The Minnesota Vikings had an interesting season. Their 2025 NFL season may have ended with a 9-8 record, but their journey there was a roller coaster of emotions, inconsistent play, and injuries all over the field.
If not for ending the season with five consecutive wins, this season would be remembered for disappointment and frustration. Instead, there is some hope that this team can continue to take steps forward toward being a competitive squad.
Some players had a bigger impact on the team than others. Whether they played well or struggled, these five players left their mark on the Vikings' 2025 season.
Minnesota Vikings Winners and Losers from the 2025 NFL season
Vikings Winner No. 1
Will Reichard - K
In a season full of inconsistency and mistakes, Minnesota kicker Will Reichard was the shining example of greatness for the team.
The former Alabama kicker was 33-for-35 on field goals, with both his misses coming from at least 50 yards out. There is also the debate about hitting the cables in the stadium that kept him from making the Pro Bowl.
He was perfect on extra points, hitting all 31. It is pretty wild to think that 130 of Minnesota's 344 points came from Reichard making a kick. The purple and gold should feel more than comfortable bringing him back next season.
Vikings Loser No. 1
J.J. McCarthy - QB
Being patient with a young quarterback is important, but J.J. McCarthy has only played in 10 of his first 34 games for the Vikings. With all of those games coming this season, he threw for 1.632 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 interceptions on his way to a 36.2 QBR.
More evaluation is needed on McCarthy, but he needs to be healthy enough to play to do that. Minnesota needs to put more effort into finding a capable backup to mentor and push the former University of Michigan quarterback to continue improving.
Vikings Winner No. 2
Jalen Nailor - WR
Coming into the season, the Vikings traded for Adam Thielen when they lost Rondale Moore for the season due to an injury. That costly trade was foolish since "Speedy" Jalen Nailor was the wide receiver who stepped up to be the team's WR3.
Nailor had the best season of his career so far. He caught 29 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 23 first downs for the purple and gold. Sadly, he is expected to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason unless he signs an extension before then.
Vikings Loser No. 2
Ivan Pace Jr. - ILB
A former owner of the green dot in the defense, the fall of Ivan Pace Jr. this season has been scary. He lost his starting job to Eric Wilson, but then still struggled when he took the field in a backup or rotational role for the Vikings.
The question of what the future holds for Pace has to be asked now. He becomes a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning that the Vikings can match any offer made by another team. But at this point, they might not be willing to do that.
Vikings Winner No. 3
Harrison Smith - S
14 seasons with the Vikings is quite a legacy. His decision to return for the 2025 NFL season might not have worked out the way he hoped it would, but the veteran safety played well and was an important part of a Brian Flores defense that was dominant at times.
The standing ovation and love from his teammates that Smith experienced in Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers should be enough to convince fans that he is hanging up his cleats for good. Minnesota's defense won't look the same without him.