Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) slaps fingers with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell after a made subject aim towards the Dallas Cowboys through the second half at AT&T Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Pictures
The beginning of the NFL season isn’t too distant now however there may be nonetheless time to get some rankings in forward of the 2026 season. The nice folks over at Professional Soccer Focus have been doing simply that.
The place Vikings Offensive Playmakers Land in PFF Rankings Forward of the 2026 Season
PFF has been rating the highest 32 gamers at every place, and, beginning with the gamers on the offensive aspect of the ball, I believed it will be attention-grabbing to see which Vikings gamers made the rankings.
On offense, Minnesota has eight gamers that rank inside the highest 32 at their place and two honorable mentions. To cease this text attending to lengthy I’m splitting into two, beginning with the six Vikings offensive playmakers that made the checklist and following up with the 4 Vikings offensive linemen.
The Vikings solely have one participant that will get inside the highest 10 at their place – no prizes for guessing who that’s. The rankings for Vikings offensive playmakers inform a narrative or concern at quarterback, operating again, and tight finish that has validation. Beneath, I’ll lay out the rankings for every Viking who made them, PFF’s write-up on the participant, after which my very own ideas on the participant and their rating.
Kyler Murray – QB Rank – twenty first
Dec 13, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) towards the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports activities
As has been the case all through his profession, Murray flashed his immense expertise in 2025 earlier than accidents as soon as once more lower his season quick. He was restricted to only 5 begins final 12 months, and he has performed a full season solely as soon as since 2021. He fell out of favor in Arizona and is now competing with J.J. McCarthy for the beginning job in Minnesota.
Murray’s expertise remains to be tantalizing when he’s wholesome and in rhythm. As just lately because the 2024 common season, he ranked seventh amongst qualifying quarterbacks in big-time throws (27) and second in yards per carry (7.3). In 5 begins final season, he earned a good 72.2 PFF passing grade.
Murray has proven he can play at a top-eight degree, and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has had loads of success with much less proficient quarterbacks. Maybe the pairing will assist lead Minnesota again to the postseason.
PFF ranks Kyler Murray in twenty first place which is respectable after a season the place he solely performed 5 video games. Murray’s is a narrative of expertise and flaws and looking for the best mix. The large query is can Kevin O’Connell, a person who has managed to get outcomes with some unhealthy QBs, discover the recipe to get the most effective out of Murray?
He had good seasons in Arizona together with a few Professional Bowl years early in his profession however the time had come for a contemporary begin with accidents stalling his progress lately. The hope could be that Murray has the form of season that might push him up into the highest 16 area subsequent 12 months. If he does the Vikings have a great likelihood of a aggressive season.
JJ McCarthy – QB Rank – Honourable Point out
Between accidents and ineffective play, McCarthy’s first two NFL seasons have been nothing in need of disastrous. He now finds himself in a contest with Kyler Murray for the beginning job in Minnesota. There have been constructive moments, together with producing the second-highest big-time throw fee amongst qualifying quarterbacks final season, however inconsistent mechanics and poor accuracy have marred his play. If he doesn’t enhance considerably earlier than the beginning of the 2026 season, his days in Minnesota could possibly be numbered.
JJ McCarthy most likely will get an honourable point out as a result of in principle, he may win the QB competitors in Minnesota. I’ve by no means purchased that there really is a QB competitors occurring, and the early indicators are that Murray appears to be like like he’s on the right track to be the Vikings QB1 for the 2026 season.
Aaron Jones – RB Rank – twenty ninth
Minnesota Vikings operating again Aaron Jones Sr. celebrated after scoring a first-quarter landing towards the Detroit Lions at U.S. Financial institution Stadium, giving Minnesota an early Christmas Day spark. On December 25, 2025, in Minneapolis, Jones marked the rating because the Vikings tried to construct momentum in a vacation NFC North matchup at dwelling. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures.
Jones is within the twilight of his profession, however he nonetheless racked up 747 yards from scrimmage throughout simply 12 video games final season. When wholesome, he can nonetheless be a productive committee piece, which he presently is alongside Jordan Mason. A more healthy offensive line may additionally contribute to elevated manufacturing on the bottom, whereas probably superior quarterback play may supply extra possibilities for Jones within the passing recreation.
There was a time that Aaron Jones would have been within the high 10 of these rankings. These days are lengthy gone and to be trustworthy, I anticipated Jones to be gone for this season. As an alternative, he has the prospect for what’s going to most likely be one final rodeo in Minnesota. He can nonetheless be efficient sharing the workload with Jordan Mason whereas additionally bringing invaluable management to the workforce.
Jordan Mason – RB Rank – Honourable Point out
Mason really completed 2025 as Minnesota’s main rusher as Aaron Jones handled accidents, and his continued manufacturing may warrant top-32 consideration by the top of 2026. His 4.8 yards per carry and 83.8 PFF speeding grade had been each top-10 marks amongst certified operating backs final season. If the 31-year-old Jones seems to be on his final legs early within the season, Mason could be the most important beneficiary.
Personally, I believe Jordan Mason must be the Vikings’ RB1, and the man who must be leaned on within the floor recreation. The workload must be shared pretty evenly, particularly to begin the season however it is a huge season for Mason who has the chance to place himself ahead as a long-term resolution on the place for Minnesota.
Justin Jefferson – WR Rank – third
Minnesota Vikings extensive receiver Justin Jefferson factors throughout the sphere after a play towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers throughout Week 18 motion at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 4, 2026, as Jefferson reacted throughout recreation highlights from the 2025 NFL season finale between the longtime NFC North rivals in a late regular-season showdown. Necessary Credit score: YouTube.
Inconsistent quarterback play led to Jefferson posting profession lows in PFF grade (80.5), receiving yards (1,048), and receiving touchdowns (2). Nonetheless, Jefferson deserves a excessive placement on this checklist primarily based on what he has completed all through his profession.
Jefferson’s 8,480 profession receiving yards are essentially the most by any participant by means of his first six NFL seasons. His 93.4 profession PFF grade ranks second amongst extensive receivers since 2020. With Kyler Murray now throwing him the soccer, anticipate Jefferson to return to his elite kind in 2026.
After all, Justin Jefferson is the highest-ranked Viking among the many Vikings offensive playmakers. Minnesota’s issues at QB final season are properly documented and out of doors of the poor landing catch return. Jefferson’s stats stay spectacular for a traditional extensive receiver. Jefferson isn’t regular although, he has been at a record-breaking tempo all through his profession and you may wager he’ll need to preserve that going with a giant season in 2026. Jefferson believes he’s the most effective WR within the recreation and he’ll need to be on the high of those lists in 2027.
TJ Hockenson – TE Rank – twenty first
In 2025, Hockenson had his worst season since his rookie 12 months. His 61.2 PFF grade and 438 receiving yards had been every his lowest since getting drafted in 2019. Nonetheless, the 29-year-old deserves a spot on this checklist for what he’s finished within the earlier 5 seasons. Since 2020, Hockenson’s 4,073 receiving yards are the fourth-most within the NFL, as are his 215 receiving first downs or touchdowns.
Since his 2024 knee harm, TJ Hockenson has discovered himself slipping down TE rankings as he strives to return to the shape he had when he first arrived in Minnesota. Discover, nonetheless, that PFF was fast to make allowances for Jefferson’s decrease quantity final season as a result of Vikings’ QB issues, however there isn’t a point out of it right here.
Hockenson remains to be a great TE and must be out to restore his fame in 2026. He’s younger sufficient to have the ability to get again to his greatest and transfer up these rankings considerably subsequent 12 months.
Proud UK Viking. Household Man. Take pleasure in writing about my workforce. Away from soccer an advocate for autism acceptance.
