Minnesota Vikings 2026 NFL Season Preview, Betting Markets, Odds, Picks & Predictions
In JJ McCarthy’s first year as the Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback, the wheels fell off the track before the train even got moving, finishing the season ranked near dead last across numerous efficiency metrics. McCarthy also battled with injuries throughout the year, keeping him off the field which made it near impossible for the Vikings to get in any sort of a rhythm.
Luckily for Minnesota, their defense was able to keep them competitive enough to finish the season above .500. A stunning feat when factoring in the minimal production they received from their offense during their run, a unit who ranked near dead last in Off DVOA and in Success Rate.
With Kyler Murray expected to take the reins at the Vikings starting quarterback, question marks loom large over their offense this season, creating one of the wider range of outcomes in the league. Especially with their defense expected to regress after losing some key pieces to their front seven, putting more pressure on their offense to play at a high level just to keep them afloat.
2026 Minnesota Vikings Super Bowl Odds
All eyes are on Murray with the Vikings hopes of making the playoffs hinging on his play under center. While the former Arizona Cardinals quarterback did grade out better than McCarthy in EPA per play, injuries have plagued him, plummeting his efficiency in the process. Even if Murray can help the Vikings offense round back into form, they still lack the talent that is needed on both sides of the football to make a deep run, making them a pass to win the Super Bowl.
Bet: No
2026 Minnesota Vikings NFC Championship Odds
Not only is Murray’s production in the backfield under a microscope, but the Vikings also need to address their red flags on defense after losing key pieces at multiple levels of the field. Their high level of play on defense has been their lone consistent source of production the past few years, now potentially playing in far more volatile contests if their defense is unable to slow their opponents down.
Bet: No
2026 Minnesota Vikings NFC North Odds
In a stacked division, a slow start to the season will plummet the Vikings chances of winning the NFC North. Especially with the Detroit Lions possessing the easiest schedule in the league, giving the Vikings little room for error in their efforts of staying on top of the division standings. Even if Murray injects some life into Minnesota’s offense, their defense will still need to prove they can brush aside regression, making them a pass to win the division title.
Bet: No
2026 Minnesota Vikings Win Total Odds
With the Vikings possessing one of the larger ranges of outcomes, I will pass on their win total until we get some more data on Murray and their new look defense. A grueling matchup against the Green Bay Packers to kick off the year will help give us a clear picture on the state of the Vikings, potentially leading to a bet on their under if both sides of the ball struggle to play at a competitive level.
Bet: Under 8.5 (-110)
2026 Minnesota Vikings To Make The Playoffs Odds
Even though I have mentioned it’s worth waiting to see how the Vikings look before placing any type of season long wager, their current odds to miss the playoffs are worth a bet when comparing their talent on paper to the rest of the wildcard contenders. The harsh reality for Minnesota is even a resurgence on offense is still not enough for them to leap over the NFC West, making it very difficult for the Vikings to secure one of the three wildcard spots.
Bet: No
2026 Minnesota Vikings MVP Award Odds & Contenders
- Justin Jefferson
- Kyler Murray
No matter who wins the job as the Vikings starting quarterback, both McCarthy and Murray lack the consistency that is needed to match the top contenders output, making them a pass at their current odds to win the MVP award. Justin Jefferson’s ability to win is also too heavily correlated to the previously mentioned duo, making him a pass for the award as well.
Bet: No
2026 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
- Week 1 – vs. Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. – FOX
- Week 2 – at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. – FOX
- Week 3 – at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m. – FOX
- Week 4 – vs. Miami, 4:05 p.m. – FOX
- Week 5 – at New Orleans, 1:00 p.m. – FOX
- Week 6 – BYE
- Week 7 – vs. Indianapolis, 1:00 p.m. – CBS
- Week 8 – at Detroit, 1:00 p.m. – FOX
- Week 9 – vs. Buffalo, 8:15 p.m. (MNF) – ESPN
- Week 10 – at Green Bay, 1:00 p.m. – FOX
- Week 11 – at San Francisco (Mexico City), 8:20 p.m. (SNF) – NBC
- Week 12 – vs. Atlanta, 1:00 p.m. – FOX
- Week 13 – vs. Carolina, 4:25 p.m. – CBS
- Week 14 – at New England, 8:15 p.m. (TNF) – APVO
- Week 15 – vs. Detroit, 8:20 p.m. (SNF) – NBC
- Week 16 – vs. Washington, TBD
- Week 17 – at NY Jets, 1:00 p.m. – CBS
- Week 18 – vs. Chicago, TBD
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