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The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings missed the playoffs in the 2025 NFL season after reaching the playoffs the previous campaign. As a result, heading into the 2026 NFL season, both teams are looking for bounce-back years.
Nonetheless, during a segment on the April 3 edition of “Pro Football Talk Live,” NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio picked both the Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, and the Vikings head coach, Kevin O’Connell, as the two people facing the most pressure in the NFC North of the four coaches.
“Let’s just say it’s 6-11,” Florio said. “The Lions or the Vikings [finish the 2026 season at] 6-11. Next year [becomes] a ‘better turn this around now,’ and that applies to both of them.”
When it comes to the Vikings, their success this upcoming season will be determined by their situation under center as they determine who will be leading them through a QB battle.
Over the offseason, the Vikings signed Kyler Murray and re-signed Carson Wentz, and with J.J. McCarthy still there, Minnesota hopes the play under center doesn’t prevent them from reaching the playoffs.
NFL Insider Gives Update on Vikings’ QB Battle
After seeing Sam Darnold win Super Bowl LX with the Seattle Seahawks and the QB’s disappointing play during the 2025 NFL season, head coach Kevin O’Connell and the team’s front office are taking a different approach.
On April 3, NBC Sports NFL insider Mike Florio shared the latest on the team’s QB competition and what part will determine who wins the battle.
“Coach Kevin O’Connell explained during a recent visit with PFT Live that, eventually, there will be a clear delineation of positions on the depth chart,” Florio wrote.
“The real question is when. He didn’t rule out the possibility of determining the starter entering training camp. That seems unlikely, however. The competition will likely commence during preseason practices and games.”
Moreover, despite having Wentz back in the fold, Florio notes that the competition is strictly between Murray and McCarthy.
“It will come down, undoubtedly, to Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy,” Florio added. “O’Connell explained that he has no concern about McCarthy becoming disenchanted if he doesn’t win the job.
“The best news for the Vikings is that, however it plays out, they’ll have a solid No. 2 and (if Carson Wentz makes the final 53) a third-stringer who can win games if need be.”
Minnesota Shares J.J. McCarthy Update Ahead of QB Battle
After a rollercoaster 2025 season, the Vikings are forcing McCarthy to earn the job, and Kevin Seifert of ESPN shared what head coach Kevin O’Connell said regarding the latest on the young QB’s efforts to do just that.
“Kevin O’Connell said that J.J. McCarthy is back in Minnesota after spending the early part of the offseason training in California, and has been in the building most days working out in the weight room,” Seifert wrote on March 30 on X.
McCarthy posted a 61.8 overall PFF grade during the 2025 season, ranking 35th among 43 qualified quarterbacks. His passing grade was 60.1, ranking 35th at the position.
Across 1,632 snaps played and 291 dropbacks, he totaled 1,632 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He mixed in 19 big-time throws but was also charged with 15 turnover-worthy plays.
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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