Vikings Poised for 5th Toughet Schedule Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

The Minnesota Vikings have exhausted all resources to piece together a championship-caliber roster for the upcoming season.

They've invested approximately $300 million in 14 incoming free agents. They spent a first-round pick on a new starting guard in Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) to cap three new starters on the offensive line.

The car is fully tuned for J.J. McCarthy to take it for his first joyride and see how far he can go.

However, the road ahead looks treacherous for the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) at Vikings training camp

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, Minnesota has the fifth-toughest schedule in the league this upcoming season.

The Vikings' strength of schedule hinges largely on the NFC North being one of the most competitive divisions a year ago. Minnesota also has to face the NFC East -- consisting of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, playoff contender Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants.

The Vikings will also play all four teams in the AFC North -- the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

A common thread with many of these teams -- dangerous pass-rushers who could make things messy for McCarthy.

Five teams the Vikings face this season ranked in the top 10p-10 in total pressures last season. The Steelers, Eagles, Browns and Cowboys finished last season with the top-four pass-rushing grades by Pro Football Focus (PFF), respectively.

The onus will be on the Vikings' supporting cast to keep McCarthy clean as he develops and catches up to the speed of the NFL.

How the tough string of opponents plays out on the schedule will be announced on by the league on May 14.