Can the Vikings be the Houston Texans in 2023?

A season ago, the Houston Texans entered the year with uncertain expectations. They drafted CJ Stroud out of Ohio State with the 2nd overall pick. Losing to Alabama’s Bryce Young, they found themselves in an interesting position. The Minnesota Vikings have some similarities heading into the 2024 season, and Kevin O’Connell would like to see his team follow the same path.

Can the Vikings be the Houston Texans in 2023?

When the Minnesota Vikings drafted JJ McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they didn’t think they would start him in Week 1. They signed Sam Darnold as a veteran option because he could carry the load in an ideal situation. and it would give the beginner time to build. No matter how it plays out, the Vikings could be an underdog team.

One of the biggest obstacles for Minnesota is that they will be without a key offensive weapon, TJ Hockenson, for a significant portion of the season. With his knee blowing out late in the year, it was impossible to expect him to return any sooner, and alongside an elite pair of pass catchers, he’s certainly their best option. Having a consistent, close presence is beneficial with Darnold or McCarthy under center. Hockenson won’t be able to provide that, meaning they’ll have to look elsewhere.

The third wide receiver remains largely up in the air. Brandon Powell might be an answer, but it raises a lot of question marks when it comes to a consistent level of availability. The signing of former Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan helps, and it also shows that Minnesota understands that they could be without the ideal option for a while.

It might be the backfield that represents the best path forward. With Aaron Jones joining Ty Chandler, O’Connell has a much better one-two punch than he did a season ago, and giving uncertain quarterbacks that luxury is a nice step forward. Either way, the offense will need to regroup if it wants to complete what should be an improved defensive unit.

Expectations remain high for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. However, none of them are heavyweights, leaving open the possibility that Minnesota could compete if they can set a winning record. The 2023 Texans went just 10-7, and perfection is not something that will be required to win the NFC North. No one should be considered capable of running away with the division, and that gives the Vikings confidence that a good performance will put them in the thick of things.

It’s a safe bet that Minnesota has a rough season in 2024, but there’s more than a slim hope that they put teams on notice and shock the league. If Darnold emerges as a legitimate option, or if McCarthy is the cream of the crop, the sky becomes the limit.

Ted Schwerzler is a Twin Cities blogger focusing on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He is active on Twitter and writes every week for Everyday twins. As a former college athlete and sports fan, covering our professional teams with passion always seemed like such a natural outlet.