It is extremely difficult to know what to expect from the Minnesota Vikings during the 2026 NFL season. After somehow fighting to a 9-8 record last season despite an anemic offense, the team lost some contributors in that area while adding a few talented individuals like quarterback Kyler Murray.
The Vikings missed the playoffs last season, but could be on track to make the postseason in 2026 if they can stay healthy and find the team chemistry that they were missing during their last 17 games played.
The Minnesota Vikings could be Super Bowl contenders in 2026 under specific conditions.
Whether an expert or analyst thinks that the Minnesota Vikings are contenders or not during the upcoming season varies widely. However, one recent article by FanSided's Oliver Fox took a look at the teams that could make some noise and be relevant in 2026.
The Vikings are not included in the Tier 1 teams described as "Teams that could actually win the Super Bowl," but they did make Tier 3, which is "Teams that could win the Super Bowl if everything works all at once."
Here is what Fox had to say about Minnesota possibly being contenders this season:
"There’s not really a downside to bringing in Murray when the Arizona Cardinals will be paying his entire salary. Does that make them a Super Bowl threat? Probably not, though, like with all these teams, there are things to like all over the roster."
Minnesota got great value out of the contract the Vikings signed with quarterback Kyler Murray, and average quarterback play combined with the hard-nosed defense of Brian Flores could be enough to make the purple and gold an interesting team in 2026.
Sadly, the other three NFC North teams are higher on the list than Minnesota in Fox's article. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears are in Tier 1, while the Detroit Lions are in Tier 2. The competition in the Vikings' division will be a massive factor in determining which of the four teams will find success this season.
Minnesota Vikings fans would be wise not to rush out and bet the farm on the team to win the Super Bowl, but optimistic folllowers of the franchise might have a little more pep in their steps knowing that the purple and gold have an opportunity to surprise a lot of people during the upcoming season if they can get the most out of Kyler Murray will comtinuing to frustrate opposing offenses.