Week 1 is almost here for the Green Bay Packers. Matt LaFleur's team is headed to Minneapolis to take on the rival Minnesota Vikings in Sunday's season-opening showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium.
To help preview Packers-Vikings, we asked five questions to Vikings Wire editor Andrew Harbaugh. Our Q&A:
We have to start at QB. Is Kyler Murray in a position to revive his career in Minnesota?
Vikings Wire: I think Kyler Murray is in the undisputed best position he has ever been in his professional career. The last time he had this good an offensive line, coaching, and set of skill players around him was his final year at Oklahoma. He won the Heisman Trophy that year, and while I am not suggesting he will win an MVP, I do think a Baker Mayfield-type turnaround is possible.
What does the return of Harrison Smith do for Brian Flores and the defense?
Vikings Wire: It gives him that leader that he probably wasn't sure who
it would have been otherwise. The secondary is so important to a Brian Flores defense, and even if he doesn't play Week 1, which is up in the air, his long-term benefit will be the consistency he will bring. It allows the younger players in the position group to sit and develop while veterans Theo Jackson, Joshua Metellus, and Smith get to handle the complexity that is their defense.
What is the biggest strength for the Vikings entering 2026, and what is the biggest perceived weakness?
Vikings Wire: Ironically, it remains their defense in my opinion. The secondary I just elaborated on, but the defensive front got a massive shot in the arm to help the linebackers out in 2026. Dallas Turner is poised for a big year after the trading of Jonathan Greenard, Jalen Redmond is playing like one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, and rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange are a part of a rotation that Brian Flores is very excited about.
So many games are won along the line of scrimmage, and the Packers have question marks on both sides of the line. Give us the lowdown on the Vikings OL and DL.
Vikings Wire: The defense I hit on, but I will add that they got rid of a lot of the veterans in that group. If the young players are ready for their moment then the unit as a whole will be looking good. On offense, it all boils down to the health of the group. If Christian Darrisaw is solid, if Donovan Jackson's wrist is 100%, and everyone else stays on the field, this is a top-5 group in the league. Sadly, as we all know, staying healthy in the NFL is never simple, so all year, that will be an X-factor.
Who wins and why?
Vikings Wire: It is so funny what a simple change at quarterback can do to a team. I don't think this roster is as good as it has been in recent years, but the arrival of Kyler Murray and the absence of Micah Parsons are enough for me to believe the Vikings get this done. I think that Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison have big games; I think they run the ball more to control time of possession, and Jordan Love gets a migraine from everything Brian Flores throws at him. I think the Vikings win by a score of 27-17.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Previewing Packers-Vikings in Week 1 with 5 questions for Vikings Wire
