Offseason Review Series: Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings
Division: NFC North
Introduction
Hello and welcome to the Offseason Review Series. Today is the Vikings time to come out and shine. I am Seth, I run a few scouting pages on Instagram and also release scouting reports/draft content on this reddit account. If you enjoyed this, please feel free to check out the great work everyone else has done on the other teams in previous days and/or future days here- Offseason Review Hub. I am here as your guide through the Minnesota Vikings 2026 outlook. This team is full of potential and coming off of a year where they still had a winning record even with a lifeless offense. Now, they add a big name QB, some new coaches, but a lot of it will be a lot of the same. Personnel and coaching for the most part is untouched, but how different is this team from their 2025 version actually? Allow me to show you.
Coaching Changes
Additions:
- Frank Smith (Assistant Head Coach) is the former Dolphins OC. He was well liked as far as I can tell, especially by Mike McDaniel. Smith was a big time part of why we saw the Dolphins become a premier ground attack despite the poor offensive line play. That is a big part of the hire, as the Vikings have been one of the more uninspiring rushing attacks and have been in their own way because of their line, whether it be injuries or actual play. I think there are some issues with the hire, like how much this will be an impact on the ever revolving door QB room of the last few years. I am wondering how the offensive line especially will react, as he comes from a heavy wide zone run scheme. The Vikings were more successful with more gap/power schemed runs in the past. I am optimistic and think the hire is overall a fine one. Grade: B
- Josh McCown (Offensive Passing Game Coordinator) was promoted from being the QB coach to now holding that role and the offensive pass game coordinator. He is someone who has shown interest in being a head coach in the NFL after interviewing with the Texans and the Jets in past seasons. He gets another step closer by moving up this season. As a former QB in the league for about 20 years, he has moved on to being an assistant coach for the last 3 years. His biggest coaching note so far is the job he did with Sam Darnold a few years back and the overall fact that he has coached both Darnold and Drake Maye, the super bowl starters this past season. He has shown some promise and a legit want to be a bigger name as a coach, but I need to see him elevate the passing offense in time of need. The offense was abysmal last season, and I know that they had horrid QB play, but now that Kyler is there I need to see the offense show the high level play its shown in prior years. If he makes it work this year, I think he may be on his way up again elsewhere. Grade: B
- Gerald Alexander (Defensive Passing Game Coordinator) is a BIG hire. He is someone I truly believe is in line to be a hot name in the DC market and soon after the HC market. He has coached with some of the best minds in defensive football (Patrick Graham, Mike Tomlin, Brian Flores) and is reuniting with Brian Flores. He was a major part of the development of Joey Porter Jr in Pittsburgh and is also reuniting with another player he helped develop in James Pierre. There is a lot of familiarity for Alexander in Minnesota. I think he is going to be a big time name soon. Grade: A+
Losses:
- Mike Pettine (Retired) was a defensive minded assistant head coach and honestly, I am ultimately feeling better about the team without him rather than with him. He has brought a good few coaches into the spotlight, most notably Kyle Shanahan and Kevin O'Connell, as they were assistant coaches for him when he was a head coach. He has shown some interest in potentially coming back but likely not for Minnesota, as it looks like a rift between him and Brian Flores is a key part of his retirement now. I think they upgraded here.
- Brian Angelichio (New Steelers OC) was the former offensive pass game coordinator and TEs coach. This was a reuniting move, as he coached with Mike McCarthy in Green Bay as his TEs coach. This is the highest role he has ever coached in, and he needs to make the most of it as this Steelers offense has been stagnant for a while. I actually don't mind the move, but think there were definitely better options on the table. I once again think this was upgraded, despite Angelichio having much more experience than McCown as a coach.
- Daronte Jones (New Commanders DC) is someone you hate to see go. He is in for a big time role in Washington, but my god is he ready for it. The Vikings haven't exactly been known for having premier talent in their defensive backs room, and a lot of credit goes to Brian Flores for being able to get pressure off of them and put them in the best possible situation, Jones needs some love too. He is going to a Commanders team that arguably has less talent in their DB room, as well as being an overall weaker defense. He gets command now, and I am really excited to see how he does year one. This is a big loss, but with how much I love the hire they made to replace him, I think this is overall a lateral move.
Free Agency
Players lost/cut
Notable Losses:
- Harrison Smith is someone I am not sure stays off the team long. He has definitely lost a step (or many) but is still a solid rotational piece and a locker room guy. If he doesn't end up signing with Minnesota, he likely has played his final snaps in the NFL.
- Jonathan Greenard is heading to Philly in a trade. In exchange, they received two thirds (26 and 27). He immediately signed a big time extension with them for 4 years and $100 million. I am overall very... meh about the move. This is a move where we need to wait it out and see how it plays out. Dallas Turner is the reason the Vikings feel confident enough to move on. That and Greenard having been hurt this past season adding to an already down year production wise. He was down on pressures, sacks, hurries, and could have had a career high in missed tackles. What happens to him now is anyone's guess. He will be 30 next year and is making a lot of money to be the guy on the edge for Philly. The combination of more mouths to feed, health, and age is not looking good for Greenard, but there is no question that if he gets back to 2024 form that this will be a big win for Philly. Dallas Turner decides if the trade is a win or loss for Minnesota.
- Jonathan Allen is leaving after a disappointing one year venture in Minnesota. He was starting to really decline his final years in Washington. He has started to just become very beatable in both phases. He is far off from what he once was as a pass rusher, and his run defense has always been secondary to his rushing ability. Now that he has lost a step in his primary feature, he has really lost his value. He heads to Cincinnati where he is going to try and help the defensive line along new addition Dexter Lawrence. He is replaced by rookie first round pick Caleb Banks.
- Ryan Kelly retired after an injury riddled season. He only played 300 snaps with the Vikes. He was really good when playing, as expected, but unfortunately his body fell apart. Blake Brandel is unfortunately the replacement as of now. He is a below average player and is most definitely not the long term solution.
- Javon Hargrave is the last notable loss. He is similar to Allen as a loss, as he is a veteran pass rush specialist on the inside that is losing touch as he gets older. I actually think that Hargrave is a bit better than Allen as of now, and he is going to division rival Green Bay. He is exactly what he seems, a sure tackler that is able to do enough in both phases to be on the field as much as you are willing to let him be. A solid rotational rusher, he is a loss.
Other Losses:
- Jalen Nailor, WR, Raiders
- Justin Skule, OT, Buccaneers
- CJ Ham, FB, Retired
- Ryan Wright, P, Saints
- Fabian Moreau, CB, N/A
- Jeff Okudah, CB, N/A
- Ty Chandler, RB, Saints
- Brett Rypien, QB, N/A
- Ben Sims, TE, Dolphins
- Matt Nelson, OT, N/A
- John Wolfard, QB, N/A
- Zeke Correll, C, N/A
- Rondale Moore, WR, Sadly Passed Away, RIP
Players signed
Notable Signings:
- Kyler Murray (QB, Cardinals, 1 Year, $1.3m) is in a massive year for his career. He finds himself in Minnesota after 7 seasons in Arizona. He had a big falling out with them, having started last year off well but getting injured again. Jacoby Brissett took his spot and he never let go. Now, this isn't because Brissett was better, far from it. Kyler has been hurt in 3/4 of his last seasons at some point and Brissett ended up being a steadier hand and 'easier'. Kyler is so clearly a good to great QB in his healthy seasons, as just a few seasons ago in 2024 he seemed to be back. Unfortunately for Arizona, they decided to give up on the franchise guy and reset completely. Luckily for Minnesota, it gave them a cheap QB1 that is ready to get this offense back to being able to A) feed Justin Jefferson and B) maybe run the ball better than previous years.
- James Pierre (CB, Steelers, 2 Years, $8.5m) is following his former DB coach Gerald Alexander to Minnesota. Pierre had a mini breakout last season after getting thrown on the field after some injuries in Pittsburgh. He was genuinely lockdown the entire time he played last season, and Minnesota bites on the potential. He is cheap and if he doesn't end up proving his worth, it won't be a big deal. If he shows what he did last year again? This could be a steal.
- Jauan Jennings (WR, 49ers, 1 Year, $8m) is leaving San Francisco and heading to Minnesota on a short deal to try and prove himself. He has shown real flashes the last few years, and now he is the WR3 but more likely the fourth option in the offense. After nearly reaching 1,000 yards in 2024, he had a down year yardage wise this past season but ended up with his career high in touchdowns. I don't mind the swing on upside taking Jennings, especially because of the lack of real depth here.
Other Notable Pickups/Resignings:
- Eric Wilson, LB, Vikings, 3 Years, $22.5m
- Tavierre Thomas, S, Vikings, 2 Years, $4.6m
- Carson Wentz, QB, Vikings, 1 Year
- Johnny Hekker, P, Titans, 1 Year
- Andrew DePaola, LS, Vikings, 1 Year, $1.725m
- Ryan Van Demark, OT, Bills, 1 Year, $4.2m
- Eric Johnson, IDL, Colts, 1 Year, $1.4m
- Isaiahh Loudermilk, IDL, Steelers, 1 Year, $1.2m
Draft
- Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Banks is an interesting review. High level athlete with some legit quickness and an impressive build to boot. He has great versatility in terms of where he could play, having played nose all the way to outside at times. He is massive, and he plays like it. Heavy, heavy hands that leave some lineman reeling trying to recover after a punch. He seems to understand the pass and the run and has moves he feels comfortable winning with. The kicker is the injuries and the consistency he displays. He has had multiple foot injuries including a surgery this past March. He has had stretches where he plainly just disappears from games and makes no impact. When he is on, my god he is on. When he isn't, he is just a guy. A lot riding on this pick. I am a big fan of Caleb Banks, but there is no questioning the possible trainwreck he could be. Grade: A-
- Jake Golday, LB, Cincinnati
What an intriguing player. The Vikings continue adding these really weird hybrid players that can do a few different things, which makes sense knowing the psychopath leading the defense. Golday played a strange role with Cincy where he played a lot of box and nickel, as well as lining up in the outside backer spot. He has a ton of work to do as a coverage player, but as a run defender and blitz threat? Hell yeah, Jake Golday rocks. He was incredible this past season as a run defender. I am a little concerned with the Vikings disregarding linebackers who can cover.. after Cashman there is no one who can consistently cover, but Golday adds some juice and is a developmental piece that I love. Grade: A
- Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Strange draft. Instead of adding to their secondary, they add to the line again. That is.... fine. I really do prefer other players here, but Big Citrus is a fun addition. He is a space eater that takes multiple men to cover. He is long and thickly built. Never gives up. A pocket pusher that can make an impact run or pass. While he hasn't shown any production as a pass rusher, the tape is actually not that bad in terms of effort. My biggest question mark is the athleticism and tackling. The tackling technique is quite poor and he is a below average athlete. Grade: B
- Caleb Tiernan, OT, Northwestern
I do really like this. Tiernan isn't going to be anything amazing, he isn't someone that has a franchise tackle ceiling, but as a backup to Darrisaw as an insurance plan for another injury, I think Tiernan is a steady hand. Really great technique, whether it is his hand placement or his very clean and consistent footwork, he has shown that he understands how the game works and has the fundamentals all locked down. A real rock in pass protection, but inconsistent as a run blocker. Also doesn't really have the athleticism to really open up his hips or move laterally very well. He is going to be a great backup tackle, maybe swing tackle. Grade: A-
- Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
Yeah.. I don't get it. He is a solid processor from the deep safety spot and showed a great ability to be in the right place at the right time. When he is facing the QB and reading his eyes, man he has some great moments. Has ball skills, gets his hands on the ball a good bit. He is a horrendous tackler. He had a 20% missed tackle rate every year except last year, where he had a 19%. Riveting. I think one of the biggest things that put him in the top 100 of the draft is how good his team was, which to me gave him more opportunities to make big plays. He is a bad run defender, he can't tackle, and prior to this year was a poor coverage player. I think a lot of his production came from the system, not the talent. Grade: D
- Max Bredeson, FB, Michigan
Max Bredeson was an inline TE/FB at Michigan, but he will be playing FB for Minnesota. Bredeson is fine as a day three pickup, but I think the opportunity you had to again, add to positions of dire need like the secondary or running back room, was greatly missed. Grade: C-
- Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin
Demmings is crazy fun. He is fast, long, and smart. Did he play the best competition? No, but that really doesn't matter at corner. Tape is tape, and his was damn solid. He has ball production, oily hips, and knows how to use his size against the receiver he is matched against. Also showed improvement every year, especially his final year where he started tackling with better technique and locked down his side of the field. He gets a bit grabby, is a little light, and shows some issues making a decision at times. He also just isn't a great run defender. He has a lot to work on, but he has a lot going for him. A fun flyer. Grade: B+
- Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
They finally take a running back and... somehow nail it? How was Demond Claiborne still here? He is such a perfect fit in Minnesota. Not only will he bring actual speed to a room that is severely lacking, but he also has the ability to play special teams as a returner. They saw him slipping and came up for him as well. He is smaller, he isn't ever going to be THE guy in the backfield, but as a change of pace RB2? Sign me up. Grade: A
- Gavin Gerhardt, C, Cincinnati
I honestly didn't watch too much of Gerhardt heading into the draft, but went back and watched some of him to make sure I was ready for this. Yeah.. didn't miss a ton. Has experience and size but is very average as an actual college player. Has little awareness of his pad level and below average athleticism. Likely just a backup center for most of his career. Not much to really note about him, he doesn't bring a lot to the table. Grade: C
Projected Starting Lineup
- QB: Position Battle! Kyler Murray Vs JJ McCarthy
- RB: Jordan Mason, Aaron Jones
- FB: Max Bredeson
- TE: TJ Hockenson, Josh Oliver
- WR: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings
- LT: Christian Darrisaw
- LG: Donovan Jackson
- C: Blake Brandel
- RG: Will Fries
- RT: Brian O'Neill
- EDGE: Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel
- IDL: Jalen Redmond, Caleb Banks, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Domonique Orange
- LB: Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Josh Mettelus*
- CBs: Byron Murphy, Isaiah Rodgers, James Pierre
- S: Position Battle! Jay Ward Vs Jakobe Thomas, Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus*
- K: Will Reichard
- P: Johnny Hekker
- RET: Myles Price, Tai Felton
Position Groups Detailed
Position Groups Strongest To Weakest:
- Weapons (WR/TE)
- Justin Jefferson. That could be where I leave off and most people wouldn't care. Jefferson is still my WR1 in the league. Getting Kyler will only help him reintroduce himself to the NFL viewers. In a year where he was cast aside by JSN, Chase, and Puka, he still had over 1,000 yards despite his horrid QB play. This past season was his career low in yards and touchdowns despite being healthy. Giving him a new QB will bring him back to his usual range of 1,400+ yards and 7+ TDs. Jordan Addison also struggled to have a year he is used to having due to QB play, as he dipped below 900 yards and 9 TDs for the first time in his career. He is a great WR2 that is in likely his last season or two with Minnesota. He is going to need to bring his A game this year to play for a contract. Jauan Jennings has also found himself here. He is coming off of his best two years in the league and found himself in Minnesota as the clear WR3. He could very well outplay Jordan Addison and lock down a long term WR2 role in this offense next to Justin Jefferson. If he does however end up cooling off, I could see Tai Felton finally breaking into the starting lineup. As a third round pick in the 2025 draft, he saw 3 total targets last year. I could see him sneaking onto the field and playing some slot for them. If we see Jefferson, Addison, and Jennings all play to the level they can play at, this could be potentially the best starting three in the entire league. Then there is TJ Hockenson, who I think people are forgetting about. Sure, he has been on a decline, but I think this is a good spot for him to be in. I would assume he is the third option after Addison and Jefferson, and that is about what you want Hockenson to be. This is a really high end group of weapons that is the brightest spot on the team.
- Offensive Line
- From left to right, this is mostly a strong unit. Christian Darrisaw is a game changer when on the field. The last two years he has been unhealthy but impressive for the most part while playing. He is the cornerstone left tackle and the guy that they need to stay healthy if they want success with a new QB. At left guard is Donovan Jackson, who is now in his sophomore season. It was most definitely not all sunshine and rainbows for Jackson for the entirety of his rookie campaign, but it was overall a good start for him. He was always considered a high floor, low ceiling guard that will give you good play but never be a top 5 guy. He took his losses for sure and his run blocking tape was a step behind what you want, but it was definitely a step in the right direction and there is optimism for his future. Center is the weakest spot for Minnesota. I am really concerned about Blake Brandel at center. He has been a bad starter when he has been forced to play, and now he is a 6'7 center snapping the ball to Kyler Murray. Yeah this is set up for great success. He is a Band-Aid option, and a bad one at that. Will Fries is pretty good. If he is your third best lineman, you are in pretty good shape. If Donovan Jackson develops and breaks out, then Will Fries is a fantastic #4. Very even pass blocker and run blocker, Fries has been a steady hand at guard for the Colts and nothing changed going to Minnesota. Then at right tackle is one of the more underrated players in the league, Brian O'Neill. He has really seemed to unlock something these past few years and he has proven to be a top 5 right tackle in the league. Assuming the line stays healthy, you have a top 5 tackle duo and a couple steady guards. The only spot you feel bad about is center.
- Defensive Front
- This requires a little projection, but man Dallas Turner is about to light it up. He had 9 sacks last season and that was while only having 2 sacks in the entire first half of the year while in a rotation. He might break out as a legit top 10-15 edge rusher this year. Andrew Van Ginkel has been a great all arounder for Minnesota for a few years now. He can do it all, rush, stop the run, even drop back in coverage. Ginkel is one of the bigger playmakers on the team, and a great #2 if Turner takes the step I believe he can. Jalen Redmond was a real surprise last year. He was the Vikings best run defender and also added 6 sacks. Redmond is a real under-the-radar stud for Minnesota. Caleb Banks is added to the fray as the first round pick for Minnesota this year. God. If he is healthy, there is no stopping him. That is the thing though, IF he is healthy. He had multiple lower body injuries in the last few years and it made him drop in the draft. If he is healthy, it isn't out of the question that he becomes a Chris Jones lite. If this is the group of four you build around, I think it is very possible that this unit ends up a top 5 unit containing a premier edge, elite #2, and good interior lineman.
- Secondary
- This is a really interesting group this year. Byron Murphy is the obvious star. He will likely be splitting time in the slot and outside like he has the last few years, and he has been a solid piece. After an outlier great year in 2024, he came back down to earth this past year as just being above average rather than great. Even then, he is good for a few picks a year and an impact in the run game. They also have Isaiah Rodgers, who for the first five weeks last year looked like he was becoming a top tier corner. He came back to earth after a few more games but he looked like the best corner on the team on the average week last year. He definitely needs to clean up the tackling, but he had some games where he legitimately erased receivers for an entire game. James Pierre is a really fun swing they made this year. He had the best year of any corner on this team last season for Pittsburgh, and he is already familiar with new defensive pass game coordinator Gerald Alexander. Pierre has a shot to really stand out for Minnesota this year. Very excited for him. Safety is where it gets a bit weaker. Starting with a position battle, Jay Ward and Jakobe Thomas are going to fight for a spot on the starting defense. Jay Ward has played very sparingly so far in his career, but when he did play he actually showed some promise last year. I do think however that Jakobe Thomas will get the job. I was low on Thomas this draft cycle, but Minnesota clearly likes him and I think Thomas is a better fit with the Brian Flores defense. Theo Jackson is the starting deep safety and he is fine in that role. He isn't the long-term starter or anything, but he showed enough to keep his job this year and fight to keep it for the future. Then finally is Josh Metellus. Metellus has started for 3 years now, and plays all over. His biggest snap share and best role is in the box as a hybrid linebacker/safety, but he can play deep safety or slot/nickel defender as well. A true jack of all trades master of none type. It is a solid group, but they have their notable weak spots.
- Linebacker
- Is Blake Cashman the most underrated player in the league? He missed four games this past season but still ended with his career high in tackles. He is a great run defender, very savvy in coverage, and the defense is clearly so much better when he is on the field. Another guy that earned his keep, Eric Wilson is a great complimentary piece to Cashman. While he definitely takes more losses in coverage, he is a thumper that just makes it happen going downfield. He also showed his best season last year in every category that I weigh heavily for backers. He isn't the fastest processor or fastest in general, as he misses tackles a lot due to some poor angles and overall lack of high end athleticism, but he is a great run defender and blizter so he has a lot of value. He is basically the much better version of Ivan Pace, who is also still here.
- QB
- Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy are in a 'QB competition'. Sure, I believe that. I'm sorry, but JJ McCarthy is likely not going to be a starter for at least Minnesota again. If they believed in him, I don't think they bring in a guy like Kyler Murray. Kyler has shown even at his lowest form, much much better play than McCarthy has ever shown. Kyler wins the job and keeps it at least this whole year. Whether he keeps it long-term is a different question, but I think it is very possible.
- Backfield
- This group is just really bad. Aaron Jones is likely on his way out soon. Health and age is not on his side. Jordan Mason is a fine back, but as the #1? He isn't exactly this explosive guy. He is very good as a change of pace back, and he proved that when he had a better YPC average as a backup than he did as a starter last season. I think he obviously goes up in yardage inevitably, but the efficiency I believe goes down. This is one of the worse RB rooms in the league unfortunately.
Schedule Predictions
- Vs Packers (L 16-24)
- The home opener of the year for the Vikings. It is an opportunity to make a statement in division with a new QB. I am handing them a loss here, but there is a lot to like about the matchup. It is not only at home but it is going to be a new look passing game for Minnesota. I think this is also a great first game for Kyler to get himself situated. The Packers defense will almost certainly be missing Micah Parsons and is already a bit of a weaker defense in terms of personnel. I think the Vikings offense will have growing pains however, so I am giving this to Green Bay in under 7. Player To Watch: Kyler Murray
- @ Bears (W 19-10)
- They do however bounce back the next week on the road against the Bears. I think this is going to be a heavily defensive game. Both teams are going to struggle running the football I think, especially with the improvements Minnesota made on the interior. I think the big deal is going to be Caleb Williams making a critical mistake or two against this Vikings defense. Player To Watch: Blake Cashman
- @ Buccaneers (L 13-27)
- Another defensive game. Both teams are going to be leaning on their defensive playmakers all season, but I think there is a specific player that tears this game apart for Minnesota. I think this game screams Baker Mayfield making a critical play or two to really take this game over. With Minnesota still having offensive growing pains, Tampa gets a clean win. Player To Watch: Dallas Turner
- Vs Dolphins (W 31-6)
- This is the week for the offense to really start clicking, and I think they do. I am not really a guy that is buying in on Malik Willis and I am especially not buying in on him against this batshit crazy lunatic defense that Brian Flores is leading. I would actually lock in a multiple turnover game that Minnesota wins with relative ease. Player To Watch: Andrew Van Ginkel
- @ Saints (L 23-28)
- I am a big fan of the Saints this year. I think this is a sneaky game to watch this year, as I think both teams will surprise the average viewer. Tyler Shough is primed to take the Saints as far as he can possibly take them. I am really intrigued to watch this Saints receiver room taking on the Vikings corners, specifically Jordyn Tyson potentially facing James Pierre. I think this is going to be a back and forth battle, but at the end of the day I think the Saints get the better of Minnesota this time. Player To Watch: James Pierre
- BYE
- Vs Colts (W 34-20)
- Minnesota gets a big double digit win over Indy to reach 3-3. They welcome former Viking Daniel Jones back and I just think this is primed for a big breakdown from Danny Dimes. I think this season is going to be very rough for the Colts, and while I love a lot of pieces they have, Daniel Jones I fear is going to fall apart this season and be benched eventually. His injury last season added to what was already becoming a fall from grace. This is the worst possible matchup for Daniel Jones this season, as he will be getting bullied all day. Player To Watch: Dallas Turner
- @ Lions (W 31-21)
- I am lower on Detroit this season. I just can't bring myself to buy in on Dan Campbell leading the charge without Ben Johnson until proven otherwise. I also struggle with this defense that Detroit is fielding. Who the hell is playing outside corner for this team? The Lions are one of the weaker corner rooms in the league and unfortunately I don't think they will be able to get over that massive hole. The Vikings are in a fantastic spot to dominate a game or two against Detroit because of how good their weaponry is. JJettas and Addison are going to eat. Player To Watch: Justin Jefferson
- Vs Bills (L 31-35)
- A shootout in Minnesota! I think this game is going to be really fun and has all the makings of a classic. I will lean Buffalo, but I can be convinced either way. Josh Allen is going to make some mistakes, but so will Kyler. I think the difference in this game is in the running games. If we see the Vikings start to figure it out on the ground, this could be a statement win for a contender Vikings team. If they are more like we expect... Bills win close. Player To Watch: Jordan Mason
- @ Packers (L 17-20)
- Unfortunately I have Minnesota being swept by Green Bay this year. This could go either way, but I am a big believer in this Packers team this year. Jordan Love has been very quietly a top 6-8 QB the past couple years and if we see some development from his pass catchers and defense, the Packers can ride the steady hand and go far. Minnesota gets them into a defensive battle but end up falling short. Player To Watch: Justin Jefferson
- @ 49ers (W 21-20)
- Very fun matchup that has major playoff implications. I really like Minnesota in this one. San Francisco has a tendency to get hurt a lot, and with this game coming in the second half of the year with Kyler having some familiarity playing San Francisco.. man I love Minnesota in this matchup. The key to the game is stopping Christian McCaffrey, which I think they do. Player To Watch: Blake Cashman
- Vs Falcons (L 9-14)
- This has trap game written all over it. The Vikings to this point are 5-5 and fighting for a wild card spot with a chance at the division still, and they are likely looking ahead to the next three games. The Falcons are not going to be very good this season, but I think Bijan Robinson will be enough to take over multiple games for Atlanta this year, Minnesota ends up falling victim. Player To Watch: Josh Metellus
- Vs Panthers (W 27-14)
- Big time win over a 'playoff team' for Minnesota. Bryce Young I think will be in breakout mode this year, but this Vikings defense is going to show him things he is not ready for. Not only that, but I really like how the Vikings offense matches up with Carolinas defense. I think Minnesota takes them out with relative ease. Player To Watch: Dallas Turner
- @ Patriots (W 17-14)
- Another defensive battle for Minnesota, a common occurrence. New England is coming off a big Super Bowl appearance and is going to go through a gauntlet this year with a much harder schedule. This game is sandwiched between LAC, BUF, and KC for New England. This defense is going to feast. Player To Watch: Dallas Turner
- Vs Lions (L 23-35)
- The Lions get one over on the Vikings this time. I think a split is likely for this series, and with Minnesota coming off of a couple big wins they drop one to a division rival in a crucial game. The explosive Detroit offense shows up big time with no one to stop Jahmyr Gibbs being the main issue. Player To Watch: Caleb Banks
- Vs Commanders (W 33-13)
- Both teams are fighting for a playoff spot at this time in the season, and I have Minnesota dropping Washington big time. I think this Washington offense simply is not suited to take on Minnesota's defense. Jayden Daniels will be running for his life and the Minnesota secondary will put the clamps on a really weak Washington receiver room. Player To Watch: Byron Murphy Jr
- @ Jets (W 35-10)
- By this time in the season the Jets will be on their second or third QB of the year and Minnesota simply put will eat whoever it is alive. Whether it is Cade Klubnik or Brady Cook, or somehow still Geno Smith, the defense is in a really good position to dominate the weak Jets passing offense. Player To Watch: Andrew Van Ginkel
- Vs Bears (L 23-26)
- This is a really interesting game in terms of my predictions. Heading into this game I have Minnesota sitting at 9-7 and Chicago at 8-8. Minnesota can secure a playoff spot with a win and knock Chicago out, Chicago needs to win to make it in. Minnesota may not need it, but would love to have it. This is the exact situation Chicago, or more specifically Caleb Williams, strives in. Caleb leads some late game heroics and brings Chicago into the playoffs. Player To Watch: Justin Jefferson
Floor: 6-11 (4th NFC North, 13th in NFC)
This is the world where unfortunately, things go completely off the wheels on offense. Kyler ends up benched for McCarthy part way through the year, the run game is worse than expected, Christian Darrisaw again can not stay on the field, and Justin Jefferson gets closer to forcing his way out. The schedule is really tough and if they don't get things working offensively, they could be in deep trouble.
Ceiling: 14-3 (1st NFC North, 2nd in NFC)
However, if everything clicks and this offense ends up being in the top 5-10 range? Oh this team could get to special territory. There is a real route to this. What if we see Kyler have a career resurgence and he is a legit top 10 QB this season? What if this ground game ends up exceeding expectations with the new coaching staff and the added danger of Kyler using his legs? What if Justin Jefferson dominates the league again with his new QB1 and explodes for a 1,600+ season? What if this isn't just a top 3 defense, what if Dallas Turner becomes the dominant edge we all think he can be and James Pierre unlocks another level of his game? If Caleb Banks is healthy, does he become a force day one? If multiple or all of these come true, we could be looking at a Super Bowl front runner, not just a contender.
Final Record: 9-8 (3rd NFC North, 7th in NFC)
I have Minnesota finishing at 9-8 and clinching the #7 seed in the NFC. This is going to be the sweet spot record for me where everything clicks enough to make them winners. Kyler Murray is back to who we think he is, which is roughly a top 12-15 QB in the league. The running game is still poor, but workable with Kyler leading it. Justin Jefferson is back in the #1 receiver discussion, the line is relatively healthy, and the defense is top 3 in the league. This version of the team I think can win a game in the playoffs, but not go much further.
I have them playing the Eagles in the playoffs in a #7 vs #2 game. The Vikings are actually a really good match for the Eagles, but I am going to lean Philly just because of the difference in ground game. Saquon Barkley dominates a young and beatable Vikings interior and Kyler ends up making a few critical mistakes in crunch time. I have the Vikings as first round exits.
Closing Statement & Awards
The Vikings have a good chance to prove some people wrong this year. The average viewer seems think they are more of an average team that is on the outside looking in playoff wise. I think they are solidly in the playoff hunt though, and depending on some breakouts we could really see this team turn the NFC on its head this year.
OPOY: Justin Jefferson
DPOY: Blake Cashman
Breakout Star: Dallas Turner
Biggest Wildcard: James Pierre
Best Acquisition: Kyler Murray
Biggest Impact Draftee: Caleb Banks
Season MVP: Justin Jefferson