New Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy will face intense scrutiny in his first year under center, with the team set to play seven nationally televised games, including four nighttime kickoffs. The high-profile schedule is a result of the Vikings’ successful 2024 season, which earned them a spot among NFL’s prime-time darlings.
McCarthy, who began the offseason program in April, has expressed his comfort playing in competitive environments. He cited a quote from people with ADHD, saying they find calm in chaos and chaos in calmness. McCarthy believes he thrives in high-pressure situations, having experienced success at Michigan University, where crowds of 110,000 fans fueled his competitive drive.
The Vikings’ 2025 regular-season schedule includes Week 1’s matchup against the Bears on Monday Night Football, with McCarthy set to make his first NFL start. He will face a divisional test against new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who led the Lions’ offense last season. The game takes place on September 8 at 7:15 p.m., ESPN/ABC.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-2025-nfl-schedule-prime-time-games-jj-mccarthy/601349757