The Minnesota Vikings are in an interesting spot going into the 2025 season.

As things currently sit (and how they project to stay), the Vikings will be starting J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. It’s one of the main reasons why the betting markets and national media are so low on the Vikings going into the quiet part of the offseason.

In collecting power rankings from across the league, the Vikings made the top 10 just twice, while ranking as low as 18th.

Vikings rank 9th in ESPN power rankings

One area where the Vikings have improved the most over the offseason is the offensive line. It’s now one of the best units in the National Football League, and something that ESPN’s Kevin Seifert highlighted during ESPN’s power rankings, where the Vikings ranked ninth in the NFL.

Most improved position: Interior offensive line

The Vikings overhauled all three positions of their interior offensive line, committing $106 million in free agency to sign center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries. They used their first-round draft choice on Donovan Jackson, who will likely be their new left guard. The area was a major need for improvement. Their centers and guards all ranked in the bottom 10 last season in run block win rate. In 2025, the Vikings will likely have three first-round picks (Jackson, Kelly and left tackle Christian Darrisaw) and one second-round pick (right tackle Brian O’Neill) in their starting lineup. — Kevin Seifert

It’s refreshing to see the Vikings be discussed without the element of McCarthy being a first-time starter. Yes, it’s a variable, but having a top-five offensive line and top-five group of weapons will make things much easier.

Those elements aren’t discussed enough when it comes to the Vikings, and it should be.