Football is back, and Stitch and BJ opened the latest episode of “Vikings Water Cooler Talk” by breaking down Minnesota’s quarterback situation, the return of a franchise legend and the Vikings’ Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

The show is sponsored by GameDay Men’s Health of Rapid City.

The biggest news entering the season involves Minnesota’s quarterback depth chart. The hosts discussed coach Kevin O’Connell’s announcement that J.J. McCarthy will enter Week 1 as the team’s third quarterback, behind starter Kyler Murray and veteran backup Carson Wentz.

McCarthy’s position raised questions about his future with the organization, but Stitch and BJ agreed that trading him now would likely bring little value in return. They said the Vikings would be better served by continuing to develop the former first-round selection.

Even if McCarthy remains the third quarterback throughout the season, the hosts believe Minnesota should remain patient rather than give up on its investment.

The announcement also created an opportunity for Stitch and BJ to embrace their newest rallying cry: “It’s Wentz time.”

Wentz, a North Dakota native and former No. 2 overall draft pick, gives Minnesota an experienced backup who once appeared headed toward an NFL Most Valuable Player award before suffering a major knee injury with Philadelphia.

While the quarterback room remains one of the team’s biggest questions, optimism surrounding the Vikings continues to grow. Stitch and BJ pointed to Minnesota’s defense, talented group of receivers and improved health along the offensive line as reasons the team could contend for the NFC North championship.

Much of the season could depend on what O’Connell is able to get out of Murray.

The hosts said Murray does not necessarily need to return to the exact form he showed earlier in his career. Instead, Minnesota must build an offense around his mobility and ability to distribute the ball to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and the team’s tight ends.

The running game could also play a larger role. Stitch and BJ expect Aaron Jones to remain valuable as a receiver, while Jordan Mason handles more of the work between the tackles.

A more consistent rushing attack would help open opportunities downfield and prevent Minnesota from becoming as predictable as it was at times last season.

The Vikings also welcomed back safety Harrison Smith, giving defensive coordinator Brian Flores one of the most important leaders in his system. Although Smith could be on a limited snap count early in the season, the hosts expect him to play against Green Bay.

Minnesota has also added veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy to the practice squad. Stitch and BJ said his familiarity with the defensive system could benefit younger pass rushers, including Dallas Turner.

The hosts believe Minnesota is entering the opener as healthy as it has been in some time. They expect the Vikings to defeat the Packers, with BJ predicting a double-digit victory.

Green Bay’s secondary and the absence of Micah Parsons were identified as potential weaknesses Minnesota could exploit.

The episode also included a full-season prediction generated by ChatGPT, which projected the Vikings to finish 11-6 and place second in the NFC North. Stitch and BJ said that record was realistic, although they questioned some of the individual results, including a projected late-season loss to the New York Jets.

Both hosts believe 11 or 12 victories could put Minnesota in position to win the division.

Beyond the Vikings, Stitch and BJ discussed the NFL’s expanding international schedule, including the Rams and 49ers playing in Australia. They questioned how long-distance travel and differences in arrival schedules could affect player preparation and recovery.

The episode concluded with the return of SKOL Picks, the show’s weekly NFL prediction contest.

Listeners can participate through ESPN’s NFL Pick’em game by searching for the group “Home Slice SKOL Picks.” The password is “Homeslice24,” with a capital H. The contest is played for bragging rights, and top performers may be recognized during the show.

Story created by 

Brandon Jones and Mitchel Stafford

You can find this podcast every Friday afternoon on The Cowboy 104.7fm/920am 

WEEK 1 SKOL PICKS

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks
Stitch: Seahawks
BJ: Patriots

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Australia
Stitch: Rams
BJ: 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
Stitch: Bengals
BJ: Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions
Stitch: Lions
BJ: Lions

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
Stitch: Titans
BJ: Titans

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
Stitch: Ravens
BJ: Ravens

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers
Stitch: Steelers
BJ: Steelers

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
Stitch: Bears
BJ: Panthers

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
Stitch: Jaguars
BJ: Jaguars

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
Stitch: Bills
BJ: Texans

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders
Stitch: Raiders
BJ: Raiders

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Stitch: Vikings
BJ: Vikings

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles
Stitch: Eagles
BJ: Eagles

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers
Stitch: Chargers
BJ: Chargers

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
Stitch: Cowboys
BJ: Giants

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs
Stitch: Broncos
BJ: Chiefs