Kyler Murray is set to start at quarterback for the Vikings, and if predictions hold, this team is built for a playoff season in 2026. The NFC North is ridiculously competitive, with any of the four teams capable of taking the top spot, but one analyst is dropping some early season predictions that have Minnesota kicking things off hot. Forget waiting until September, the call is in: this team is headed for big things.
The Packers Are Down and Out, But Chicago Stings
It’s not just talk, the Vikings have a pattern: 13-4 in 2022, 7-10 in 2023, 14-3 in 2024, and then 9-8 last season, just one game out of the playoffs. This trend points to a playoff run in 2026, and the early schedule lines up for it. They kick things off on September 13th at home against Green Bay, and that's a predicted WIN. The Packers are looking weaker after losing Rashan Gary, Quay Walker, and Romeo Dobbs, plus Micah Parsons is out early recovering from an ACL injury. Murray, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison should feast on those "suspect corners." Then comes the real test: September 20th at Chicago, and that's a predicted LOSS. The Bears are the reigning NFC North champs, man, and even with the league’s toughest schedule and losing D.J. Moore and Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, they are tough. Ex-Viking Garrett Bradbury is a downgrade at center, so Minnesota’s defensive line could eat, especially if DT Caleb Banks is healthy. But Caleb Williams is a closer, remember Week 11 last season at Minnesota? He’ll lead another late drive to snatch a win. It’s gonna be a close one, but the Bears get it done.Road Wins and Blowout Potential on the Horizon
After that Chicago hiccup, it’s all W’s for a while. September 27th sees them snag a road WIN at Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield is in a contract fight, Mike Evans is gone to San Francisco, and the Bucs finished 8-9 last year, losing seven of their last nine games in the NFC South, the league's worst division. Easy pickings in that September heat. Then October 4th, a home WIN against Miami. The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode: new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, new head coach, new QB Malik Willis,all from Green Bay! They even traded their top receiver, Jaylen Waddle, to Denver. This game is shaping up to be "as close to a blowout as the Vikings will find this season." A 3-1 start out of the gate is looking solid right there. It continues on October 11th with another road WIN at New Orleans. The Saints could be a "sneaky good" team with second-year QB Tyler Shough, but they’ve got a ways to go talent-wise and only managed a six-win season last year. New Orleans is never an easy place to play, but the Vikings are expected to grab another road victory. After a bye week, on October 25th, they're back home for a WIN against Indianapolis, reuniting with former QB Daniel Jones. Look, if this early schedule prediction holds up, with Murray leading the charge, the Vikings are gonna be in a prime spot. Five wins in their first six games, including those crucial road victories, sets them up big. It’s all about capitalizing on these early opportunities and staying healthy to prove that the 2026 season is indeed their playoff season.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.