The Minnesota Vikings hope to return to the playoffs in 2026. A win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium would be a step in the right direction, providing an early division tiebreaker over their biggest rival.
Returning to the playoffs may require a different-looking Vikings squad. Kevin O'Connell added former Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith to the staff to help bring balance to the run game. O'Connell has been open to leaning on Brian Flores' defense, which was dominant late in the 2025 season.
Every season is different. However, Minnesota's situation is unique: we don't know exactly what this team will look like on offense, even though O'Connell is entering his fifth season. And that leads us into our first storyline
of Sunday's game.
Storylines to watch between the Vikings and Packers in Week 1
Kyler Murray's Vikings debut
O'Connell kept things close to the vest in the preseason. In the one possession the starting offense played, O'Connell called only three passing plays. Kyler Murray completed 2/3 passes for 10 yards, offering little insight into what this passing attack will look like.
Standing 5-foot-10, Murray has operated out of shotgun most of his career. O'Connell's offenses have been at their best operating under center and utilizing play action. The Vikings used pistol and shotgun formations throughout training camp, but what the offense looks like post-snap remains to be seen. Will Murray and O'Connell find a common ground?
Harrison Smith's return
The offseason saga surrounding Harrison Smith's potential retirement ended this week when the Vikings announced they agreed to terms with the 15-year safety. Smith, one of the best safeties in the league since being drafted in 2012, is entering Year 4 in Flores' system. His knowledge and communication is key in helping the system work through all levels of the defense.
We will see just how much Smith returns. Right now, the only concern is his conditioning. I expect to see a healthy dose of Smith, although I wouldn't be surprised to see him on a pitch count in Week 1.
How much will we see the rookies play?
The early returns of the Vikings' draft class have been promising. But just how much can we expect them to play? Smith's value comes from his knowledge and experience of Flores' system. Will rookies Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, and Chuck Demmings be able to see the field after flashing throughout camp?
Banks admitted after the team's preseason game against the Ravens that he needs to work on his conditioning. In his defense, he has been rehabbing from a broken foot suffered during the combine and only played in three games in his final season with Florida.
Orange may be more ready right now, but Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez have the coaching staff's trust. Also fighting for reps are Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Elijah Williams.
Golday may be stuck behind Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson, although the possibility of Flores finding a role for him early on shouldn't be completely dismissed. Demmings seems to be in a battle for CB3 with veteran James Pierre, but Flores may prioritize using Jay Ward as a third safety who is used as a "big nickel" as opposed to using an extra cornerback.
These players all appear to have bright futures in Minnesota. We will see if any of them are able to carve out an immediate role on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Storylines to watch between the Vikings and Packers in Week 1
