If you want a snapshot of where the Minnesota Vikings stand in Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, look no further than the betting line. Despite being at home and sporting a slightly better record than the visiting Washington Commanders, the Vikings opened the week as underdogs-and that tells you a lot.
The Commanders, sitting at 3-9, got a boost when news broke that rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to return after missing the last four games. That immediately shifted the odds, with Washington climbing to 1.5-point road favorites at U.S.
Bank Stadium. On the surface, it’s a battle between two struggling teams.
But underneath, it’s a critical evaluation point for both franchises-especially Minnesota, who will also be rolling out their rookie quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
The question, as it has been too often this season for the Vikings, is: who’s going to protect him?
Christian Darrisaw expected to return, but questions linger
The good news for Minnesota is that left tackle Christian Darrisaw is expected to suit up. After being listed as “questionable” with a knee injury on the final injury report, the signs have been trending positive all week.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell hinted at optimism during media availability, and by Saturday night, that optimism turned into near-certainty. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Darrisaw is on track to play, giving McCarthy a critical piece of protection on his blindside.
That’s a big deal. When healthy, Darrisaw is one of the most reliable tackles in the league, and his presence alone can elevate the entire line’s performance. For a rookie quarterback still trying to find his rhythm in a tough season, having his left tackle back could be the difference between a clean pocket and a long afternoon.
Donovan Jackson remains a question mark
While Darrisaw’s return is a boost, the Vikings are still waiting on the status of rookie left guard Donovan Jackson, who’s also listed as questionable. Like Darrisaw, Jackson has played in just nine games this season.
And like most rookie linemen, his performance has had its ups and downs. When he’s on, Jackson has flashed the kind of interior strength and mobility that made him a Day 2 pick.
But consistency has been elusive.
The Vikings selected Jackson with the hope that he could help solidify the interior of the offensive line-a group that has struggled to stay healthy and cohesive all year. When Jackson is in the lineup and playing well, it opens up more of the playbook for McCarthy. But if he’s out or limited, Minnesota could be forced to shuffle the line again, which is less than ideal for a young quarterback still learning the speed of the NFL.
More than just a game-this is about the future
Let’s be real: at 4-8, the Vikings aren’t playing for the playoffs. They’re playing for answers.
J.J. McCarthy needs reps, and he needs them behind a functioning offensive line.
Every snap from here on out is part of the long-term evaluation process. Minnesota’s front office, led by GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, needs to know what they have in McCarthy before they head into another offseason with potential draft capital and cap space in hand.
That’s why getting Darrisaw back-and hopefully Jackson, too-is so important. It’s not just about trying to win a game against Washington.
It’s about giving McCarthy a fair shot to show what he can do in a controlled environment. Because if the Vikings want to build around him, they need to see growth.
And if they’re unsure, they need to know that now-not in April when they’re on the clock.
So while this Sunday’s matchup might not have playoff implications, it carries plenty of weight in Minnesota. The Vikings aren’t just trying to win-they’re trying to figure out their future. And that starts with getting their offensive line healthy and giving their rookie quarterback a fighting chance.