Editing Minnesota Vikings (section)

==== 2024 ====
{{main|2024 Minnesota Vikings season}}
While first-round draft pick JJ McCarthy was originally speculated to have the opportunity to be a starter, battling for the QB1 positions with journeyman backup [[Sam Darnold]], who had been signed in the offseason.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Ragatz |first=Will |date=May 1, 2024 |title=How Soon Will J.J. McCarthy Start at QB for the Vikings? |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/news/how-soon-jj-mccarthy-start-qb-vikings-darnold |access-date=February 1, 2025 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> However, after encountering knee swelling the day after his NFL debut in a pre-season game, McCarthy underwent knee surgery for his [[meniscus (anatomy)|meniscus]], ending his season.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peters |first=Craig |date=November 13, 2024 |title=J.J. McCarthy Undergoes Procedure, Remains on Original Timeline |url=https://www.vikings.com/news/jj-mccarthy-surgery-meniscus-injury-update-2024 |access-date=February 1, 2025 |work=Vikings.com}}</ref> Darnold became the starter, but there was not much excitement around him.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Basile-vaughan |first=Tarringo |date=August 15, 2024 |title=Vikings QB dreams thwarted with J.J. McCarthy injury, but don't sleep on Sam Darnold |url=https://nflmocks.com/posts/vikings-qb-dreams-thwarted-with-j-j-mccarthy-injury-but-don-t-sleep-on-sam-darnold-01j5ansqv2q7 |access-date=February 1, 2025 |work=NFL Mocks |language=en-us}}</ref> Initial predictions for the Vikings record were shaky, with estimations such as 9–8 and 7–10.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nelson |first=Joe |date=September 6, 2024 |title=Game-by-game, final record predictions from the Vikings On SI staff |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/reactions/game-by-game-final-record-predictions-from-the-vikings-on-si-staff-01j6z2p1dvep |access-date=February 1, 2025 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> Darnold, however, had a breakout season, by week 17 leading the Vikings to a 14–2 record, becoming the first quarterback in the NFL to win 14 games in their first season with a team.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Seifert |first1=Kevin |title=Darnold greeted by 'mayhem' after key Vikings win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43217375/vikings-celebrate-sam-darnold-key-win-packers |access-date=December 30, 2024 |work=[[ESPN]] |date=December 30, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>