Analysts identify playoff performance as primary indicator of 2026 Vikings success

Expectations for the 2026 Minnesota Vikings center on securing a postseason victory. Since Kevin O'Connell took over as coach in 2022, the team has accumulated 68 regular-season wins and two playoff berths, though they remain winless in those two postseason appearances. ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert suggests that merely reaching the playoffs is no longer sufficient to define a successful season for the franchise. The team roster has experienced significant turnover throughout the offseason. Achieving a winning result in the postseason is viewed as the necessary next step for the team to demonstrate progress. Analysts note that team success may hinge on the health and performance of Kyler Murray.

• 9:25 PMYahoo Sports — Playoffs will dictate if 2026 is a success for the Vikings