3 Reasons the Vikings Could Surprise Everyone in 2026

There was no playoff football for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. So the big question is, are they ready for a playoff return in 2026? Here, I will put forward three reasons why a playoff return is possible.

Three Paths Back to January Football

Last year, I predicted the Vikings would win 11 games. The team would, in fact, win nine games and finish with a winning record, thanks to a five-game winning streak. Before that, it was a tough time in Minnesota, but the strong finish shouldn’t be forgotten, including wins over the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions to close out the season. Playoff football won’t come easy for the Vikings, but here are three reasons why it should be seen as possible.

The Brian Flores Defense

In a unit that lacks star power, Brian Flores has produced one of the league’s best defenses over his three seasons as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator. I don’t expect any different in 2026. Flores kept the team competitive last year while the offense was having a disaster. His defense allowed the 7th-fewest points against, despite consistently finding themselves on the field after failed offensive drives.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores on the sideline during an NFC wild card game — Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the sideline during an NFC wild card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Flores directed Minnesota’s defensive approach in a high-stakes postseason setting as the unit navigated pressure-packed series under playoff intensity. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas–Imagn Images

A few players have left Minnesota, most notably Jonathan Greenard, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings are set to be without Harrison Smith in their secondary for the first time since 2011, and they also released veteran defensive linemen Javon Harvgrave and Jonathan Allen.

In terms of additions, the Vikings added CB James Pierre, while they will be hoping for strong contributions from rookies like Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange (DL), Jake Golday (LB), and Jakobe Thomas (S). Flores has built his reputation by getting the best out of what he has at his disposal; expect the same in 2026.

Improved QB Play

The first two-thirds of the 2025 season were a complete disaster for the Vikings at quarterback, with the decision not to bring back Sam Darnold haunting them. JJ McCarthy struggled with everything from rhythm, timing, and accuracy to staying healthy.

Carson Wentz provided some welcome relief before injuring his shoulder, and Max Brosmer had the struggles you would expect from an undrafted rookie when he had to be called upon. A five-game winning streak at the end of the season showed some promise, but the Vikings had to do something at QB for this season.

Oct 28, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball against Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Their answer was signing Kyler Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Year back in 2019. Murray is talented but has fallen out of favor in Arizona after seven seasons with the team that drafted him.

Just going back to the 2024 season, Murray played 17 games, threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns, and rushed for 572 yards and 5 touchdowns. Put those numbers into this Vikings offense alongside a Flores defense, and that is a team that can make the playoffs. McCarthy and Wentz are both still around to provide insurance.

Kevin O’Connell’s Record in Even Years

For the superstitious among you, O’Connell’s record as the Vikings head coach reads: make the playoffs in every season that is an even year, and fail to do so in every season that is an odd year. The good news is that the year is 2026.

Vikings Successfully — Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell before the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

I’ll be honest, I’m not the most superstitious guy, and all I see is a story of inconsistency, but if you want something to cling to at this point in the offseason, then you can have this one. At some point, this sequence will probably end, but hopefully that’s next year when this Vikings team finally puts together two good seasons in a row.