Have you ever been in one of those relationships with someone, whether a friend, family member, workplace associate, or romantic partner, where both people struggle to have a productive relationship but thrive when apart? It feels like that's exactly what is happening with the Minnesota Vikings and J.J. McCarthy.

The Vikings moved J.J. McCarthy to third-string this season after an injury-plagued, mixed performance as their starter last season. Now, former Cardinals starter Kyler Murray has inherited that role and led the Vikings to a 6-0 start for the first time since 2009, after their win Sunday against the Colts.

Meanwhile, McCarthy landed with the New York Giants, led by veteran, Super Bowl-champion head coach John Harbaugh. But after losing starter Jaxson Dart for the year in the season's opening weeks, they needed a reliable starter. That's where McCarthy comes into play.

The Giants allowed McCarthy to relieve Jameis Winston last week while trailing the Saints by multiple scores. The Giants didn't win, but they mounted a tremendous fourth-quarter rally led by McCarthy, who threw for 243 yards and one touchdown in the final 12 minutes. This week, he started and led the Giants to victory over the Texans, going 20-for-28 for 252 yards through the air. He now has 495 yards in his first two games with the franchise.

Both the Vikings and J.J. McCarthy can deliver big-time wins. However, they just didn't have them together. But with the Vikings leading the NFC North and the Giants leading the NFC West, both teams could make the postseason this year. And wouldn't that be an interesting showdown?