I was thinking about those of you who play fantasy football and what your thoughts are on Vikings players. Is there any player you would draft? What do you think the chances of that player having a solid season? Obviously, Justin Jefferson is at the top of the list but he is at the mercy of whatever QB is starting.
Fantasy Football Sleepers, Busts & Predictions: 2026 Minnesota Vikings
https://ftnfantasy.com/nfl/fantasy-football-sleepers-busts-predictions-2026-minnesota-vikings
Sleeper: Kyler Murray,
QB Take out last year, and Kyler Murray has never finished worse than 12th in fantasy points per game at quarterback or put up under 18.1 PPG in a season. Last year, in five games, he was 20th in PPG at 16.2. So the question comes down to whether you think 2025 was what we might see from Murray going forward.
Here’s the thing: We saw the Cardinals bench him last year (or “bench” him, with an injury/phantom injury) when it was clear he wasn’t part of their future. If he comes out for the Vikings this year and looks lost under center, there’s no real reason or the Vikings to roll with him going forward, either. If you’re going to lose anyway, might as well give one more shot to J.J. McCarthy. And that’s the best type of fantasy player. Someone who will play but have bad games is someone you feel obligated to put in your lineup. Someone who will either be good or be benched? There’s no sweat. Play him or move on.
You can get Murray at QB17 in ADP. I can all but guarantee he won’t be the No. 17 quarterback this season. If he’s the starter all season, his floor is QB14 or so (and his baseline is higher). If he’s not putting up borderline QB1 numbers, he’s not going to be the starter all season.
Bust: Jordan Mason, RB
In his career, he has four 100-yard games. All four came when he was starting and McCaffrey or Jones was out. He has nine games with 15-plus carries, and eight came without Jones or McCaffrey. As a committee back, he just doesn’t get enough ground work to be worth it. And he absolutely does not make up for it through the air — Mason has 28 receptions in four seasons for 173 yards and no touchdowns. He’s LeGarrette Blount as a receiver without being LeGarrette Blount on the ground.
Bold Prediction: The Vikings Win the NFC North
The Vikings were marginally successful last year despite everything at quarterback being patently unacceptable. They don’t need Josh Allen-esque quarterbacking to be a very good team. As proof of that, we need only look back at the Vikings in 2024. Sam Darnold was good. Better than he’d ever been before. But this wasn’t a quarterback becoming elite and carrying his team to 14-3. It was a quarterback playing pretty well and good coaching and support leading to excellent results.
https://optimusfantasy.com/minnesota-vikings-fantasy-2026/
https://www.fantasylife.com/articles/fantasy/minnesota-vikings-fantasy-football-team-preview-for-2026
I think the only players I would select are Jefferson who you probably have to do it in the first round which is dicey and Kyler Murray late in any fantasy draft. My sleeper pick would be TJ Hockenson.
The rookies report in 10 days!
The first training camp practice is 16 days away. Rookies report to training camp in 10 days.
Rookie Arrival: First-year players report to the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on July 26.
Veteran Arrival: Returning players and full-squad activities begin two days later on July 28.
2026 Vikings Training Camp Full Schedule
https://www.vikings.com/schedule/vikings-events/training-camp/schedule
DATE : TIME : PRACTICE
Saturday, Aug. 1 : Noon- 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 3 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 4 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 5 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9 : 5 – 11 p.m. : 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
Thursday, Aug. 20 : Noon – 5 p.m. : 2:30 p.m. : Joint Practice with Baltimore Ravens
The Minnesota Vikings 2026 preseason schedule features three matchups
Week 1: Saturday, August 15 at New York Giants (1:00 PM ET)
Week 2: Saturday, August 22 vs. Baltimore Ravens (12:00 PM ET)
Week 3: Friday, August 28 at Denver Broncos (Time TBD)
Minnesota Vikings News and Links
2026 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview: Can Justin Jefferson return to the WR1 ranks?
https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/news/2026-minnesota-vikings-fantasy-preview-can-justin-jefferson-return-to-the-wr1-ranks
O’Connell enjoyed stable, healthy quarterback play in 2022 and 2024 and called plays accordingly. Across those two seasons, O’Connell’s offense ranked third in neutral game pass play rate (63.3 percent), eighth in offensive plays per game (67.2) and play-action pass play rate (28.9), 17th in shifts and motion rate (56.6 percent) and 12th in EPA per play (0.010). His 56.8 percent neutral game pass play rate and 26.8 percent play-action pass play rate from last season both rank 12th, but both figures are sizable decreases from his 2022 and 2024 ideals–and the two data points are the 2025 Vikings’ only qualifying top-20 finishes.
In 2025, Murray averaged more yards per pass play on plays featuring shifts, motion and/or play action than he did without. McCarthy delivered inverse results, his per-play efficiency declining whenever O’Connell added a creative tactic to his play calling. Murray is clearly the better fit in this regard.
McCarthy (QB30), wide receiver Justin Jefferson (PPR WR21), running back Jordan Mason (PPR RB36) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (PPR TE26) were the team’s top, respective skill position finishes last year. Vikings No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison finished as the PPR WR43 while starting running back Aaron Jones, injured almost all season, banked a PPR RB44 finish.
A quarterback better suited to O’Connell’s play-calling preferences should improve some or all of the Vikings’ skill position players’ stock this year.
…
2026 Minnesota Vikings Win Total
DraftKings Over/Under: 8.5
Pick: Under (-110)
Sharp Football Analysis lists the Vikings with the 16th-softest schedule. Projecting the Vikings for exactly 8.0 wins is, frankly, reasonable. DraftKings lists the over for 8.5 wins at -105. The Vikings could be 1-5 entering their Week 6 bye after playing vs. GB, @ CHI, @ TB, vs. MIA and @ NO. Their second win could come via a home game against the Indianapolis Colts, but they then play @ DET, vs. BUF, @ GB and vs. SF, which could easily net them another four losses, albeit perhaps close ones. Home tune-ups against the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers can get Minnesota back on track before playing @ NE and vs. DET. The Washington Commanders hired new offensive and defensive coordinators this offseason, which could produce anything from a fearsome, new-look squad to a disorganized disaster. The Vikings host them in Week 16 before flying to New Jersey for what should be a winnable game against the New York Jets. A Week 18 home game against the Chicago Bears could be the over/under fulcrum.
NFL Coaches, Execs and Scouts Still Rank Justin Jefferson High Among Peers
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-coaches-execs-scouts-still-200740148.html
But over at ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler does his positional rankings a bit differently, using all of his connections around the league to create a ranking system built on the opinions of active NFL coaches, executives and scouts.
In other words, this is how decisionmakers and talent evaluators view current players in the NFL. Which brings us to Fowler’s recently released wide receiver rankings, where Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson holds down the No. 2 spot.
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 5
Age: 27 | Last year’s ranking: 2
Jefferson, a past No. 1 on this list with a historic six-year start to his career, did not vie for the top spot as strongly as he has in years past. But he registered No. 1 or No. 2 votes on around 70% of the ballots, with several voters considering him a cut above the rest.
“I go by who I’d want on my team in a game or a season, and I still think he’s super talented,” an AFC executive said. “He’s a proven commodity that can do everything you need and can adapt to any defensive look.”
Vikings QB named among those who could be a value in fantasy
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/vikings-qb-named-among-those-005033751.html
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report went over ideal late-round quarterbacks to target in fantasy football drafts for 2026 and listed Kyler Murray at the top of the list. Murray currently sits as QB17 with an ADP of 112. Here is part of what Kay had to say:
At his best, Murray is a dynamic dual-threat weapon who can dissect defenses with his arm and rack up yardage and scores with his legs. He boasts a career 67.1 percent completion rate with 20,460 yards and 121 touchdowns through the air in 87 contests. Murray’s scrambling ability is what truly separates him in fantasy football, as he’s picked up 400-plus rushing yards and scored at least five touchdowns on the ground in each of the four seasons he missed three or fewer games during.
Although he’s only being drafted as a backup in most leagues, Murray will have a legitimate shot at putting together his best season yet. He’ll be working under a renowned quarterback whisperer in Kevin O’Connell while playing alongside some of the league’s top pass-catching weapons such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings.
Cris Carter declares Kyler Murray is the ‘ingredient’ Vikings needed
https://www.dazn.com/en-CA/news/football/cris-carter-kyler-murray-ingredient-vikings-qb-needed/dgsef0sw2379144l165x76ft9
The Vikings finished 9-8 in 2025 despite cycling through three subpar quarterbacks in J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer.
Carter gave credit to the team for achieving that feat, saying, “Who else around the league is able to win games without good quarterback play? It’s really hard to do, impossible to do.”
…
Carter believes the two-time Pro Bowler is in a great spot to succeed.
“Kyler Murray is in a situation like a lot of other good players,” he said. “The magic happens sometimes when you put those horns on, and that purple helmet.
“Now he has everything around him, offensive line, running game, an offensive mind [O’Connell] that’s going to put him in the best position to be able to win, one of the most elite receiving corps we have in the National Football League.”
That wideout group, led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and bolstered by the arrival of Jauan Jennings in free agency, is the best Murray has ever had to work with.
Carter loves what he sees going into 2026, provided Murray can get his head down.
“He’s in a great situation; he’s got tremendous experience, but we all have to grow as players. If he continues to grow, if he accepts KOC’s coaching… he will bring an ingredient to the Vikings offense that we haven’t had in years.”
Murray, one of the more dangerous quarterbacks with his legs, has 3,193 yards on the ground in just 87 games, and Carter believes that will make the difference.
“If you look at the top quarterbacks, every other one is a dual threat. When everything breaks down on third down, you have a guy that can get you a first down, and that’s what Kyler can do.”
Ex-Vikings Coach Brad Childress Weighs in on Minnesota QB Battle
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ex-vikings-coach-brad-childress-180044390.html
Vikings Reuniting With Former Edge Rusher is Perfect Gamble as Offseason Slows Down
https://www.si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/vikings-reuniting-with-former-edge-rusher-is-perfect-gamble-as-offseason-slows-down-01kxh13601a9
The Titans primarily used Ward as an edge rusher, and he came through with a career-high 47 pressures on 410 pass-rushing snaps. He also matched his career-best with five sacks, and he’s still unsigned as a free agent with training camp approaching.
If the Vikings came calling, they may have a spot for Ward to pitch in. Using Ward as an edge rusher may be the best course of action and rotating him in could provide depth behind their two starters. Signing Ward may not cost much and would add competition at the position, which is currently featuring Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Bo Richter as favorites to make the roster.
The biggest benefit is that Ward could remain on the team even if Ingram-Dawkins is successful in his transition from an interior defender to the edge. Lining up on the defensive line could provide a boost and it could be helpful if first-round pick Caleb Banks struggles with his troublesome foot or Domonique Orange has a rough transition to the NFL.
1 Trade Each NFL Team Should Consider Before the 2026 Season Starts
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25454350-1-trade-each-nfl-team-should-consider-2026-season-starts
Minnesota Vikings: Trade a late 2027 pick for Kansas City Chiefs CB Kristian Fulton
Aside from Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings’ cornerback group is highly questionable with Isaiah Rodgers and James Pierre in line for big roles. Rodgers had a decent 2025 campaign, allowing an 88.2 passer rating in coverage. Pierre only has 13 career starts.
Minnesota should add veteran insurance to cover the boundary when Murphy lines up in the slot. Fulton could be serviceable in that role. Last year, he only appeared in eight games but allowed a solid 81.7 passer rating in coverage. The 27-year-old may be behind L’Jarius Sneed and Nohl Williams on the Chiefs’ depth chart.
With 53 career starts, Fulton could take on a prominent role on the perimeter in nickel packages or provide quality depth.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trade CB Kristian Fulton for a late 2027 pick
Assuming rookie first-rounder Mansoor Delane starts on the boundary, Nohl Williams, L’Jarius Sneed and Fulton will battle for the No. 2 spot. A third-round pick from the 2025 draft, Williams has upside. Sneed is back for his second stint in Kansas City and has experience in Steve Spagnuolo’s system.
Fulton will likely be the odd man out of the cornerback rotation. He missed nine games last season due to injuries and has only one year left on his deal. The Chiefs should shop him in exchange for 2027 draft capital. At 27, with 53 career starts, Fulton could carve out a decent role elsewhere.
Note: Moton does not mention the missed games when suggesting him for the Vikings. I like Jackson Powers-Johnson in a trade.
Vikings Insider Sheds Light on the Lingering Harrison Smith Decision
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/harrison-smith-retirement-decision-2/
Harrison Smith has yet to make any decisions on retirement just yet, but The Athletic’s Alec Lewis provided a bit of insight into how things might shake out with the veteran safety.
“I’d say it’s still up in the air,” said Lewis. “I said this on the radio on Tuesday, but I just do not think you can rule out the possibility that he returns at some point. I don’t believe there is a very clear-cut timeline. It’s more so how does Harrison’s body feel? How does his mind feel? And it feels to me as if the Vikings are giving him essentially a blank canvas for him to color on to allow them to then see if he wants to continue playing and allowing him to make that decision on his own time.”
“This is a guy who can do a lot of things,” Lewis continued. “What you can’t replicate is being in the fire of games on Sundays. And so I think, if he doesn’t hang it up, it will be because replicating that in his life is part of why so many people love playing this game. So that’s what I’d say.”
“If Harrison Smith isn’t out there, one of the guys capable of being that hub of communication is Josh Metellus, which would mean he would play in the deep deep half. Now, the question for me is who is playing opposite him?” asked Lewis.
“Is it going to be Jay Ward? Would it be Theo Jackson, or would Jakobe Thomas be able to assimilate well enough into this team and this defense to be able to step in and start back there? And so that for me, I think if Harrison Smith does not return to start the season, I think so much of what that room can be is contingent on Jakobe Thomas’ ability.”
Did the Vikings Learn Anything From Their 2025 Disaster?
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/did-the-vikings-learn-anything-from-their-2025-disaster/
Analyst sheds light on which Vikings’ rookies could start in 2026
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/analyst-sheds-light-vikings-rookies-022522893.html
Minnesota Vikings have real expectations for their mid-round NFL Draft picks, with two potential starters coming from them
https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-real-expectations-nfl-draft-picks-caleb-tiernan-jakobe-thomas-max-bredeson/
Training camp preview: Offensive line
https://www.purpleinsider.football/p/training-camp-preview-offensive-line
2026 Vikings Training Camp Preview: Wide Receivers & Tight Ends
https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-training-camp-preview-wide-receivers-tight-ends
2026 Vikings Training Camp Preview: Running Backs & Fullback
https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-training-camp-preview-running-backs-fullback
2026 Vikings Training Camp Preview: Quarterbacks
https://www.vikings.com/news/2026-training-camp-preview-quarterbacks
Vikings Film Breakdown: Studying Rookie Safety Jakobe Thomas
http://vikings.com/news/jakobe-thomas-safety-film-breakdown-review-analysis-2026
How the Vikings Walk into $25 Million in Added Cap Space for 2026
https://purpleptsd.com/2026/vikings/top_news/the-vikings-walk-25m-cap-spac/
Dillon Bell Is the Secret Option to Help Solve the Vikings’ Running Back Concerns
https://zonecoverage.com/2026/minnesota-vikings-news/dillon-bell-is-the-secret-option-to-help-solve-the-vikings-running-back-concerns/
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