Vikings' 2026 season hinges on Kyler Murray
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The Vikings season largely hinges on new quarterback Kyler Murray. Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
The Vikings open their season Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium with the makings of a dangerous team. The question is what kind of danger they'll be.
The big picture: While the pundits predict a middle-of-the-pack team, the Vikings have the talent to be much more than that. But they also have enough uncertainty that things could go sideways in a hurry.
Catch up quick: After last season's 9-8 finish, the Vikings had seen enough of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy to prompt them to sign Kyler Murray. He's a former No. 1 draft pick who flashed brilliance early in his career with the Cardinals but struggled with inconsistent play and injuries — enough so that Arizona cut him loose.
- The rest of the roster and coaching staff remain very similar to 2025, though the loss of pass rusher Jonathan Greenard hurts.
Threat level: All the ingredients are in the cupboard for the Vikings to put up the type of magical season the franchise provides every 10 years, give or take.
- They have a reclamation quarterback, uber-talented wide receivers and a wizard of a defensive coordinator — all reminiscent of 1998 and 2009.
- You can easily see a scenario in which Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings light up scoreboards while Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense licks its lips playing with a lead.
Yes, but: This team has some of the ingredients for a meltdown that also comes every decade or so.
- If Murray is ineffective or injured, it will create a QB controversy between McCarthy and Carson Wentz.
- Jefferson has been patient with subpar quarterbacking, but he's a star in his prime and another rocky year will test that patience.
What to watch: The action will start hot and heavy with the Green Bay Packers coming to town Sunday for a 3:25pm kickoff on CBS.
Nick's (shaky) prediction: Shades of 1998: 13-4 and an NFC Championship game.