Vikings Outlook: A Fresh Perspective

Late Tuesday night, I got two quick texts that caught my attention. The first simply stated, “25 days,” followed by a thumbs-up emoji. It was from a friend who’s a dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan, expressing frustration over how overlooked the team seems to be.

I figured he was referring to the power rankings that Mark Schofield and I recently published, in which we slotted the Vikings at 25th in the NFL. Sure, there’s a chance for playoffs, but it feels like it could take much longer. Usually, I don’t second-guess my opinions, but those messages made me ponder: Are we all underestimating the Vikings? They are part of a fiercely competitive division and still have uncertainties, particularly at quarterback and on defense. Yet, perhaps we’re ignoring the potential they have, especially considering that they managed an impressive combined record since 2024.

The decision to let go of Sam Darnold could haunt the Vikings for years. At the time, it seemed like a wise choice, especially since they believed J.J. McCarthy would step up. Looking back, though, this could be one of the notable blunders in recent NFL history. Other teams like the Jets and Panthers also discarded Darnold, but they never fully utilized his skills like Minnesota did. A team parting ways with a quarterback who threw for 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns is rare, and an opportunity for a clean slate is even rarer.

Think about Kyler Murray. After the 2020 season, he showed signs of greatness with nearly 4,000 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions, all while working with a mix of seasoned receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald. He seemed primed for success, but then his performance waned in Arizona. Eventually, he was let go when the Cardinals were on a mission for change.

Now, Murray is in a position where he could really shine. With outstanding players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and TJ Hockenson at his disposal—and a promising coach in Kevin O’Connell—he might have the right environment for growth. Last season, the Vikings struggled mainly due to McCarthy’s limitations, yet they still ended with a respectable 9-8 record.

This leads to a key question: If Minnesota can get production from Kyler Murray similar to what they had with Darnold, shouldn’t playoff appearances be within reach? If Murray progresses in 2026 like Darnold did in 2024, he could potentially surpass his predecessor. Murray certainly seems better equipped to handle pressure, throw with accuracy, and escape when needed, plus the offensive line could provide the support he lacked in Arizona.

However, the Vikings faced significant issues on defense, and things worsened in the offseason. They had to part ways with Jonathan Greenard for financial reasons, weakening their pass rush. While the team invested in their line by drafting Caleb Banks, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it was a panicked decision at the time.

That said, Minnesota has a real asset in defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His ability to elevate average talent into standout players is quite impressive, and it’s puzzling why he’s still not landed a head coach role in the NFL.

So, returning to the main point: Are we overlooking the Minnesota Vikings? Most seem to think they are destined for last in the NFC North, but perhaps that’s not entirely fair. With another 9-8 season, they could very well exceed their current power ranking. What they really need is for Kyler Murray to get back to form and for Flores to work his defensive magic again.

Considering the Vikings’ schedule isn’t too grueling, there’s a chance they could genuinely surprise everyone, though it’s hard to guarantee that outcome.