Potential for a Minnesota Vikings playoff run relies on one major aspect

The Minnesota Vikings have themselves set up for a playoff run in 2025. Head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have worked really hard to build up a complete team to maximize the rookie quarterback contract window.

That aspect is going to play huge for the Vikings this year, as their biggest question lies in the hands of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. What will he be for the Vikings? CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin opined on it.

It's rare you find a team so equipped for a deep playoff run yet without so much as a morsel of certainty under center. J.J. McCarthy may have the full support of a winning staff led by Kevin O'Connell, whose chief strength besides perpetual "Minnesota Nice" optimism is maximizing his quarterbacks, but he's still a 22-year-old with zero real NFL snaps under his belt. Facing not only a difficult schedule but inflated expectations from fans who watched Sam Darnold win 14 games a year ago, he's at least got the weapons and staff to aid his debut.

J.J. McCarthy questions are crucial for Minnesota Vikings success

We've parsed out the future of McCarthy multiple times over the last few months. From what a season under center might look like to the surroundings he's walking into, it's been the offseasons biggest talking point. Getting those answers will only come with time, but it's an important aspect.

Despite never having taken an NFL snap, McCarthy spent last season with the Vikings in the film room and game planning. That experience will help him more than you can imagine. It's a full year in the system and learning from O'Connell and former NFL quarterback turned quarterbacks coach Josh McCown.

The best part about where things stand with McCarthy is that he doesn't need to be great right away. He just needs to be average. They have a roster that is quarterback proof.

If McCarthy thrives in his first year as a starter, the Vikings could make some serious waves this year.