Could the Vikings actually contend in 2026? One analyst thinks so

The Minnesota Vikings ended the 2025 season with a five-game winning streak. That gave them a 9-8 record, somewhat skewing perceptions of how close they were to making the playoffs.

But the addition of Kyler Murray, and hoping to bring back a tenacious defense that ranked third in yards allowed, gives them some optimism for a return to the postseason. Sure, the rest of the NFC North is stacked, too, but this team is two years removed from winning 14 games.

Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report sees the Vikings as a team that can contend if Murray can make the offense respectable again.

Kyler Murray hasn't officially been named Minnesota's starting quarterback yet, but given how McCarthy has played to date that announcement is coming. Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler who will have plenty of passing-game weapons, but there's a reason the team threw in the towel on him.

There are defensive questions as well. Longtime starting safety Harrison is gone, and the team could be looking at a pair of rookie starters up front in Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange.

The Vikings could be the fourth-best team in the NFC North. But this was a team that was third in the league in total defense last year. If Kevin O'Connell can coach Murray up, Minnesota could do some damage in 2026.

Verdict: Contender (Buy)

Getting Murray back to his early-career success could fix the damage done by allowing Sam Darnold to leave for Seattle last offseason. The Vikings have yet to win a playoff game under Kevin O'Connell, but the defense showed the ability in the second half of 2025 to carry the team.

If Murray can exceed the low bar set by McCarthy and Max Brosmer, Minnesota could not only return to the postseason but also win some games.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: One analyst has faith in the Vikings heading into 2026