10 Spicy Vikings Predictions for 2026

Every summer, especially during the “slow” time on the calendar, we ask VikingsTerritory writers for their hottest takes regarding the upcoming season, predictions that are bold and outlandish. This year is no different. You can read last year’s here.

Remember: these takes are designed to be “out there.” We’ll have formal predictions — serious ones — later this summer.

Dallas Turner’s Sack Surge Sets the Tone for VT’s Forecast

Dallas Turner reacts after a Vikings play against the Eagles. Vikings predictions — Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner (15) reacts after a second-half play against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on Oct 19, 2025. Turner showed emotion after the snap in Minneapolis, adding another sideline-ready moment during a physical matchup with the defending NFC power inside Minnesota’s home stadium that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

1. Dallas Turner Registers More Sacks than Jonathan Greenard in 2 Years

Predictor: Janik Eckardt

Greenard arrived in 2024 and logged 12 QB takedowns in his first campaign in purple en route to Pro Bowl recognition. Year No. 2 delivered underwhelming returns with only 3 sacks. That makes 15 sacks in a Vikings uniform, a total his successor, Dallas Turner, will eclipse in his first year as a starter.

2. Jordan Addison Traded

Predictor: Tony Schultz

After a successful training camp and people once again trying to anoint a new version of “3 Deep,” the Vikings offense will be humming into week 4. Everyone is happy.

But business is business, and Nolan Teasley has been itching to put a bold stamp on his new team as the GM. The news will hit that the Vikings have traded away Jordan Addison because Jauan Jennings has been a breakout player. His complement to the team as an alternative to Justin Jefferson has put the writing on the wall, and Addison will be too expensive to re-sign anyway.

The hottest part of this take is that he will be traded to the Jets for a 1st-Round pick. They are set to have three picks in the 1st Round coming from trades with Dallas and Indianapolis. The Jets will have their own high pick for a quarterback.

However, one or both of those other two picks will be middle of the round or later, and they would rather get someone with experience than gamble on an unknown rookie for the third time on the first day of the draft.

3. Three Vikings WRs Hit 1,200+ Yards

Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi

The 2026 Vikings have one of the best WR trios in the NFL, with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. With what should be improved QB play with Kyler Murray, this Vikings’ offense will end up as one of the best passing offenses of the decade.

4. J.J. McCarthy Gets in the Lineup, Plays Great

Predictor: Steven Hoikkala

With Kyler Murray missing games in four of his last five seasons as the starting QB, there will be an opportunity for J.J. McCarthy to see the field. If that happens, I think McCarthy shows significant improvement and makes a very tough decision for the Vikings at the end of the 2026 season, regardless of Murray’s productive 2026 season; if he misses time again, it will be 5-6 seasons with significant time missed.

5. Dillon Bell Is the WR4

Predictor: Cole Smith

Kyler Murray throws a pass to Dillon Bell during Vikings minicamp. Vikings predictions — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray throws a pass to wide receiver Dillon Bell during minicamp practice at the TCO Performance Center in June 2026. Murray connected with Bell in Eagan as Minnesota worked through offseason drills, evaluating new offensive combinations while the rookie receiver earned summer reps alongside the veteran quarterback in O’Connell’s offense. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Dillon Bell wins the WR4 spot, and it forces the Vikings to trade/cut Tai Felton. Bell was catching passes from Kyler Murray during OTAs and provides an intriguing skill set. Felton may have been a 3rd-Round pick in 2025, but Nolan Teasley didn’t make the selection.

6. The Vikings Finish 11-6, Win a Playoff Game, and Lose to Rams in Divisional Round

Predictor: Dustin Baker

Minnesota has the roster to reach the postseason, as the Kyler Murray experiment will work out emphatically. In the Wildcard Round, the Vikings will chip off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or New Orleans Saints, winning their first postseason game in six years.

They’ll then run into the Los Angeles Rams buzzsaw, but most will be optimistic heading into the 2027 offseason, eyeing an obvious extension for Murray. And because Rob Brzezinski reset the salary cap this offseason, next March won’t feel all quiet and hindered.

Bonus: the Green Bay Packers will miss the playoffs.

7. T.J. Hockenson Leads the NFL in Receiving Yards

Predictor: Adam New

T.J. Hockenson parties after a Vikings touchdown against the Saints. Vikings predictions — Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson celebrates after reaching the end zone against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov 12, 2023. Hockenson scored in the second quarter in Minneapolis, helping energize the home crowd as Minnesota built offensive momentum before halftime during a productive first half. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

With a new contract to play for, Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson will have a huge return to form and lead the league at his position in receiving yards for the 2026 season.

8. Demond Claiborne Leads the Vikings Backfield in Total Yards

Predictor: Wes Johnson

Minnesota’s longstanding drought without an impactful young running back is over, as Claiborne cooks.

t9. J.J. McCarthy Traded

Predictor: Brevan Bane

The Vikings trade J.J. McCarthy away to “greener pastures” after Kyler Murray gets off to a hot start. Murray poses an injury risk, but the Vikings decided to bring Carson Wentz back in 2026. That could’ve been for a reason.