Minnesota Vikings 2026 Season Preview

At a glance

The Minnesota Vikings enter 2026 after a 9-8 season with Kyler Murray opening as the starting quarterback and J.J. McCarthy waiting behind him. Brian Flores’ defense returns much of the group that finished seventh in points allowed, while the offense must find stability at quarterback and along the offensive line.

Key takeaways

Minnesota finished 9-8 in 2025 after opening 4-8 and winning its final five games.

Kyler Murray signed a one-year deal and will open as the starting quarterback, with J.J. McCarthy behind him.

Brian Flores’ defense returns much of a unit that finished seventh in points allowed.

The preview predicts another 9-8 finish and continued uncertainty at quarterback.

Season Outlook

By their standards, last year’s 9-8 finish was well below expectations. It began disastrously. Minnesota opened 4-8 before winning its final five despite a constant quarterback carousel. That rejuvenation was sparked by a consistent defense that finished seventh in points allowed. Much of Brian Flores’ group returns, and the front office signed Kyler Murray on a one-year deal to compete for the starting quarterback job. The former Cardinal will open up behind center, but J.J. McCarthy is lurking in case.

What's Changed

The Vikings made more subtractions than additions. Minnesota released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Center Ryan Kelly retired after a concussion shortened his 2025 season. They held on to Aaron Jones to stabilize the backfield and added depth to the defense with their first draft pick – taking Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 18th overall selection.

Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout

Left guard Donovan Jackson started 14 times and allowed just two sacks in his rookie season. Without Ryan Kelly at center, Jackson must emerge as a leader of this group. On the defensive line, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins possesses flexibility along the front and is set for increased snaps in his second year. Flores’ aggressiveness in his style could greatly benefit his hybrid nature.

Key Question

Is Kyler Murray the answer? There’s a reason the Cardinals parted with him. In the 41 starts following his consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, Murray averaged a QBR of 53.6. Arizona failed to post a winning record – likely caused too by the talent around him. Should Murray falter, how soon will head coach Kevin O’Connell switch to J.J. McCarthy? The 23-year-old managed a 57.9 passer rating with 10 interceptions in his first six games, then won four straight with 703 passing yards and five touchdowns against three turnovers.

Prediction

Justin Jefferson returns to Pro Bowl form, forming a strong connection with Murray. But the overall quarterback situation does not get solved. McCarthy has another shot as the starter as the offense struggles to find rhythm. The defense does its part and keeps Minnesota in playoff contention, but the Vikings duplicate their 2025 record. This 9-8, however, is less satisfactory – it costs Kevin O’Connell his job.

X-Factor

It’s easy to say Murray or McCarthy, but how they do may be dictated by how the offensive line supports either of them. Protection up the middle is crucial for the success of the Vikings' offense, as is the ability to open up room when they want to lean on Jones and Mason on the ground. This makes the performance of players like Jackson, center Blake Brandel, and right tackle Brian O’Neill so vital.

Final Scorecard

Offense: 7
Defense: 7
Coaching: 6
X-Factor Upside: 8
Schedule Strength: 6

Frequently asked questions

What is the Minnesota Vikings’ outlook for the 2026 season?

Minnesota enters 2026 after a 9-8 season with much of Brian Flores’ defense returning and a new quarterback competition centered on Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.

Who will start at quarterback for the Vikings in 2026?

Kyler Murray will open the season behind center after signing a one-year deal, while J.J. McCarthy is positioned as the alternative if Murray struggles.

What changed for the Vikings entering 2026?

Minnesota released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, lost Ryan Kelly to retirement, retained Aaron Jones and drafted Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks 18th overall.

What is the Vikings’ biggest question in 2026?

The biggest question is whether Kyler Murray can stabilize the quarterback position and how quickly Kevin O’Connell might turn to J.J. McCarthy if Murray falters.

What record does this preview predict for the Vikings in 2026?

The preview predicts Minnesota will finish 9-8 for a second consecutive season, with the defense keeping the Vikings in playoff contention despite offensive inconsistency.