The Minnesota Vikings' offensive woes proved to be their downfall in 2025. They didn't come close to meeting the lofty expectations bestowed upon them, to say the least, as fantasy football managers learned the hard way.
Anyone who took the plunge on the Vikings last summer was burned. Drafting any of their skill players came at a steep cost — and none of them returned value on investment.
Let's not beat around the bush here. It's no secret that Minnesota's poor quarterback play was their Achilles heel this past season. 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy's well-chronicled shortcomings and the club's carousel at the most important position in football were too much for anyone to overcome.
Justin Jefferson was a consensus top-three wide receiver and first-round selection before barely finishing as a WR3 in average scoring in point-per-reception (PPR) formats. Neither running back, Aaron Jones nor Jordan Mason, ever separated from each other or emerged as a viable option despite being priced as such. And don't even get us started on veteran tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Enter two-time signal-caller Kyler Murray, whom the Vikings acquired via free agency this offseason. He figures to take the reins in what is a pivotal campaign for all parties involved, though McCarthy will be given a chance to compete. How their duel shakes out will undoubtedly have massive ramifications on Jefferson, Mason, Jones, Hockenson, and wideout Jordan Addison's respective 2026 outlooks.
Training camp and the preseason will be telling. There will be no shortage of information once the pads come on; that's for sure. It can be a lot to keep up with, so stay tuned and let this be a personal handbook.
Note: This story will be updated regularly throughout the Minnesota Vikings' training camp and preseason.
Minnesota Vikings fantasy football tracker
QBs, RBs and other Vikings camp battles with a fantasy impact
Obviously, it all begins and ends with the Murray-McCarthy situation. All eyes will be on them.
However, the Vikings' backfield is worth watching. Mason and Jones operated in a near-even timeshare in their first year together, yet another name could low-key factor into the equation in due course.
Actionable Vikings fantasy takeaways
Murray should slot into the top spot on the depth chart, but it's best to exercise caution until/if he officially does. His presence alone would make Jefferson and Co. much safer bets.
Jones took a pay cut to stick around, signaling that he was dispensable. His expendability, age and injury history also lend themselves to the idea of him settling into more of a backup/change-of-pace role.
Sleepers, dynasty names and under-the-radar Vikings players to know
Don't overlook sixth-round rookie running back Demond Claiborne. He turned heads at minicamp and has fans within the Vikings' organization.
Undrafted rookie wide receiver Dillon Bell is also a name to watch. He was tabbed the "biggest surprise" of Minnesota's workout program through the spring.
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