The Minnesota Vikings were one of the best teams in the league last season, and they still finished second in their own division. In Week 18, Minnesota lost a de facto NFC North Championship to the Detroit Lions, who won their second straight division title. Entering the 2025 season, both teams are hoping to be back atop the competitive division, and the Vikings are hoping they can finally knock off Detroit.
While Minnesota officially moved on to J.J. McCarthy as QB1 this offseason, the franchise has also made a hosts of other moves, especially on the defensive side of the ball, to improve. In Detroit, however, the offseason hasn’t been as productive. In a recent piece in The Athletic, looking at one lingering question for every team, reporter Colton Pouncy asked if the Lions’ offensive line will take a step back in 2025.
"The Lions’ offensive line, viewed as one of the league’s best for several seasons now, is in a transitional period... Penei Sewell is still here, and the team has added a trio of young interior linemen in Christian Mahogany, Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier in recent years. They represent the next wave. But there could be growing pains along the way."Colton Pouncy (The Athletic)
Offensive line uncertainty could help Vikings finally pass Lions
As Pouncy highlighted, Detroit’s offensive line has really been the engine of their turnaround from the laughingstock of the NFL to perennial contenders. However, following the surprising retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, there are concerns about how good the line will be next season, especially on the interior.
In addition to offensive line concerns, the Lions will also have two new coordinators, with Ben Johnson taking over as head coach for the Chicago Bears, and Aaron Glenn leading the way for the New York Jets. All the change could result in a vulnerable Detroit team, so the Vikings need to be prepared to take advantage.
While Minnesota is dealing with change at the most important position, set to start an inexperienced quarterback coming off an injury, the continuity the Vikings have everywhere else could help them finally claim the NFC North throne again.