Vikings best-case scenario and how they must approach QB in 2026

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins host Michael Rand for an all Vikings edition of Daily Delivery on this fine Thanksgiving. After Rand gives an update on J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer, Neal and Rand get into the best-case QB scenario for the rest of this year, contingency plans for 2026 and whether the Vikings need a more thorough rebuild.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with one of his favorite "two things can be true" ideas. J.J. McCarthy has been historically bad AND it's too soon to give up on him. But it's not too soon to think about what might happen if things don't work out. 9:00: Chris Hine joins Rand to talk about the Timberwolves, who have blown big late leads in each of their last two losses. 28:00: Randy Johnson on Gophers football. 36:00: History for St. Thomas.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with Monday's big news: J.J. McCarthy is in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms. That could very well pave the way for Max Brosmer's first career start. What would that mean and what will that look like for the Vikings? 10:00: The ugly film review from the Vikings' 23-6 loss to the Packers. 33:00: Vikings poetry and monster trucks. 50:00: The Wolves and Loons lost late.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at a bleak weekend in Minnesota sports. The Wolves lost in agonizing fashion. The Gophers football team blew a big lead. And the Vikings saved the worst for last.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with the Minnesota Frost, who have won PWHL titles in their first two years and are trying for a third. With the season set to start Friday, here's a look at how different this franchise feels from others in the state. 5:00: Judd Zulgad from SKOR North joins Rand for an extended Vikings conversation. They look at the J.J. McCarthy Paradox, list their three most disappointing Vikings and set the stage for Sunday at Lambeau. 42:00: It's a big sports weekend.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another strong performance by Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt and what that means for the team. Plus a Wolves win and Twins TV information. 8:00: Star Tribune Twins writer Bobby Nightengale joins the show for an offseason update. The organization feels like it's stalled right now. When can we expect answers on payroll and an actual path forward? 31:00: Another J.J. McCarthy-ism.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand runs through a bunch of stories at the start, with the Gophers men's basketball escaping with another win, the Twins making a few moves and the Wild and Wolves set to play Wednesday. 8:00: Randy Johnson joins the show to talk Gophers football ahead of a big game Saturday at Northwestern. 18:00: Jon Marthaler on Minnesota United's upcoming conference semifinal playoff game at San Diego and MLS's schedule flip. 34:00: We're getting a pro volleyball team.

Introduction: Host Michael Rand starts with another Wolves win over another bad team, noting in this case that the NBA seems to be full of hopeless teams this season. 7:00: Andrew Krammer joins for a deep dive film review from J.J. McCarthy's struggles in Minnesota's 19-17 loss Sunday. 32:00: Vikings poetry. 48:00: Kevin O'Connell diagnoses the Vikings' biggest problem.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse joins host Michael Rand for a look back at the weekend in sports, starting with a 19-17 Vikings loss in which young QB J.J. McCarthy looked helpless at times. Plus another Gophers football blowout loss, a Wild resurgence and more.

Michael Rand breaks down the Vikings' 19-17 loss to the Bears.