Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores speaks with reporters halfway by the week on Tuesday, December third, 2024, following Minnesota’s slender 23–22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals two days earlier. Flores, employed forward of the 2023 season, has overseen a defensive turnaround that continues to form the workforce’s weekly strategy. Obligatory Credit score: — You Tube.
There was no playoff soccer for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025. So the massive query is, are they prepared for a playoff return in 2026? Right here, I’ll put ahead three the reason why a playoff return is feasible.
Three Paths Again to January Soccer
Final yr, I predicted the Vikings would win 11 video games. The workforce would, the truth is, win 9 video games and end with a successful file, because of a five-game successful streak. Earlier than that, it was a tricky time in Minnesota, however the robust end shouldn’t be forgotten, together with wins over the Inexperienced Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions to shut out the season. Playoff soccer gained’t come straightforward for the Vikings, however listed here are three the reason why it must be seen as attainable.
The Brian Flores Protection
In a unit that lacks star energy, Brian Flores has produced one of many league’s finest defenses over his three seasons as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator. I don’t anticipate any totally different in 2026. Flores stored the workforce aggressive final yr whereas the offense was having a catastrophe. His protection allowed the Seventh-fewest factors in opposition to, regardless of constantly discovering themselves on the sector after failed offensive drives.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the sideline throughout an NFC wild card matchup in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams, Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Flores directed Minnesota’s defensive strategy in a high-stakes postseason setting because the unit navigated pressure-packed collection beneath playoff depth. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas–Imagn Photos
A couple of gamers have left Minnesota, most notably Jonathan Greenard, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings are set to be with out Harrison Smith of their secondary for the primary time since 2011, they usually additionally launched veteran defensive linemen Javon Harvgrave and Jonathan Allen.
By way of additions, the Vikings added CB James Pierre, whereas they are going to be hoping for robust contributions from rookies like Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange (DL), Jake Golday (LB), and Jakobe Thomas (S). Flores has constructed his popularity by getting the most effective out of what he has at his disposal; anticipate the identical in 2026.
Improved QB Play
The primary two-thirds of the 2025 season have been a whole catastrophe for the Vikings at quarterback, with the choice to not carry again Sam Darnold haunting them. JJ McCarthy struggled with every part from rhythm, timing, and accuracy to staying wholesome.
Carson Wentz supplied some welcome reduction earlier than injuring his shoulder, and Max Brosmer had the struggles you’d anticipate from an undrafted rookie when he needed to be referred to as upon. A five-game successful streak on the finish of the season confirmed some promise, however the Vikings needed to do one thing at QB for this season.
Oct 28, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball in opposition to Inexperienced Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) at State Farm Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Their reply was signing Kyler Murray, a two-time Professional Bowler and Offensive Rookie of the Yr again in 2019. Murray is proficient however has fallen out of favor in Arizona after seven seasons with the workforce that drafted him.
Simply going again to the 2024 season, Murray performed 17 video games, threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns, and rushed for 572 yards and 5 touchdowns. Put these numbers into this Vikings offense alongside a Flores protection, and that may be a workforce that may make the playoffs. McCarthy and Wentz are each nonetheless round to supply insurance coverage.
Kevin O’Connell’s Document in Even Years
Sep 25, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell earlier than the sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports activities
I’ll be trustworthy, I’m not essentially the most superstitious man, and all I see is a narrative of inconsistency, however if you’d like one thing to cling to at this level within the offseason, then you’ll be able to have this one. In some unspecified time in the future, this sequence will in all probability finish, however hopefully that’s subsequent yr when this Vikings workforce lastly places collectively two good seasons in a row.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Take pleasure in writing about my workforce. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
