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5 Vikings Predictions as April Gets Rolling

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Harrison Smith stands on sideline before Vikings vs. Seahawks game.
Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith (22) looks on from the sideline prior to kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks, with the scene unfolding on Aug 18, 2019 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, as Smith surveys the field and prepares mentally for preseason action at home. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.

April is three days away, which means it’s draft month for the Minnesota and 31 NFL teams, one of the most suspenseful months on the football calendar — perhaps even more than some regular season months. Accordingly, let’s get some Vikings-themed predictions on record.

April could swing a few major Vikings storylines into focus.

The club is expected to win eight or nine games next season, which is pretty much what oddsmakers say every year about Minnesota.

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Projecting the Vikings Developments Most Likely to Hit Next

Ranked in no particular order, these are Vikings predictions for April and beyond.

Kayden McDonald appears on SiriusXM NFL Radio set during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Vikings predictions April 2026
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (DL21) appears on the SiriusXM NFL Radio set during Combine week, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, as prospects rotate through interviews and media sessions while teams gather information ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

5. If Not Dillon Thieneman, the Vikings’ First Draft Pick Is a DT

There is a ghost going around, a ghost that changes every mock-drafter’s mock draft before it publishes on the internet. That ghost ghosts into the network and connects Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings, and the ghost is undefeated.

Yes, Thieneman to Minnesota is all over the place in late March, thanks to Thieneman’s fantabulous Combine showing.

It just seems to good to be true that every ghost has it right, so let’s predict this: if the Vikings buck the Thieneman trend, they will pick a defensive tackle in Round 1 or early in Round 2, depending on a trade, either Peter Woods (Clemson), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), Caleb Banks (Florida), or Lee Hunter (Texas Tech).

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4. The Vikings Sign DT Christian Wilkins or D.J. Reader

Brian Flores worked with Wilkins down in Miami to start Wilkins’s career, and in fact, the very first draft pick of the Flores era was Wilkins in 2019.

ESPN reported last week that “26 teams” have called Wilkins’s agent about a 2026 contract, though that feels like agent-driven fluff. If remotely true, Minnesota has an inside track to Wilkins based on the Flores connection. Flores spoke glowingly about Wilkins as recently as last summer.

The Vikings will add Wilkins and showcase him next to Jalen Redmond this fall. If it’s not Wilkins, nose tackle D.J. Reader will be the choice because of his more affordable price tag.

The Viking Age‘s Lior Lambert noted on the prospect of Reader to Minnesota this week, “Reader is one of the biggest names left on the open market. He’d be a legitimate difference-maker for the Vikings (or any club that signs him). Plus, his arrival in Minnesota would be even sweeter knowing it comes at the expense of their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions.”

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“After spending the past two seasons with the Lions, Reader can remind them of what they’re missing and go over to the enemy. The Vikings present him with a unique opportunity to step into a meaningful role and exact revenge on Detroit twice annually. The Vikings can kill two birds with one stone by signing Reader.”

Reader is 6’3″ and 335 pounds. He’s a unit.

Lambert continued, “As a fifth-round pick in 2016 with a decade of experience in the league, Reader has seen it all. His knowledge and steady presence could do wonders for an incoming rookie. However, perhaps more notably for the Vikings, he also has plenty left in the tank from an on-field standpoint.”

“Turning 32 in July, there’s a possibility Father Time comes for Reader. Be that as it may, his 2025 efforts suggest that age shouldn’t be a problem yet, as he was PFF’s 30th-highest-graded interior defender out of 134 qualified options (68.9).”

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3. Jordan Addison’s 5th-Year Option Is Locked In

Minnesota isn’t making this mysterious.

  1. It let Jalen Nailor leave in free agency, refusing to match the Las Vegas Raiders‘ offer of $35 million over the next three years.
  2. The Vikings signed zilch for free-agent wide receivers.

Had the front office used just one of those maneuvers, there might be real uncertainty about Addison’s fifth-year option. But they didn’t, and it’s wildly apparent that the Vikings believe in Addison. Hell or high water.

2. Jonathan Greenard Gets an Extension — Not Traded

After signing Kyler Murray two weeks ago, the Vikings, through their actions, showed they’re “in it to win it” in 2026. If they were not, they would’ve let J.J. McCarthy run the show and let the chips fall on his development.

Jonathan Greenard tackles Kyren Williams during a playoff game in Glendale. Vikings predictions April 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is brought down by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58), Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during a playoff matchup as Greenard closes quickly to limit yardage in a high-stakes postseason game. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Rondone-Imagn Images.

“In it to win it” teams don’t sell premium EDGE rushers; they actually go out of their way to hoard them. While Greenard wants a handsome extension, Minnesota will realize he is not easily replaceable and pay the man.

Unless Greenard had fundamentally soured on the Vikings as an organization, it never made any sense whatsoever to trade him.

Greenard stays.

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1. Harrison Smith Returns

These are the clues to indicate Smith’s return for Year No. 15:

  1. He hasn’t retired yet; most retirees announce it by this point in the offseason.
  2. Smith played his strongest ball in the final six weeks of 2025; he’s not washed.
  3. Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham sent in retirement paperwork; Smith did not.
  4. Kyler Murray is in the house, renewing the Vikings’ playoff and Super Bowl hopes.
  5. The Vikings signed no safeties in free agency.
Harrison Smith warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings predictions April 2026
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) prepares on the field before kickoff, Oct. 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions as the veteran defender readies for another NFC North contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Perhaps Smith will stick around in 2026 to cross paths with the aforementioned Thieneman, the mock-draft favorite to be chosen by the Vikings at No. 18 in 25 days.


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Sports

Current champion suffers legitimate injury, Popular duo breaks up, Jon Moxley tastes another victory

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Welcome along to the latest rendition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at stories involving major All Elite Wrestling stars, including Jon Moxley, among others.

A top AEW champion has reportedly suffered a legitimate injury. Meanwhile, a beloved tag team has broken up, and Jon Moxley has scored another major victory in his All Elite Wrestling career. This and more as we explore all the exciting news coming from All Elite Wrestling today. With that said, let’s start this roundup.

#4. Kyle Fletcher reportedly suffered a legitimate injury on AEW Collision

This week’s edition of AEW Collision witnessed a shocking moment when a top star suffered a legitimate injury during his matchup. Kyle Fletcher teamed up with fellow Don Callis family member Mark Davis to take on The Rascalz in tag team action. While Fletcher and Davis ultimately secured the victory for their team, the reigning TNT champion suffered a sprained ankle during the contest. Although it initially appeared to be a standard in-ring tweak that might not derail his momentum, recent reports suggest the injury could be a critical setback for Kyle Fletcher.

According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, The Protostar was seen leaving the arena following the show wearing a walking boot. This confirmed that the injury was legitimate, as the 27-year-old was experiencing significant problems walking under his own power. The injury comes at a terrible time, as the Aussie has been enjoying a tremendous run as a two-time TNT Champion and had recently set his sights on the AEW World Championship. Time will tell when Fletcher will be able to return to in-ring action.

#3. Babes of Wrath part ways in an emotional backstage moment on Collision

The women’s tag team division in All Elite Wrestling experienced a major shakeup on Collision this week following a highly emotional backstage segment. In October 2025, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron, brought together by their mutual friend Kris Statlander, formed the Babes of Wrath to compete in the tournament to crown the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions. Exceeding expectations, the duo won the entire tournament by defeating the Timeless Lovebombs (Mina Shirakawa and Toni Storm) in the finals. However, their reign ended at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view when they dropped the belts to Divine Dominion (Lena Cross and Megan Bayne).

Last night on Collision, the Babes of Wrath faced their highly anticipated rematch against Divine Dominion, but they ultimately fell short of regaining the title. After the disappointing loss, Nightingale and Cameron agreed to disband their tag team and focus on their individual singles careers. Nightingale now plans to dedicate her efforts to defending her TBS Championship, while Cameron said she is going where the wind takes her. Toward the end, the duo reassured each other that their friendship remains strong and that they will always be Babes of Wrath.

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#2. Jon Moxley and Daniel Garcia of the Death Riders defeated Private Party on Collision

The Death Riders continue to assert their dominance across the Jacksonville-based promotion. This Saturday on Collision, Jon Moxley teamed up with Daniel Garcia to take on the reunited Private Party duo of Quen and Zayn. Private Party recently made their return to the promotion last month as wildcards and have a deep history with Moxley’s faction. In 2024, Private Party was part of a group of stars who rebelled against the Death Riders, and Isiah Kassidy specifically had a bone to pick with the One True King after the reigning Continental Champion broke his hand with a hammer.

Ahead of the match, Moxley challenged Private Party to prove their dedication, and throughout the bout, he tested their drive and resolve. While Quen and Zayn put up a strong fight and held their own, the Death Riders eventually got the better of them. Interestingly, Moxley opted to take a backseat in the final moments, allowing Garcia to secure the glory. Garcia landed the finishing blow on his former friends, forcing Kassidy to tap out to a Liontamer submission hold.

#1. Kevin Knight sent a message to Tony Khan following controversial loss on collision

The action-packed episode of Collision this week also featured a matchup that ended in a highly controversial way, sparking immediate online discussion. Kevin Knight challenged Kazuchika Okada for the AEW International Championship. Knight put on an incredible performance, and at several points, it looked like the JetSpeed member was about to pull off a huge upset to become the new champion. However, the Japanese star used underhanded tactics, leveraging the ropes to secure a roll-up pinfall and keep his title.

Frustrated by the screwed-up ending and the Rainmaker’s antics, Knight immediately turned to the X to send a direct message to AEW President Tony Khan. Knight wrote:

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“I appreciate the appreciation boss but Okada can’t get away with this one. We need to have a #Dialogue.”

Check out his X post below:

I appreciate the appreciation boss but Okada can’t get away with this one. We need to have a #Dialogue

This public demand adds to Tony Khan’s existing list of managerial problems, as the CEO is also handling the unexpected departure of former Women’s World Champion Toni Storm, who is reportedly expected to be away from the ring until 2027.