Minnesota's Vikings now have their full 2026 roadmap, facing four primetime matchups and a gauntlet of critical NFC North contests that will determine their playoff fate.

The Full Schedule

Week 1: Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay Packers

Week 2: Sept. 20 @ Chicago Bears

Week 3: Sept. 27 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 4: Nov. 4 vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 5: Nov. 11 vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 6: BYE

Week 7: Oct. 25 vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 8: Nov. 1 @ Detroit Lions

Week 9: Nov. 9 vs. Buffalo Bills (Monday)

Week 10: Nov. 15 @ Green Bay Packers

Week 11: Nov. 22 @ San Francisco 49ers (in Mexico City)

Week 12: Nov. 29 vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 13: Dec. 6 vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 14: Dec. 12 @ New England Patriots (Thursday)

Week 15: Dec. 20 vs. Detroit Lions

Week 16: TBD vs. Washington Commanders

Week 17: Jan. 1 @ New York Jets

Week 18: TBD vs. Chicago Bears

Projections Paint a Bleak Picture

Despite the addition of quarterback Kyler Murray on a league-minimum deal, expectations remain modest. Analyst Henry McKenna projects the Vikings to finish 9-8, falling short in the NFC North race.

The Vegas-friendly numbers tell a similar story: FanDuel Sportsbook pegs Minnesota's win total at 8.5 games. Their Super Bowl odds sit at a distant +5000, while playoff odds are listed at +190.

The Case Against Contention

McKenna's skepticism runs deep:

"The discount for Kyler Murray was incredible. The quarterback-value contract did not, however, embolden the Minnesota Vikings to go out and fix their many problems. In fact, they shipped off edge Jonathan Greenard, one of their best players, in a trade. And without much of a free agency class (due to cap constraints), the Vikings will have to rely upon their rookie defensive linemen Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange to contribute right away. Given Banks' injury history (a 300-pound man with foot issues), I have concerns. Last year was the year when they were supposed to contend. Because that flopped, this might have to be their get-right year."

A Quiet Offseason After Leadership Change

The Vikings made minimal moves following the departure of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. They shed veteran defensive talent, parting with linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen while trading away edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia.

Despite cap constraints, Minnesota did inject some fresh blood: Murray's minimum-salary gamble, cornerback James Pierre (formerly Pittsburgh), and wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ex-San Francisco). The draft brought defensive linemen Caleb Banks (No. 18 overall from Florida) and third-rounder Domonique Orange (Iowa State), both expected to contribute immediately.

Mixed Reviews From Experts

Ralph Vacchiano ranked the Vikings at No. 17 in his post-draft power rankings, acknowledging the defensive reinforcement but flagging concerns:

"Trading away edge rusher Jonathan Greenard hurts their defense, especially their pass rush. But at least they stacked the middle with Florida DT Caleb Banks (6-6, 327) and Iowa State DT Domonique Orange (6-2, 322) in Rounds 1 and 3."

Draft analyst Rob Rang was more cautious, awarding interim GM Rob Brzezinski's first draft class a C+ grade:

"This is a class that could pay off big — or completely flop."