In the Spotlight: Minnesota Vikings Enter 2026 With Kyler Murray at Quarterback

The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2026 NFL season hoping a major change at quarterback can push the franchise back into playoff contention. Minnesota finished 9-8 and third in the NFC North in 2025, closing the year with five consecutive victories after an inconsistent start. The Vikings’ defense was a strength, allowing only 19.6 points per game, but the offense ranked 26th at 20.2 points per game. Quarterback instability played a significant role, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer all making starts.

What to Watch

The biggest storyline is Kyler Murray. Minnesota signed the former No. 1 overall pick to a one-year contract after his seven seasons in Arizona, and head coach Kevin O’Connell named Murray the starter over McCarthy in August. Murray brings 87 career starts, mobility and a proven NFL track record to an offense that struggled through the air last season. He also gets one of the NFL’s best receivers in Justin Jefferson. The Vikings will look for a healthier and more productive passing attack featuring Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Minnesota also added receiver Jauan Jennings on a one-year deal worth a reported $8 million with incentives that can push it to $13 million. Defensively, Minnesota used its first-round pick on defensive lineman Caleb Banks and added several players through the draft. The Vikings also brought back linebacker Eric Wilson and added cornerback James Pierre.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks aren’t convinced Minnesota’s quarterback change will immediately translate into a return to the postseason. DraftKings listed the Vikings at +510 to win the NFC North as of Aug. 1, making them the longest shot in the division. Minnesota’s win total is 8.5, with both Over and Under priced at -110. The Vikings are +154 to reach the playoffs and -186 to miss them. Longer-term futures have Minnesota at +2400 to win the NFC and +5000 to win the Super Bowl.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 9-8, third in NFC North.
• Key players to watch: Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, Christian Darrisaw, Brian O’Neill, Dallas Turner and Byron Murphy Jr.
• Expected starting QB: Kyler Murray.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Kyler Murray, Jauan Jennings, Ryan Van Demark, James Pierre, Eric Wilson, Tavierre Thomas and first-round defensive lineman Caleb Banks.
• Betting odds to win NFC North: +510.
• Betting odds to win NFC: +2400.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +5000.
• Win totals over/under: 8.5 wins — Over -110 / Under -110.

2026-27 Minnesota Vikings Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV
1	Sept. 13	vs. Green Bay Packers	4:25 p.m.	CBS
2	Sept. 20	at Chicago Bears	1:00 p.m.	FOX
3	Sept. 27	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	4:05 p.m.	FOX
4	Oct. 4	vs. Miami Dolphins	4:05 p.m.	FOX
5	Oct. 11	at New Orleans Saints	1:00 p.m.	FOX
6	—	BYE	—	—
7	Oct. 25	vs. Indianapolis Colts	1:00 p.m.	CBS
8	Nov. 1	at Detroit Lions	1:00 p.m.	FOX
9	Nov. 9	vs. Buffalo Bills	8:15 p.m.	ESPN
10	Nov. 15	at Green Bay Packers	1:00 p.m.	FOX
11	Nov. 22	vs. San Francisco 49ers (Mexico City)	8:20 p.m.	NBC
12	Nov. 29	vs. Atlanta Falcons	1:00 p.m.	FOX
13	Dec. 6	vs. Carolina Panthers	4:25 p.m.	CBS
14	Dec. 10	at New England Patriots	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
15	Dec. 20	vs. Detroit Lions	8:20 p.m.	NBC
16	TBD	vs. Washington Commanders	TBD	TBD
17	Jan. 3	at New York Jets	1:00 p.m.	CBS
18	TBD	vs. Chicago Bears	TBD	TBD

The schedule features six NFC North games and a major international matchup against San Francisco at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. Minnesota will also finish with three home games over the final four weeks.