Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne during a June minicamp practice.

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Jordan Addison has outperformed Christian Watson in every metric, so the price to extend Addison just got a lot more expensive.

Nov 1, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) pauses while warming up before a game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

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Arch Manning and the Minnesota Vikings? That's just crazy, right? Not necessarily.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

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An anonymous NFL GM claims J.J. McCarthy wants out of Minnesota and questions the young quarterback's maturity in a new report that raises eyebrows around the Vikings.

NFL Minnesota Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler Sr.

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Cam Dantzler, the former Minnesota Vikings cornerback, was kicked out of a United Football League game on Sunday for throwing a haymaker during a wild scuffle between the Louisville Kings and the Columbus Aviators.

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) leaves the field after a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

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McCarthy has been on the receiving end of harsh criticism, although some hot takes have reached a level of stupidity that doesn't match reality.

Kyler Murray speaking at his introductory press conference.

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Frank Smith, in his first season as the assistant head coach under Kevin O'Connell with the Vikings, was in top form with coach speak as he dodged a question about a potential quarterback competition between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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Tom Pelissero's dedication to publicly expressing his belief that Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will battle for the QB1 job in Minnesota isn't slowing down; it's speeding up.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes the ball against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 34-13

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Kyler Murray has put up solid numbers against almost every team the Vikings will face in 2026.

Vikings fans wait for their team picks during the final day of the NFL Draft Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn.

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The NFL could reveal the 2028 NFL Draft plans during the annual spring meetings, which are happening Tuesday-Wednesday in Orlando.

Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) greets Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) following a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

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Every other season has produced double-digit wins under Kevin O'Connell, and that trend suggests a big 2026 for the Minnesota Vikings.

Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts as San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) looks on during the second quarter U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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The NFL schedule will be unveiled this week, but leaks are providing some context for what Minnesota's 2026 schedule could look like.

Vikings Patrick Peterson celebrates as Bills quarterback Josh Allen walks off the field. Minnesota scored when Allen didn t handle the snap at the goal line and the Vikings recovered the ball in the end zone.

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With the NFL schedule coming out this week, we'll finally understand where and when the Minnesota Vikings will be playing during the 2026 season. One of the big questions is how many national TV games, including those in primetime, they'll have.

Joe Nelson

Joined: Jun 1, 2024

The 5 Biggest Vikings Mysteries That Won't Be Solved Until Training Camp

The Positive Reviews Just Keep Rolling In for J.J. McCarthy

Vikings OC Sidesteps QB Controversy, Praises J.J. McCarthy's 'Upward Arrow'

As Kyler Murray Takes Hold of QB1, Pelissero Wonders if Vikings Could Trade J.J. McCarthy

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Christian Watson Just Made Jordan Addison More Expensive for the Vikings

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Could the Vikings Become Arch Manning's Preferred NFL Destination?

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New Report Suggests J.J. McCarthy Wants Out of Minnesota, Questions His Maturity

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Yes, That Was a Former Vikings Player Ejected From a UFL Game for Throwing a Punch

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The J.J. McCarthy Reaction Is Getting Out of Control

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Vikings Coach Offers Non-Answer on Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy Debate

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Why the Vikings Keeping J.J. McCarthy Doesn't Prove He's Competing for QB1

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Kyler Murray's History Against Each Team on the Vikings' 2026 Schedule

Twin Cities, Vikings Expected to Officially Land 2028 NFL Draft This Week

Predicting Every Vikings Game Score and Final Record in 2026

Vikings Officially Set for Mexico City Game Against 49ers

Predicting the Vikings' Primetime Games for the 2026 NFL Season