The former first-round pick lost the starting quarterback competition to newcomer Kyler Murray and is rumored to have been demoted to third-string quarterback behind veteran Carson Wentz. As a result, Fox Sports radio host Jason Smith had some harsh words for the Vikings regarding what they should do with McCarthy.

Kevin O'Connell wants to keep working with J.J. McCarthy? He could be traded before Week 1? The McCarthy rumor mill is a mess.

Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season is looming, and here's Sports Illustrated's Trevor Ripley's confidence level in how prepared each rookie is to step in and play.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (9-8) Expectations The Vikings are in the rather favorable position of lurking in the shadows of the assumed NFC front-runners, after the rough debut at quarterback by J.J. McCarthy and persistent injury absences along the offensive line in 2025 pushed them to 28th in total yards with a per-game average (275) that was the lowest for the franchise since 1971.

Whether you're a Minnesota native or an out-of-state fan, here's how you can watch all 17 Vikings games in 2026.

Free agent Kyler Murray clearly impressed Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell throughout springtime workouts and the early days of training camp, as O’Connell named Murray the club's Week 1 starting quarterback over third-year pro J.J. McCarthy before Minnesota's preseason opener in August.

The Minnesota Vikings play against the Denver Broncos in an NFL preseason game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. CT on NFL Network. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DIRECTV and FuboTV.

The Minnesota Vikings received a strong Jake Golday outlook ahead of their Week 1 game against the Green Bay Packers.