Minnesota Vikings

0-0Power Rank#240

AI Summary

Minnesota's offseason was defined by an unconventional quarterback swap: after J.J. McCarthy's promising 6-4 rookie start was cut short by injury in 2025, the Vikings signed Kyler Murray for the veteran minimum following his release by Arizona and named him the Week 1 starter over McCarthy. Justin Jefferson returns as an unquestioned WR1, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores is rebuilding a unit that lost Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Greenard, with longtime safety Harrison Smith's future uncertain. Adding to the uncertainty, the front office is currently operating without a general manager after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January. National oddsmakers and rankings have Minnesota projected for roughly 8-9 wins and a last-place finish in a deep, competitive NFC North.

Researched by Team Research Desk · last updated August 20, 2026

Real Efficiency KPIs

Offensive EPA/play

-0.116

#28 of 32

Defensive EPA/play allowed

-0.100

#4 of 32

2025 regular season, 943 offensive / 1017 defensive plays. Source: nflverse play-by-play (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season. This is a prior-season baseline — this team's 2026 numbers will replace it once real Week 1 plays exist.

Key Players (2025 production)

Leading Passer

J.J. McCarthy · QB

140/243, 11 TD, 12 INT

-54.1 passing EPA

Leading Rusher

Jordan Mason · RB

159 car, 758 yds, 6 TD

-5.8 rushing EPA

Leading Receiver

Justin Jefferson · WR

84/141, 1048 yds, 30% target share

-13.8 receiving EPA

Leading Pass Rusher

Dallas Turner · LB

8 sacks, 15 QB hits

Leading Tackler

Blake Cashman · LB

60 solo, 83 assist

Leading Interceptor

Harrison Smith · FS

2 INT

Source: nflverse player stats (github.com/nflverse/nflverse-data), real 2025 regular season; team attribution updated for documented 2026 offseason trades. Prior-season baseline, not 2026 in-season stats.

Key Storylines

Kyler Murray signed for the veteran minimum after his release by Arizona and was named the Week 1 starting QB over 2025 rookie starter J.J. McCarthy
Defense under DC Brian Flores turns over significantly: DL Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave released and edge rusher Jonathan Greenard traded, with safety Harrison Smith's return uncertain
Vikings are operating without a general manager after firing Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in January 2026
Justin Jefferson enters camp healthy as clear WR1 with no depth-chart competition, building early chemistry with Murray
Oddsmakers and power rankings (including a 28th-of-32 NFL.com ranking) project roughly 8-9 wins and a last-place NFC North finish

Injury Report

Jordan Addison · WR
Limited
Sidelined part of camp with a jammed thumb; imaging came back clean and the team expected only a brief absence.
Christian Darrisaw · LT
Veteran rest days
Took maintenance days for lingering left knee soreness while recovering from multiple 2024 ligament tears, but reported feeling 'the best I've felt in two years.'
Will Fries · RG
Returned to practice
Missed two camp sessions with an undisclosed injury before returning to the lineup.