Minnesota Vikings in the Power Rankings — Entering the 2026 Season

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - AUGUST 22: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings speaks with Kyler Murray #1 during the first half of the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravensat U.S. Bank Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hello again, sports fans. We’re back with another season of putting together a consensus power ranking for the Vikings each week. It’s Packer week — let’s get it!

Here’s a link to a spreadsheet for the year-long rankings.

Visit tr-sport.bond for more information.

Let’s talk to it (rankings are hyperlinked for maximum clickage):

The RankingsNFL.com — 19th

Key excerpt: “I’m curious to see how Minnesota’s run defense performs following an underwhelming August from rookie first-rounder Caleb Banks, who recently admitted he’s not in the best shape after missing most of his final college campaign and parts of the offseason due to foot issues.“

The Athletic/New York Times — 19th

Key excerpt: “There’s plenty of upside now that Kyler Murray is under center. Remember, the Vikings won nine games last season despite horrendous (and frequently changing) quarterback play.”

ESPN.com — 22nd

Key excerpt: “Jefferson managed only three 100-yard games last season, a career low, as the offense struggled in 12 starts by quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer.“

Pro Football Focus — 17th

Key excerpt: “If Murray can find a consistent groove in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme and the Vikings’ defensive line can play better, then Minnesota should get back into the playoff fold.”

Pro Football Talk — 19th

Key excerpt: “If the offense clicks under Kyler Murray, they could be one of the most balanced teams in the league.”

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) — 18th

Key excerpt: “Kyler Murray takes over as the starting quarterback, which is an improvement from what they had last year. How much better is the big question.”

The Score — 15th

Key excerpt: “(Murray)’ll become Minnesota’s fourth different opening-day quarterback in as many years when he takes the ball against the Packers.”

Sports Illustrated — 19th

Key excerpt: “This was a nine-win team last year amid a disastrous campaign with multiple starting quarterbacks. Kyler Murray isn’t perfect but he’s stable, which is all Kevin O’Connell asked for this offseason.”

USA Today (Nate Davis) — 18th

Key excerpt: “Few teams ran the ball more efficiently last season (4.5 yards per attempt), yet few were less committed to the ground (24.1 rushes per game) than the Vikes. So what does new QB1 Kyler Murray mean on that front given his multi-dimensional abilities, yet proclivity to get injured?”

Yahoo! Sports— 24th

Key excerpt: None provided.

New York Post — 24th

(editor’s note: these are their post-draft rankings, which are the last they posted)

Key excerpt: “Kyler Murray will help Justin Jefferson’s fantasy football numbers and a Brian Flores defense now bolstered by rookies Caleb Banks and Jake Golday will make them a tough out, but the division is murder.”

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Average ranking: 19.45 (214 ranking points/11 rankings| High: 15th; Low: 24th)

Spare thoughts: I can’t really hate too much. I think the Vikings are better than bordering on the bottom third of the NFL, but let ‘em sleep, right? Anything higher would be too earnest, anyway.

What do you think? Join the conversation below (and recommend other power rankings to add if you wish)!

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