The Vikings’ NFC North Case Is Stronger Than Advertised

Last season, the Minnesota Vikings finished third in the NFC North at 9-8. They ended the season with five consecutive wins, but failed to make the playoffs for the fourth time in the last six years.

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While Minnesota was nowhere near as active in free agency this year as last year (the salary cap situation was much better last offseason), you can still say they have made some nice moves so far, and this year’s class could end up being much better.

Kyler Murray, at the very least, cannot be worse than the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Even if he throws for 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as he did in 2020, it would be very big for this team.

Vikings Division Path Depends on Defense, Health, and Kyler Murray

With the weapons he will have around him, he has a very good chance of throwing 30 touchdowns or more if he can stay healthy. Jauan Jennings is a great signing and is, without a doubt, an upgrade over Jalen Nailor. James Pierre is a good signing and could end up being a very underrated one. He will be an upgrade over Jeff Okudah.

This looks like a playoff team on paper, and barring key injuries, they very well should be. You can make a strong argument that it would be a huge disappointment if they do not make it there.

If they make it to the playoffs, will it be as NFC North champions? They definitely have a shot, but at the moment, they should not be considered the favorites. This division is very good. Every team has a shot.

Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) greets Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) following a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

While it should not be a shock if Minnesota wins the North, the Chicago Bears are currently the favorites. They just won the division last season and defeated the Green Bay Packers in round one. This will also be their second season under Ben Johnson, and Caleb Williams will be in year three.

They could take a step back, but could still very well win the division for the second straight year.

They did lose D.J. Moore via trade and lost Drew Dalman to retirement, but also added Coby Bryant and Devin Bush through free agency. Their first-round pick, Dillon Thieneman, could end up being a good player as well.

Whoever ends up winning the division should not come as a shock. It is very wide open. Chicago, Minnesota, the Detroit Lions, and the Green Bay Packers are all good teams. Health, of course, will matter plenty, but another question will be how many contributions they can get from their rookies.

Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) walks on the field during Gator Walk at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024 before the Orange and Blue game. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]2024

Both Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange will get plenty of opportunities this season due to the releases of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Banks could end up being very good, but his injury history is definitely very concerning. Orange should help the team’s run defense improve. How much? That will be one of the biggest keys for Minnesota this season.

Minnesota could very well finish on top in the NFC North in 2026, but could even finish last, too. This division is just that good. Once again, though, Chicago should be the favorite until proven otherwise at the moment.

According to OTC, Minnesota is currently $13,393,167 under the cap. They could use a pass rusher, with Jonathan Greenard being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft. Jadeveon Clowney, Cameron Jordan, Joey Bosa, and Von Miller are still on the market.

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Either one would be a good addition. They could use help at safety, too, whether Harrison Smith is back or not.

If Minnesota can add another piece or two to an already very good defense, you can then make a strong case that they should be the favorites to win the division. You can even make the case that they could make a deep playoff run.

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