The NFL released its 2025 regular season schedule on Wednesday, and the Minnesota Vikings’ menu is as challenging as ever. For quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who will be starting his second year with the team, the upcoming season promises to be a baptism by fire.
McCarthy’s first game of the season is against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 1, setting the tone for a difficult test. The NFL schedule makers have crafted a grueling schedule that includes only one relatively easy stretch, taking place in Week 16 when the Vikings play the New York Giants in London and the Cleveland Browns in London.
The entire Vikings schedule is considered one of the toughest in recent memory, with McCarthy facing stiff challenges against top teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens. Even before the season begins, experts are warning that Minnesota will face a tough road ahead.
“It’s fair to assume the Vikings will know just how to attack Sam Darnold in Week 13,” said NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha. “There’s surely still a lot of love between the Vikings and Darnold because of how he performed in leading Minnesota to a 14-win season.”
McCarthy, however, has his work cut out for him as he navigates this challenging schedule. The Vikings’ first four games will see McCarthy face off against top opponents, with only a bye week breaking up the intense stretch.
Source: https://vikingsterritory.com/2025/news/top_news/j-j-mccarthy-get-trial