https://www.vikings.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-2026-campaign-18-to-21

NFL Power Rankings: Vikings Launch 2026 Campaign in 18-to-21 Range

From February to August, NFL franchises become an exercise in macro-management — a six-month stretch defined by abstract, big-picture decisions such as navigating salary cap space, auditing rosters, and implementing long-term development tracks. But at the dawn of Week 1, the lens narrows entirely, shrinking from the organization's overarching future down to a single short-term puzzle: how to game-plan for a three-hour window.

For the Minnesota Vikings, the big-picture view underwent a massive shift this summer with the hiring of General Manager Nolan Teasley. Much like Head Coach Kevin O'Connell entering his first season at the helm in 2022, Teasley brings recent championship experience to the table after helping guide Seattle to its second title in franchise history in February.

Minnesota stayed within the scope of the NFC West to add another piece at a critical position by signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick (see below for more about Murray) can impact the game with both his arm and his legs; Murray's 20,460 passing yards and 3,193 rushing yards makes him one of only 13 quarterbacks in NFL history to cross the threshold in each category. He's also one of four active players to achieve the feat, joining Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers.

While the offseason was spent constructing that foundation, the theoretical outlines will give way to real evaluation when Minnesota hosts the Green Bay Packers at 3:25 p.m. (CT) Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Last year's Week 1 power rankings placed Minnesota in the 7-to-16 range. This year's spectrum from media members is between 18 and 21 as the Vikings prepare to kick off the 2026 campaign.

Here's a look at where the Vikings landed heading into Week 1:

No. 19: Nick Shook – NFL.com

As everyone predicted when the Vikings quickly signed him back in March, Kyler Murray won the quarterback battle over J.J. McCarthy. Now, it's up to the former No. 1 overall pick to deliver.

No. 21: Moe Moton – Bleacher Report

Expect Head Coach Kevin O'Connell to open up the playbook with the most talented quarterback he's had in his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.

Kyler Murray has played through one full season in five years, but he's still a dynamic quarterback when healthy. In Minnesota, he shouldn't have to use his legs much with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson downfield.

Murray is a strong Comeback Player of the Year candidate, and he'll play with a top-notch defense led by Brian Flores that will take some pressure off the offense. Don't be surprised if the Vikings are in contention for a division title this year.

No. 18: Pete Prisco – CBS Sports

Kyler Murray takes over as the starting quarterback, which is an improvement from what they had last year. How much better is the big question.

No. 18: Nate Davis – USA TODAY

Few teams ran the ball more efficiently last season (4.5 yards per attempt), yet few were less committed to the ground (24.1 rushes per game) than the Vikes. So what does new QB1 Kyler Murray mean on that front given his multi-dimensional abilities, yet proclivity to get injured?

No. 19: Josh Kendall and Chad Graff – The Athletic

There's plenty of upside now that Kyler Murray is under center. Even if Murray plays at a league-average level, they should be better. Still, the defense is a bit of an unknown. Brian Flores is an incredible coordinator, but his roster is largely unproven.

No. 19: Conor Orr – Sports Illustrated

This was a nine-win team last year amid a disastrous campaign with multiple starting quarterbacks. Kyler Murray isn't perfect, but he's stable, which is all Kevin O'Connell asked for this offseason. My question, as I outlined in this column, is whether the system will fit Murray, or whether both the star coach and quarterback will have to give a little to make it hum.

No. 19: Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News

Kyler Murray has a huge opportunity in Kevin O'Connell's offense, and his recent play with the Cardinals brings guarded optimism. Playing in the NFC North is rough, with more hype and/or stability tied to the three other teams.

No. 18: Frank Schwab – Yahoo! Sports

In 2021, Kyler Murray had a solid season with a 100.6 passer rating. Since then, he hasn't posted a rating above 93.5, and his overall rating over four seasons is a mediocre 90.3. In other words, it has been a while since Murray was a plus quarterback. Maybe he improves in Kevin O'Connell's scheme.

🚨🏈 The 2026 season is here! @theMMQB staff fills out playoff brackets and picks award winners, plus our annual *bold* predictions: https://t.co/WSShJobgs0

— The MMQB (@theMMQB) September 9, 2026

StickierBuns wrote:

https://x.com/themmqb/status/2097627322287624585?s=46&t=ohFAAgt56m6anXyDpx1btQ

I think this is what a lot of people are missing: "The NFL’s best teams right now all boast great defenses, and the Packers, Bears and Lions have question marks on that side of the ball. The Vikings are the best defensive team of the bunch, and will lean on Brian Flores’s unit again as they return to the postseason."

I don't like many talking heads, but Michelle is very smart and always has well thought out takes. Like Mina Kimes. But boy she's out on O'Connell....

We have @msmallmon's 2026 NFL Bold Predictions

1.) Kevin O'Connell out in Minnesota after this season
2.) Joe Burrow wins MVP
3.) Fernando Mendoza will be QB1 before November
4.) The Kansas City Chiefs miss the playoffs again
5.) Travis Hunter breakout season

What are your… https://t.co/MtFbsis0zd

— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) September 9, 2026

StickierBuns wrote:

I don't like many talking heads, but Michelle is very smart and always has well thought out takes. Like Mina Kimes. But boy she's out on O'Connell....
https://x.com/UnSportsESPN/status/2097660215382384742?s=20

I don't know who this Michelle person is, but KOC isn't going anywhere.

I'm on the Vikings to win Super Bowl at 50-1.

For Week 1, Kyler Murray is the QB4 in our @Xfinity Best projections.

The QB4!

If Murray delivers, Vikings will have a top-12 QB, top-8 HC/playcaller & top-6 defense.

With luck, that's good enough to win a championship.

— Matthew Freedman (@MattFtheOracle) September 9, 2026

Now that game 1 is in the books, the NY Jets have been officially eliminated from the playoff race...

StickierBuns wrote:

I don't like many talking heads, but Michelle is very smart and always has well thought out takes. Like Mina Kimes. But boy she's out on O'Connell....
https://x.com/UnSportsESPN/status/2097660215382384742?s=20

MaroonBells wrote:

I don't know who this Michelle person is, but KOC isn't going anywhere.

I don’t think it’s that ridiculous of a take … IF … IF … you are assuming the Vikings are ending the year similar to the power rankings above.  If KOC leads the Vikings to a 18-21 ranked team, you probably missed the playoffs, after getting your “just need an average or better QB”, how much grace should the Vikings offer him?

For me, I think the 18-21 part is a fairly pessimistic opening prediction.  The Vikings ranked  last year 14th I believe.  They would need to be worse than last year by a full loss and then would have to be in the bottom half of those 8-9 teams to end up in the 18-21 area. You're officially in the bottom half of the league.

But if you believe that the Vikings are a worse team this year than they were last year (despite all the Oline injuries and with an unquestionably better QB), shouldn’t KOC get fired?