schultz
I’m going straight into the deep end of the pool. After a few games of the wide receivers not playing well enough with dropped passes and missed assignments, frustration grows. O’Connell knows once Jefferson and Addison are both back, the offense will completely jell, but until then, it isn’t going well.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah pulls the trigger and trades for Adam Thielen, creating one of the most reliable receiving corps in the league and a great safety valve for J.J. McCarthy until Addison’s suspension is over.
2. Brett Rypien Lights It Up. To No Avail.
VT Writer: Janik Eckardt
Brett Rypien will look like the best purple and gold quarterback in the preseason. The man started with the Bears in last year’s exhibition games, and he will do it again. August is his time of the year. Still, Minnesota will not promote him from his QB3 job.
3. Jeff Okudah Turns into a Star
VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler
Jeff Okudah continues to be the star he has been early in camp. Not only does Minnesota not bring in another corner, but he starts and puts up the best season of his career.
4. WR Myles Price Turns Heads
VT Writer: Kyle Joudry
Myles Price ends up making the roster battle difficult. He has great poise when catching the ball — both as a returner on specials and as a receiver for the offense. He leapfrogs Silas Bolden and even makes Rondale Moore skittish about the PR1 job and depth WR opening.
5. Silas Bolden Scores Twice, Makes 53-Man Roster
VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi
The Vikings will finally find an explosive punt returner. Silas Bolden, a 2025 UDFA, will shine in the preseason with two punt return touchdowns and make the roster over Rondale Moore.
6. Lucky Jackson Locks Down His Spot beyond the Shadow of Doubt
VT Writer: Adam New
Lucky Jackson plays himself into a significant early-season role while Jordan Addison is suspended with a string of impressive performances in preseason.
7. CBs No Longer Viewed as a Roster Weakness
VT Writer: Wes Johnson
What is primarily viewed as a roster weakness heading into the preseason will emerge as a solidified strength. The defensive backfield, comprised mainly of unknowns or cast-offs, will galvanize throughout camp battles and preseason games to be seen as a hidden strength. Jeff Okudah and Isaiah Rodgers become playmaking household names for Minnesota
8. Vikings Sign Broncos RB after Roster Cutdowns
VT Writer: Dustin Baker
Ty Chandler gets waived after three seasons of service, and needing a running back beyond Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signs a freshly discarded tailback from the Denver Broncos.
It will be one of these men:
- Jaleel McLaughlin
- Audric Estime
- Tyler Badie
- Blake Watson
McLaughlin may make the most sense as a priority, but the fan base wouldn’t be too upset about Estime or Badie.
9. Amari Cooper Signed
VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui
Given Jordan Addison will miss the first three games and Jalen Nailor is reportedly not looking very sharp in camp, Minnesota will add a wide receiver. It will be Amari Cooper.
t10. The Regular Season QB Doesn’t Currently Work for the Vikings
VT Writer: Cole Smith
My preseason prediction is that Minnesota’s QB2 isn’t on the roster. After Sam Howell struggles, the Vikings cut him and trade for a high-quality backup. They also move on from Brett Rypien, ensuring Max Brosmer makes the active roster and not allowing him to be subject to waivers.
t10. The Regular Season QB Doesn’t Currently Work for the Vikings
VT Writer: Josh Frey
Sam Howell has not proven that he can be a steady, veteran presence at the quarterback position for Minnesota, and while Max Brosmer has turned heads so far in camp, he or Brett Rypien should not be the quarterback backing up J.J. McCarthy.
I’d expect the Vikings to dip into the trade market to bring in a veteran over the next couple of weeks, similarly to how they brought in Nick Mullens a couple of years ago.
You must be logged in to post a comment.