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.