Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) slaps hands with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell after a made field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Sure, the development of J.J. McCarthy over the final three weeks of the regular season is the most important thing for the Minnesota Vikings, but losing to secure a higher draft pick also wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

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Oct 4, 2024; Watford, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings former receivers Cris Carter (80) and Jake Reed (86) at the NFL flag football event at The Grove.

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Carter hasn't held back his skepticism around McCarthy throughout this season.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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When J.J. McCarthy strutted into the end zone doing the "Griddy" on Sunday night, he did so in direct defiance of head coach Kevin O'Connell's orders.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) leaves the field after a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

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The Vikings have hurt their draft positioning with their last two wins, but that's a small price to pay for getting this kind of progress out of their young quarterback.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after a play during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

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Jefferson's chemistry with McCarthy would've looked a lot further along had it not been for two missed touchdown opportunities during Minnesota's 34-26 win over the Cowboys on Sunday night.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) after a Vikings touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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J.J. McCarthy was outstanding as the Minnesota Vikings overcame the bitter pill of being eliminated from playoff contention earlier in the day to put the Dallas Cowboys on the brink of elimination with a 34-26 victory at Arlington Stadium on Sunday night.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambles during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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If J.J. McCarthy felt like he was in a washing machine during his first six starts, as he told NBC before Sunday night's Vikings-Cowboys game, the door has opened, allowing him to play with a ton of confidence.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.

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Cris Collinsworth had some interesting analysis after a great play by McCarthy.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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The Minnesota Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs, marking the fourth time in the last six seasons that they've failed to reach the postseason tournament.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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While a miracle path to the playoffs still exists, the more realistic outcome is that the Minnesota Vikings will miss the playoffs and be picking in the top half of the 2026 NFL Draft. Just how high will they pick?

Dec 16, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Former Louisiana State University teammates, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9), left, and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) great each other after the game at Paycor Stadium.

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Let's imagine a world where Burrow asks for a trade from Cincinnati and the Vikings make a massive offer.

Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and center Tyler Biadasz (63) in action during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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If Minnesota can't make the playoffs, the next-best thing might be doing their part to help prevent the Cowboys from getting in. Remember, the Green Bay Packers are a legit Super Bowl contender largely because Jerry Jones traded them Micah Parsons.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts with Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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"Nine" was amazing in Minnesota's win over Detroit back in November, but J.J. McCarthy's struggles in the games that followed turned his alter ego, "Nine," into a meme and the laughing stock of the National Football League.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (86) is carted off the field after an injury during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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It was an unfortunate play that led to a significant injury for Ertz, but Kevin O'Connell said there was no malicious intent behind it.

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) makes a catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.

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Thielen only had one catch in his Pittsburgh debut, but he played more snaps than he had in a while.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes the snap against the Washington Commanders during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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Let's get down to business by looking at Minnesota's week-by-week needs, followed by a more obvious list of ingredients necessary to bake up a playoff miracle.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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Winning is what matters most, but the Vikings know they need to get their best player more involved moving forward.

Adam Thielen in his first press conference with the Steelers.

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Thielen said it was extremely tough to leave Minnesota, but he's excited about the opportunity in front of him in Pittsburgh.

Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (3) is called for pass interference against Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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Justin Jefferson has shown clear signs of frustration. Kevin O'Connell praised his star receiver's leadership and mentality despite the glaring issues.

Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; The Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and the Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald react after the game at Lumen Field.

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The Vikings' remarkable struggles this season start at the top with Kevin O'Connell.

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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No one says they are considering such a bold move, but video of Adam Schefter discussing it on ESPN on Monday has made its way onto social media and created some noise.

Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) celebrates first down during the first half Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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Adam Thielen was granted his release from the Vikings on Monday. He was claimed off waivers by the Steelers on Tuesday.

Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

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The Vikings may be down and out, but head coach Kevin O'Connell's message is one that sets an expectation for everyone on the roster to remain motivated and continue building what O'Connell started when he was hired in 2022.

Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) throws a pass during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

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Max Brosmer, thrust into the starting role as an undrafted rookie free agent, played one of the worst games in modern history in the Vikings' 26-0 loss to Seattle, according to the grades issued Monday by Pro Football Focus.

Nov 30, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) runs back for an interception during the first half against the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Field.

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The Vikings haven't given Allen much to get excited about in recent weeks.