Despite a lot of hype surrounding the Minnesota Vikings going into the 2026 season, the national media isn’t quite there yet. Pro Football Focus’ power rankings have the Vikings at 17th overall.

“The Vikings still notched a winning campaign in 2025, but little went right offensively, with Minnesota’s passers compiling the second-lowest PFF passing grade of any team. Adding the skillful Kyler Murray under center could help Minnesota’s offense get back on track, while its blitz-heavy defense sat in the top 10 by most efficiency metrics last season. If Murray can find a consistent groove in Kevin O’Connell’s scheme and the Vikings’ defensive line can play better, then Minnesota should get back into the playoff fold.”

Minnesota Vikings continue not ranking highly in power rankings

Is 17th overall something to be concerned about? Not necessarily. The national media haven’t been believers in the Vikings, mainly due to the lack of success last season with J.J. McCarthy and the multiple defensive changes they’ve gone with.

It’s also the unknown with Kyler Murray as the Vikings’ starting quarterback. They weren’t bought into the Vikings back in 2024 when Sam Darnold was the quarterback for similar reasons. If he ends up being good early on, expect the Vikings to continue vaulting up the rankings. For now, they are clearly hedging their bets with the Vikings, which is completely understandable.

Where should things be with this Vikings team? It’s an interesting element to discuss for all the reasons I have mentioned above. Overall, the answer is simple: head coach Kevin O’Connell has done a great job with this team when it comes to winning football games. Last season, they had mostly abysmal quarterback play, and they won nine games. If that quarterback play was bang-average, the Vikings would have finished with 12-13 wins, and that’s not hyperbole.

All Murray needs to do is be an average quarterback and the Vikings can take a massive leap forward. If he’s better than that, watch out. Things could get really interesting.