In a controversial take that’s already sparking backlash from fans across the Midwest, sports personality Colin Cowherd declared that the Minnesota Vikings have the “worst roster in the NFC North” and are headed for a last-place finish in the 2025 season.
Speaking on his FS1 show The Herd with Colin Cowherd earlier this week, the veteran analyst criticized the Vikings’ offseason decisions, depth chart, and long-term direction under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell.
“Look, I love the fans in Minnesota, but let’s be honest — this roster is a mess,” Cowherd said. “They don’t have an elite quarterback, their defense is average at best, and in a division with ascending teams like the Lions and Packers, the Vikings are simply not built to compete right now.”
A Harsh Assessment
Cowherd’s statement comes on the heels of a major transition period for the Vikings. After parting ways with longtime quarterback Kirk Cousins, Minnesota is looking to rebuild with younger talent — including recent first-round draft pick Jaxon Keller, a highly touted prospect out of Oregon. While Keller has sparked optimism among fans, Cowherd remained unconvinced.
“I’m not sold on the rookie quarterback stepping in and winning games right away,” Cowherd said. “This isn’t college football. You don’t just walk into the NFC North and outduel Jordan Love, Jared Goff, or even Caleb Williams in Chicago.”
Cowherd ranked the NFC North rosters as follows:
Detroit Lions – “Complete team with a top offensive line and a rising defense.”
Green Bay Packers – “Great young quarterback, solid coaching, and speed all over the field.”
Chicago Bears – “Still raw, but Caleb Williams and the revamped offense have insane upside.”
Minnesota Vikings – “In transition, with too many unknowns and not enough elite talent.”
Vikings Fans Fire Back
As expected, Cowherd’s remarks did not sit well with Vikings fans.
Social media exploded with responses from Minnesotans defending the team’s offseason moves and the coaching staff’s ability to develop young talent.
One popular reply on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“Funny how Colin forgets we still have Justin Jefferson, one of the best players in the league. Worst roster? That’s just lazy analysis.”
Another fan added:
“This is exactly what fuels us. Underestimate Minnesota and we’ll prove you wrong — like we always do.”
Players and Coaches Stay Focused
Inside the Vikings locker room, the team remained tight-lipped on the criticism. However, sources say the comment hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“We don’t pay attention to outside noise,” said head coach Kevin O’Connell when asked during a media appearance. “Our job is to prepare, improve, and win football games. That’s what we’re focused on.”
Rookie quarterback Jaxon Keller also responded subtly in a social media post featuring a photo from training camp with the caption: “Let them talk. We’ll work.”
A Season to Prove the Doubters Wrong
While the Vikings may not be considered favorites in the NFC North, they are far from irrelevant. With elite offensive talent like Justin Jefferson, emerging stars like Jordan Addison, and a revamped defensive scheme under coordinator Brian Flores, Minnesota still has pieces in place that could surprise doubters.
The Vikings’ schedule this year includes early divisional matchups that may quickly silence critics or confirm Cowherd’s prediction. Either way, the stage is set for a season filled with high stakes, higher expectations, and an opportunity to rewrite the narrative.
For now, the pressure is on — and the Vikings wouldn’t have it any other way.
As one fan boldly put it: “Worst roster or not, we’ve got heart. And that’s something you can’t measure in stats or on a talk show.”
