- J.J. McCarthy shows flashes of Joe Burrow, according to All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
- The Minnesota Vikings quarterback projects for 3600.5 passing yards, 24.5 passing touchdowns, and 13.5 interceptions at BetOnline Sportsbook.
- Jefferson’s comparison of McCarthy to Burrow inspires confidence in Minnesota’s +2500 Super Bowl odds.
MINNEAPOLIS – Did Justin Jefferson essentially say that J.J. McCarthy will be Joe Burrow? Well, that’s our takeaway from Jefferson’s comments about the second-year quarterback during Saturday’s sideline interview.
The Vikings’ All-Pro wide receiver was interviewed during the third quarter of Minnesota’s preseason game with the Houston Texans. When talking about a practice scuffle that broke out involving JJ McCarthy, Jefferson was asked if he’d want to see McCarthy involved or stay out of it to protect himself.
“I’m definitely on the too valuable part, but I do like a little scrappiness. I do like that fire in their eyes. I love that.” McCarthy claimed his “hockey background” made him gravitate to the fighting, which received mixed reviews from players and coaches.
Justin Jefferson Compares McCarthy To Joe Burrow
Jefferson went on to say McCarthy reminded him of Joe Burrow during their time at LSU.
“I always have a story for when Joe Burrow, the year before we went to the National Championship, had a good practice against our defense and we had a scuffle. He was the main one in that scuffle so, hey, I like it. I’m not shying from it at all, but we do have to protect him [McCarthy] and make sure he’s in the huddle every day, not over here on the sideline.”
Essentially, Jefferson recognized that McCarthy possesses the same competitive fire that Burrow has. That scrappiness could be the key for McCarthy to surpass his legal sports betting projections at BetOnline for his first season as an NFL starter.
J.J. McCarthy Season Props
- Over/Under 24.5 Passing Touchdowns
- Over/Under 3600.5 Passing Yards
- Over/Under 13.5 Interceptions
- Comeback Player Of The Year +600
- NFL MVP +8000
Joe Burrow won the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2024 and 2021. Could McCarthy follow in his footsteps and bring home the award at +600 odds?
McCarthy’s Success Is The Key For Vikings Futures Props
If McCarthy plays anything like Burrow has over the last few seasons, the Vikings will be in a good spot to cash some futures props at legal NFL betting sites. There are long +325 odds for the Vikings to win the NFC North and -165 odds to go over their 8.5-win projection.
Minnesota Vikings Futures Odds
- Super Bowl LX +2500
- NFC Championship +1000
- #1 NFC Seed +1000
- NFC North Winner +325
- To Make Playoffs -115
- Over 8.5 Wins -165
- Under 8.5 Wins +135
Minnesota won 14 games last season and missed out on the divisional crown in a crushing defeat to the Detroit Lions. The Vikings’ -115 odds to make the playoffs at BetOnline are a great bet if you believe in J.J. McCarthy as much as Justin Jefferson does.
