Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (46) celebrates after changing a game-winning discipline aim towards the Las Vegas Raiders throughout fourth-quarter motion at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. On Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Reichard delivered the decisive kick to cap a memorable preseason debut and safe a victory for the Vikings earlier than the house crowd. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports activities
Sportsbooks consider the Minnesota Vikings will win 8.5 video games in 2026, and if that sounds acquainted, it’s as a result of that exact forecast has mainly adopted Minnesota for eight straight summers. However in keeping with CBS Sports activities, Vegas is overlooking the Vikings, whereas overrating the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
It’s a uncommon little bit of enthusiasm for Minnesota from a nationwide media outlet.
The Vikings Get Uncommon Backing from CBS Sports activities
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray takes half in offseason work because the membership begins preparations for the 2026 marketing campaign. Throughout organized staff actions on Could 26, 2026, on the Vikings’ follow facility in Eagan, Minnesota, Murray joined teammates for the opening OTA session whereas coaches carried out plans for a revamped quarterback room. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube.
Jordan Dajani: Decide the Over for Vikings
Dajani of CBS Sports activities assessed the whole thing of the NFC North, talking extremely of the Vikings, who’re anticipated to complete in final place contained in the division, in keeping with dwell betting odds.
“Kyler Murray will have some fantastic weapons to work with, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and Jauan Jennings. I believe Jennings is one of the most underrated signings of the entire offseason, so don’t get me started on him,” Dajani started.
“He ranked second on the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards over the past two seasons and led the team in red-zone targets (34), fourth-quarter targets (50) and third-down targets (69) during that span. He’s also an elite run blocker and doesn’t drop the football. Thanks for entertaining my rant. Murray now also has the backing of a Brian Flores-led defense, which he didn’t have in Arizona.”
Throughout his time in Arizona — 2019 to 2025 — the Cardinals ranked eighth-worst within the NFL per EPA/Play.
Dajani continued, “The Vikings did lose Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen and Jonathan Greenard on the defensive front, but I like some of the additions they made in the draft, including linebacker Jake Golday, defensive tackle Domonique Orange and safety Jakobe Thomas.”
“The Vikings hit the over on this line last year thanks to a five-game winning streak to end the season. Do we really see Minnesota getting worse? Verdict: Over 8.5 wins.”
In all probability a Protected Guess
All of Dajani’s logic checks out; it’s not far-fetched. In brief, the Vikings have been a nine-win staff final 12 months — already beating the 8.5-win forecast with an analogous roster, sans Greenard to Philadelphia — and have upgraded the quarterback spot with Murray.
The protection is Minnesota’s calling card for now, because the enterprise modified when Brian Flores arrived in 2023. The unit struggled throughout Kevin O’Connell’s first 12 months with Ed Donatell calling the pictures, however turned it round instantly when Flores walked by the doorways in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings large receiver Justin Jefferson goes by pregame drills earlier than a divisional matchup on the street. Forward of kickoff on Nov. 24, 2024, at Soldier Discipline in Chicago, Illinois, Jefferson warmed up with teammates as Minnesota ready for an additional NFC North showdown towards the Chicago Bears. Obligatory Credit score: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Photographs.
Pairing Murray with a Prime 3 protection — Murray is accustomed to common or poor defenses in Arizona — ought to be the particular sauce to prime 8.5 wins. In his profession, Murray has a greater EPA+CPOE than Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, and C.J. Stroud. In case you can think about Mayfield or Lawrence underneath heart for the Vikings, that’s mainly what Murray will carry per effectivity.
Kevin O’Connell Due for a Playoff Win
O’Connell took over the Vikings in 2022 and has led the staff to the NFL’s fifth-best win share in 4 seasons. Two of his seasons — 2023 and 2025 — have been ruined by QB1 accidents, however even throughout these campaigns, O’Connell stabilized operations sufficient for Minnesota to seek out 16 whole wins.
But, with the fifth-best win share, the person has not received a playoff recreation. Only a few NFL head coaches see a fifth 12 months with out a postseason triumph; O’Connell snuck by.
Earlier than too lengthy, he should win a playoff recreation or threat hot-seat whispers. Successful common season video games solely goes up to now. The Vikings haven’t received a playoff recreation since 2019 — the day Kirk Cousins and Kyle Rudolph walked off the Saints in additional time down in New Orleans.
Bullish on the Lions
Dajani was additionally excessive on the last-place Detroit Lions, noting, “The Lions have plenty going for them. Quarterback Jared Goff has led the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns over the past four seasons. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has scored more touchdowns in his first three seasons than any player in NFL history.”
“Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta provide a great supporting cast. Detroit traded running back David Montgomery to Houston, but I think Isiah Pacheco is going to play a fun role in this offense with his maniacal running style.”
Detroit Lions heart Graham Glasgow prepares to snap the soccer throughout a late-season NFC North battle. Within the second quarter on Dec. 25, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Glasgow lined up towards the Vikings because the division rivals met in a Christmas Day matchup. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
Pound for pound, the expertise of the Lions’ depth chart suggests it’s nearer to first place within the NFC North than final place.
Dajani added, “Defensively, Aidan Hutchinson is an elite pass rusher, Jack Campbell was one of the best linebackers in football last year and cashed in on a lucrative deal, and Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, DJ Reed and Roger McCreary can handle the weapons in the NFC North if they stay healthy.”
“It’s important to note that the Lions have the sixth-easiest schedule in the NFL this season. I’ll take them to go 11-6.”
The Los Angeles Rams are the runaway frontrunner to win the Tremendous Bowl, particularly after buying and selling for EDGE rusher Myles Garrett this week.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
