The Minnesota Vikings were expecting some rough parts to the first half of their season with the development of quarterback J

The Vikings' massive upset win over the Lions on Sunday has revived their playoff hopes and given fans a reason to dream about what the rest of this season might hold with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. The win got the Vikings back to .500 at 4-4, kept them perfect within their division, and breathed life into their season in more ways than one.

The Vikings need depth at two important positions ahead of the NFL trade deadline: CB and QB. Could a Kirk Cousins reunion be in the cards?

The Minnesota Vikings were all-in on developing quarterback J.J. McCarthy this season, after his rookie year was lost to injury, with the belief they could insulate him from some of the natural struggles of inexperience by surrounding him with a stacked veteran team and a savvy coaching staff.

Fresh off a bye week that came at a great time for the Detroit Lions, Dan Campbell's gritty bunch hosts the Minnesota Vikings in a 1 p.m. kickoff. The 5-2 Lions are looking to keep the recent dominance over Minnesota rolling in the first meeting of the NFC North foes in 2025.

The former first-round pick is expected to start in Week 9 against the Lions, and Minnesota needs him to play like he did at Michigan.

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell made the choice to rely on veteran free agents instead of young drafted players, and now the Vikings are paying the price with a 3-4 record.

The Minnesota Vikings visit the Detroit Lions Sunday afternoon in Week 9. Kickoff from Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, is slated for 1 p.m. ET

Wentz proved to be a warrior, playing through a serious injury, but now it's time to see what McCarthy can do.