NFL power rankings place Minnesota Vikings near middle of the pack

The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2026 NFL season with a consensus power ranking average of 19.4 across 11 major sports media outlets. Analysts point to the addition of quarterback Kyler Murray as a stabilizing factor for the offense following a nine-win campaign that featured multiple starters at the position last year. Concerns remain regarding the defensive front and the physical conditioning of rookie first-round pick Caleb Banks, who missed significant portions of his final collegiate season and the offseason. Despite the skepticism, some projections suggest the team could reach the playoffs if the offense finds consistency under the scheme of head coach Kevin O’Connell. The Vikings prepare for their opening game against the Green Bay Packers this week. Murray is set to become the fourth different player to start at quarterback for the team in as many opening-day contests.

• 3:43 PMYahoo Sports — Minnesota Vikings in the Power Rankings — Entering the 2026 Season