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The Minnesota Vikings would like to get back to the way things were in 2024.
That's the year, of course, that the Vikings posted a 14-3 record and advanced to the playoffs for just the second time in the 2020's. But last year, things didn't go quite as planned for the franchise, as they went just 9-8 and fell short of the postseason. Some of that was due to struggles by young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who dealt with injuries during the season and underperformed.
Now, they add some veteran competition in the quarterback room and look to get back on track. But what is the ceiling (and floor) for Minnesota in 2026?
Ceiling: 12-5
The talent in Minnesota isn't at an elite level, so don't expect them to contend among the top teams in the NFC. But double-digit wins are a possibility, especially if former Cardinals starter Kyler Murray lives up to expectations or McCarthy develops as originally expected and stays injury-free. This team has two double-digit win seasons and postseason appearances under Kevin O'Connell, and they can get back there again.
Floor: 8-9
With McCarthy's issues and the franchise's overall struggles last year, they still posted a winning record. The worst record they've posted in four seasons under O'Connell is 7-10, and it's hard to envision that happening this year with the current quarterback situation. Expect eight wins to be the worst things can get.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What is the ceiling (and floor) for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026?
Continue reading...
That's the year, of course, that the Vikings posted a 14-3 record and advanced to the playoffs for just the second time in the 2020's. But last year, things didn't go quite as planned for the franchise, as they went just 9-8 and fell short of the postseason. Some of that was due to struggles by young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who dealt with injuries during the season and underperformed.
Now, they add some veteran competition in the quarterback room and look to get back on track. But what is the ceiling (and floor) for Minnesota in 2026?
Ceiling: 12-5
The talent in Minnesota isn't at an elite level, so don't expect them to contend among the top teams in the NFC. But double-digit wins are a possibility, especially if former Cardinals starter Kyler Murray lives up to expectations or McCarthy develops as originally expected and stays injury-free. This team has two double-digit win seasons and postseason appearances under Kevin O'Connell, and they can get back there again.
Floor: 8-9
With McCarthy's issues and the franchise's overall struggles last year, they still posted a winning record. The worst record they've posted in four seasons under O'Connell is 7-10, and it's hard to envision that happening this year with the current quarterback situation. Expect eight wins to be the worst things can get.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: What is the ceiling (and floor) for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026?
Continue reading...
