Minnesota Vikings defenders Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard converge on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throughout NFC North motion at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. The Minnesota go rush created havoc all through the competition, forcing a key turnover that helped swing momentum early. The play occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, throughout a divisional showdown in Minneapolis. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
The Vikings’ beginning lineup isn’t set in stone. That being stated, there are lots of particulars which might be already identified.
No person goes to pressure Justin Jefferson out of his spot because the group’s WR1. Likewise, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brian O’Neill, Byron Murphy Jr., and varied others have their jobs secured. Solely damage — fingers crossed that any that come up are exceedingly minor — can threaten their spots on Minnesota’s depth chart.
Try one man’s tackle how the hierarchy will search for Week 1 of the 2026 season. Swing round to the group web site for a clarifying record of the group’s gamers.
The Vikings’ Beginning Lineup: An Educated Guess
Offense — 11 Personnel
Minnesota Vikings huge receiver Justin Jefferson celebrates after scoring a first-half landing in opposition to the Washington Commanders at FedExField. The All-Professional receiver sparked Minnesota’s offense with one other signature play throughout a comeback victory on the street. Nov. 6, 2022. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports activities.
LT Christian DarrisawLG Donovan JacksonC Blake BrandelRG Will FriesRT Brian O’NeillQB Kyler MurrayRB Aaron JonesWR Justin JeffersonWR Jordan AddisonTE T.J. HockensonWR Jauan Jennings
Competitors: As some might have heard, the QB1 spot is up for grabs. My guess for the previous short time is that Murray begins in Week 1 however that J.J. McCarthy begins extra video games in 2026. Can Jordan Mason overtake Aaron Jones to be the highest Vikings runner? One thing to be stated for Mr. Mason, a hammer who treats defenders like nails.
Riddle: Is Mr. Brandel going to get the job completed as a middle? Does the group pull off a commerce for anyone like Garrett Bradbury? Appears just like the in-house competitors is decided however Brandel nonetheless has one thing to show.
Signed, Sealed, & Delivered: No person goes to displace Justin Jefferson. Brian O’Neill and Christian Darrisaw are a terrific tandem who might turn into elite if the whole lot goes completely. Jordan Addison is ready for an amazing season. Oh, and Donovan Jackson goes to turn into superb. A matter of when and never if.
Protection – Nickle
Sep 15, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; The Minnesota Vikings react after an interception by security Josh Metellus (obscured in heart) in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers in the course of the third quarter U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photographs.
EDGE Andrew Van GinkelDT Jalen RedmondDT Levi Drake RodriguezEDGE Dallas TurnerLB Blake CashmanLB Eric WilsonCB James PierreCB Byron Murphy Jr.S Jay WardS Josh MetellusCB Isaiah Rodgers
Competitors: Who’s the DT2 for the Vikings? Mr. Redmond has earned the best to be the DT1 in 2026 after proving so spectacular in 2024 and 2025. The middle fielder place, in any other case referred to as free security, goes to be a battle. I say it goes to Mr. Ward. Theo Jackson and Jakobe Thomas will attempt to show me incorrect.
Riddle: How does Jake Golday match into the combo? The lengthy, speedy linebacker seems to be good for Brian Flores. Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange are going get snaps. And what of the veteran linebackers? Can they shine regardless of being a contact older?
Signed, Sealed, & Delivered: Andrew Van Ginkel is a cyborg. Dallas Turner will likely be supporting the cyborg as he tries to turn into a cyborg. A prime trio of corners consisting of Murphy, Rodgers, and Pierre has the potential to be superb. Not shutdown elite, however adequate to ship receivers residence annoyed. Metellus is taking pictures for a bounce again.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. E mail: okay.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
