OTA prediction spells doom for Vikings' J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings will be a close watch as OTAs begin and later in training camp as J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray battle it out to see who will be Kevin O'Connell's starter in 2026.

Now, for most, this is a one-horse race, as Murray is clearly a better quarterback right now and gives the Vikings a better chance at winning now.

Others think McCarthy could surprise and outlast Murray in the race for the starter role, but those people are few and far between.

And Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has the quarterback battle ending one way.

"The thing is, this probably isn't going to be much of a battle," Davenport wrote. "Murray's last few seasons have not been his best, but even then he has been better than McCarthy in just about every statistical category.

"Murray is also a former Offensive Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowler who has shown he can take a team to the playoffs. If head coach Kevin O'Connell can work half the magic with Murray he did with Sam Darnold, the Vikings could be a formidable team this season."

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Is QB role Murray's to lose?

Everything I've read and heard all point to this being a win for Murray, and it's not even close. In fact, I don't think I've seen anyone who legitimately thinks J.J. can win this battle (there might be, I just having seen it).

That speaks volumes. 

It is also worth keeping in mind that 2025 was McCarthy's first year as a starter, and for most quarterbacks, that first year is tough sledding. But what isn't in J.J.'s favor is that the Vikings have built a roster to win now, not in three or four years.

Hence, Kyler seems like the one who will win this battle because he gives O'Connell the best chance at a deep postseason run.

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