The final game of J.J. McCarthy's first year as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback was a fitting end to his roller-coaster season. There was some good, some bad and more injury concerns that leave the Vikings continuing to wonder if he's their franchise quarterback.

The Minnesota Vikings will head into the 2026 offseason with a five-game winning streak under their belt. They battled back from 4-8 on the season to finish 9-8 and prove that, regardless of the quarterback play, this defense in its current form can help them overcome a lot.

Harrison Smith’s 14th year as a steadying presence and energizing force in the secondary for the Minnesota Vikings has hardly been smooth.

Harrison Smith gets huge ovation as he finishes the Vikings' final game of season and likely steps into retirement

The Minnesota Vikings are heading into their final game of the year as they take a four-game winning streak into their matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Their division rival does not have much to play for, so the Vikings may benefit from playing their backups as they get ready for the playoffs.