Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Dallas Turner celebrates after a sack, with 2025 marking his second NFL season and the year he finished with 8 sacks for Brian Flores’ defense. Turner’s reaction captures the burst and confidence that helped him grow into a larger role for Minnesota during his early-career climb inside a surging pass rush. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Yes, the countdown is around 10 weeks until Minnesota Vikings regular season football, and yes, we have 10 things for you to know before that September 13th game at home against the Green Bay Packers.
To set the table, sportsbooks expect the Vikings to win just eight or nine games this year, so if they plan to reach the playoffs — and maybe even win a game in the tournament — they must beat the odds, as they did in 2024.
Kyler Murray’s Discount Deal Takes the Cake for Vikings Offseason
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray participates in organized team activities at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan on May 27, 2026. Murray worked through offseason drills while Minnesota installed its offense and evaluated personnel, building chemistry across the quarterback room and receiving corps during a busy spring session before training camp later that summer. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
1. The Cardinals Are Paying Kyler Murray to Play for the Vikings
The Cardinals are shouldering most of Murray’s salary while he plays for the Vikings. Minnesota is only responsible for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million, a fraction of the $36.8 million Arizona remains obligated to pay under Murray’s previous contract.
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The unusual financial arrangement allows the Vikings to acquire a former top draft pick for the cost of a backup or a player competing for a starting role, while the Cardinals bear the substantial financial burden. It remains to be seen if Murray can revitalize his career in Minnesota, but from a financial perspective, it’s an exceptionally favorable deal for the Vikings. It might be the best deal in professional sports right now.
2. Half of All Vikings Starters Are Scheduled to Hit 2027 Free Agency
Vikings football could look a whole lot different in 2027. These men are scheduled to test the open market next offseason:
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Blake Brandel (OL)
Blake Cashman (LB)
Andrew DePaola (LS)
T.J. Hockenson (TE)
Theo Jackson (S)
Aaron Jones (RB)
Jauan Jennings (WR)
Jordan Mason (RB)
Kyler Murray (QB)
Brian O’Neill (OT)
Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
Ryan Van Demark (OT)
Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
Jay Ward (S)
Carson Wentz (QB)
3. The New General Manager Is Tight-Lipped
Minnesota hired Nolan Teasley at the end of May, and at his introductory press conference, reporters asked him in-depth questions. He replied with short, diplomatic answers.
His predecessor, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, often divulged the team’s roster construction process. Those days are over. Teasley will never say too much.
4. Vikings Have Best WR1-WR2-WR3 Setup since Moss-Carter-Reed
In no way, shape, or form are Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings better than Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. But they’re the best threesome since Moss-Carter-Reed. The Vikings finally emphasized the WR3 spot this offseason. The days of Bisi Johnson, K.J. Osborn, and Jalen Nailor — decent at best — third wide receivers are paused.
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5. Brian Flores Will See the Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa — in Separate Games
In Week 4, Flores will face his former employer, the Miami Dolphins. That franchise unceremoniously fired him five years ago, setting in motion an ongoing lawsuit against the league. Flores can get redemption on the field against Miami at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 4th.
Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores talks with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) during a second-half timeout against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sep 12, 2021. Flores communicated with his young passer in Foxborough as Miami worked through a tight AFC East road matchup against his former organization. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports.
Eight weeks later, the Vikings face the Atlanta Falcons, a team that could be led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who called Flores a “terrible person” in the summer of 2024.
A double dose of Flores revenge.
6. No Western U.S. Games
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The westernmost points on Minnesota’s 2026 schedule are Mexico City and Minneapolis, believe it or not. If you live Vikings games in California, Colorado, and Arizona, you are out of luck this year — unless the Vikings reach the playoffs.
7. Remember the Alternate Year Theory
A brief history of the Vikings’ performance over the last dozen years:
2014 Vikings: Average 2015 Vikings: Good 2016 Vikings: Average 2017 Vikings: Good 2018 Vikings: Average 2019 Vikings: Good 2020 Vikings: Average 2021 Vikings: Average 2022 Vikings: Good 2023 Vikings: Average 2024 Vikings: Good 2025 Vikings: Average
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It’s time for another playoff trip, by the numbers.
8. EDGE Depth Is Different This Time
In years past, the Vikings would roll into September with Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner. Or, before that, Danielle Hunter, Za’Darius Smith, and D.J. Wonnum. After the Greenard trade to the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota no longer has a go-to OLB3, unless rookie Jake Golday or second-year DT Tyrion Ingram Dawkins are ready for the job.
The OLB setup on paper before training camp now looks like this:
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Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Bo Richter
Perhaps the Vikings will sign a free agent like Jadeveon Clowney and show they mean business.
9. For Now, There’s No Harrison Smith, C.J. Ham, or Adam Thielen
Ham and Thielen retired — like expressly. Smith simply hasn’t returned. No matter how you dice it, the Vikings won’t feel the same. The beloved veterans are gone.
Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) speaks at a press conference at Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland, on Sep 26, 2025. Smith handled media duties before Minnesota’s international matchup, offering a veteran presence during the Vikings’ overseas trip as the team prepared for its Week 4 game against Pittsburgh. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Smith could return for one more hurrah to ease the pain, but you know, he actually has to do that at some point.
10. No Longer an Old Team
Minnesota booted Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave off the roster. Ham and Thielen walked away. Smith’s future is up in the air.
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In one offseason, Minnesota went from an old football team to a young one:
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
England fans will be keen to follow the Three Lions’ progress despite time differences (PA)
Of course, you do have to factor in the time difference, with the kinder kick-off times including slots at 6pm BST and 8pm BST, while there are games throughout the night for UK viewers.
Here’s how you can watch every game at the 2026 World Cup on the BBC and ITV – and STV in Scotland.
USA goalkeeper Matt Freese with a huge error in judgement as he gifts Belgium’s Hans Vanaken the ball, leaving him with an easy finish that defender Tim Ream could’ve done more to stop. Errors all around as Belgium take control of the round of 16 tie.
Tom Wachman continued the good form of Irish riders at Spruce Meadows with success in the McNerney Cup aboard Hawaii.
The McNerney Cup 1.45m in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows was contested by twenty-five combinations as they took on the challenge of a technical course designed by FEI course designer Santiago Varela.
Nine of the competitors made it through to the second round after producing clears in the first round.
Both Tom Wachman and Daniel Coyle were among the nine to go against the clock in the second round.
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Wachman and Hawaii delivered the fastest fault-free round of the jump-off, stopping the clock in 38.87 seconds to claim victory.
Saudi Arabian rider Abdulrahman, aboard Heartbeat W, took the runner-up spot, with Juan Manuel Luzardo (IRI) and Guizmo du Riou completing the podium.
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) practices during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Released last week by the Detroit Lions after he was arrested on eight felony charges last month, cornerback Terrion Arnold cleared waivers, multiple outlets reported on Monday.
Arnold was arrested on June 24 and is facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping related to an incident in February near Tampa, Fla.
Arnold is expected to meet with NFL teams that have expressed interest in signing him.
“Although Mr. Arnold has been released by the Detroit Lions organization, he already has been contacted by three other NFL clubs regarding his services,” defense attorney Harvey Steinberg wrote last week.
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Arnold is accused of being the ringleader of a plot to avenge a theft in February by detaining and pistol-whipping the men he believed were responsible. But authorities said none of the victims Arnold and co-conspirators allegedly kidnapped and attacked were involved with stealing items from Arnold.
The 23-year-old who played at Alabama and was drafted by the Lions was the primary conspirator, according to prosecutors. All three victims are in their teens, according to court documents.
Arnold reported the theft of more than $250,000 in property from an Airbnb in Largo, Fla., near Tampa, three days before the alleged kidnapping and assault occurred.
Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are the three Mexican host cities for this mega World Cup, hosted jointly with the United States and Canada. Images from these cities have quickly spread across social media, showing fans of many nations celebrating with Mexican fans.
Along the narrow streets of Monterrey’s nightlife district, older women dance salsa, arm-in-arm with sandal-wearing Dutch fans while loud reggae music blasts from the speakers of bars and restaurants. Other locals jump in circles with World Cup tourists, taking turns waving Moroccan and Mexican flags. Mexican fans are cheering on supporters of other teams, even tossing them into the air before catching them as a group. There is one particularly strong image that depicts fans consoling South Korean supporters after a 1–0 loss before treating them to tequila shots.
“I was a bit afraid I’d fall to the ground and get hurt, but they caught me,” Leonardo Jun from South Korea told DW. “Everyone took photos with me as if I were a pop star. It’s pretty cool to be welcomed like that.”
“You can really feel the World Cup here,” said Sebastian from Colombia, who managed to snag tickets for a match at the legendary Azteca Stadium.
His compatriot Xavier reported: “This is my first World Cup, and the Mexicans have already become like brothers to us.”
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Colombian fans have felt very much at home in MexicoImage: Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto/picture alliance
While headlines in the United States initially focused on issues entering the country, high public transport costs, and the unique tipping culture, Mexico offers an authentic openness and warmth that has many international visitors raving. Brenda, a Mexican herself, believes that “all three hosts are doing a great job, but Mexico has that special something.”
A record three-time host
Ahmed from Egypt also traveled to Mexico City.
“I had high expectations, and I haven’t been disappointed. Mexico has a wonderful culture of hospitality and, after all, knows a thing or two about major football events.”
Following the tournaments in 1970 and 1986, Mexico has become the only country to host the World Cup for a third time.
Ahmed from Egypt (left) enjoyed the atmosphere in Mexico CityImage: Josue Perez/ZUMA/picture alliance
In this regard, Mexico has an edge over Canada and the USA, where other sports like ice hockey, baseball, basketball, and American football take center stage. In New York, for instance, there was little World Cup buzz during the opening days; soccer was overshadowed by the New York Knicks‘ first NBA title win in over half a century.
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Deeply rooted football culture
In Mexico, by contrast, football is deeply embedded in the national psyche and is omnipresent these days. National team players smile from numerous roadside billboards, and the typically red Coca-Cola cans are being sold in green – the color of the national jersey.
From taxi drivers and flight attendants to pizza delivery workers, everyone is wearing the green jersey featuring the golden eagle on the chest – the national symbol that also adorns the center of the Mexican flag.
Mexican fans, young and old, live and die with the fortunes of “El Tri”Image: Lisi Niesner/REUTERS
“The only problem with this World Cup is that it isn’t taking place in Mexico the whole time,” said Tom, who traveled from Yorkshire, England.
“I think Mexico performed better than the United States and Canada. For me, they are the winners among the hosts,” said Jenny.
Mexico and Canada were both allocated 13 matches – a small fraction of the total of 104 games. The opening match took place in Mexico City, but the Round of 16 clash between “El Tri” and England will be the last match in the country. From the quarterfinals on, all of the games will be in the United States.
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The protests that took place in Mexico before the start of the tournament, as well as the debates regarding match security, now seem a distant memory. For most fans, none of that matters anymore. Crowd control remains a more pressing concern following the death of three fans who were caught in a crowd crush during celebrations.
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks acquired guard Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday in exchange for second-round draft picks in 2030 and 2032.
Wiggins, 27, was a second-round draft pick by the Thunder in 2021 and made 35 starts the following season as a rookie when he averaged 8.3 points with 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 50 total games.
During the Thunder’s championship season of 2024-25, Wiggins made 26 regular-season starts then played in 22 of 23 playoff games as Oklahoma City defeated the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game NBA Finals.
Wiggins has averaged 8.7 points with 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 339 regular-season games (100 starts) over the past five seasons. He has averaged 4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 45 playoff games over nine separate series.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters on Monday that Scherzer’s rehab assignment will continue on Wednesday, when the three-time Cy Young winner starts for the triple-A Bisons.
Buffalo is at home this week for a six-game set with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders — an affiliate of the New York Yankees.
Scherzer last pitched on Friday with the high-A Vancouver Canadians, throwing 49 pitches (33 strikes) across three innings. He allowed three hits and two earned runs, striking out three batters and walking a pair.
The 41-year-old last pitched for Toronto on June 10 against the Philadelphia Phillies before hitting the injured list later that week with back spasms.
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Various ailments have limited Scherzer to just six starts and 22 innings with the Blue Jays this season, in which he owns a 10.23 ERA, 14 strikeouts and 11 walks.
He was also sidelined from April 24 to June 10 due to right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) battles Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright during a contested catch at U.S. Bank Stadium on Nov 16, 2025. The Week 11 highlight clip captured Addison elevating near the sideline as Wright challenged the throw, creating a dramatic moment from Minnesota’s divisional matchup against Chicago. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The world isn’t necessarily high on the Minnesota Vikings in 2026, mainly because new quarterback Kyler Murray’s reputation is at a career low point. But one website really took the cake last week, bashing the Vikings and calling them a non-threat this season.
DaWindyCity.com took it upon itself to declare the Vikings a laughable squad, which is strange because Minnesota beat Chicago once last year and was one tackle away from a sweep.
Bears-Themed Media Thinks the Vikings Are a Joke
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy dropped back to pass during first-half action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field as Minnesota opened a road divisional matchup. On September 8, 2025, in Chicago, McCarthy worked from the pocket while the Vikings’ offense tried to establish rhythm against a familiar NFC North opponent. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images.
Nick Halden: Just Go Ahead and Write Off the Vikings
Halden did the honors, assessing an article about a J.J. McCarthy taunting penalty — of all things — last year. He wrote, “The Bears can already write Vikings off list of 2026 NFC North threats. No question, the Bears have zero reason to fear the Vikings and should be able to pencil in two wins in each of the team’s divisional matchups.”
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“Having such a poor decision-maker at quarterback simply cannot be overcome. No question, the Bears have zero reason to fear the Vikings and should be able to pencil in two wins in each of the team’s divisional matchups. Having such a poor decision-maker at quarterback simply cannot be overcome.”
For good measure, he added, “The Bears still need to approach the Vikings with their best attack due to the familiarity, but barring injuries or a complete coaching failure, Minnesota simply isn’t a threat. This is evidenced by a series of quarterback decisions that doomed a once-productive rival offense.”
The Very QB He’s Making Fun Of … Helped Beat the Bears Last Season
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Last year, before the Bears morphed into a playoff-bound squad, they hosted the Vikings in Week 1, McCarthy’s first career start. The youngster looked shaky throughout the contest — that happens to first-time starters — but McCarthy turned on the jets when it mattered the most.
McCarthy personally abused the Bears, leading his team to a come-from-behind triumph, and at the time, sending his personal momentum through the roof. Vikings fans thought, “We got our man” for the long haul at quarterback — before various struggles and injuries for the 22-year-old.
So for Halden to chide McCarthy as a terrible quarterback, well, it just doesn’t make much sense after he saw firsthand how McCarthy could cook and beat Chicago — in his inaugural game.
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Bears Got One Whiff of Success
This must be the price of success. Chicago won a playoff game in 2025 — its first since 2010 — and now that fan base or blogging community can punch down. A similar phenomenon emerged in 2023 (and remains) for the Detroit Lions. For years, the Lions were the laughingstock of the NFC North, the kid brother to the Green Bay Packers, Vikings, and sometimes even the Bears.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams met Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson after a divisional matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium, creating a notable postgame moment between two NFC North headliners. On November 16, 2025, in Minneapolis, Williams greeted Jefferson following the game as cameras captured the exchange near midfield after Minnesota’s home contest. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Then, Dan Campbell arrived, and Detroit became a serious team, nearly reaching the Super Bowl in 2023. They fell short and orchestrated the largest collapse in NFC Championship history, but that didn’t stop fans from changing their personality — “same ‘ol Lions” shifted to the big bad wolves of the NFC North.
That appears to be happening with some Bears fans and writers.
Showtime Soon
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Halder’s assertion: “No question, the Bears have zero reason to fear the Vikings,” will be put to the test in less than 10 weeks. The NFL season kicks off September 9th, and any summer prognostication will meet its maker.
The Bears will have a chance to personify Halder’s bold take by claiming the Vikings are a joke no one needs to worry about. Chicago also won oodles of close games in 2025, and when that happens, teams usually regress to the mean.
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland was brought down after a reception as Minnesota Vikings defenders Fabian Moreau and Eric Wilson closed quickly at U.S. Bank Stadium. On November 16, 2025, in Minneapolis, Moreau and Wilson converged during first-quarter action, stopping Loveland in a physical NFC North matchup near the sideline. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Fox Sports‘ Greg Auman wrote about the Vikings last month, “If the Minnesota Vikings had found ways to put up more points last season, they would’ve made the postseason for a second straight year.”
“They had a top-10 defense with coordinator Brian Flores, going 7-2 in games where they scored 20 points or more. That suggests if the offense can get back to 2024 levels, they could be a surprise team in the NFC North.”
Finally, Chicago and Minnesota will do battle at least twice in 2026. If there is nothing to fear about the Vikings, the Bears should seamlessly sweep the purple team, a feat it has not accomplished in seven years.
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Oddsmakers list the Bears’ win-over-under at 9.5, with the Vikings a whisker behind at 8.5. The two clubs first meet on September 20th — Week 2.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Argentina star Leandro Paredes has admitted that they were not surprised by Norway knocking out Brazil in the FIFA World Cup. He said that no side is easy to face at the tournament and they are aware of the threat from Egypt.
Speaking to the media, Paredes said that all sides playing a tthe FIFA World Cup have been competitive this summer. He believes anyone can win in the knockout stages and that there are no favourites in any game.
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“We weren’t surprised that Brazil got eliminated yesterday, because we know that every national team is competetive and in this World Cup anyone can beat anyone. The lesson is that there will not be any easy game, as will happen with Egypt. After our late goal against Cape Verde, what did the coach tell us? Scaloni did not say ‘they don’t play any more’, but to give their best and keep trying, pressing. That we leave everything until the end.”
Paredes was quizzed about his role in the Argentina
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“If I see myself as a starter? I always see myself on the pitch. The coach makes the decisions and decides by eleven. We must give everything and be willing. We want to give our best version, always. You can’t always do it, you suffered and you could win.” (via beIN Sports)
“The fatigue we have is normal, the grass had an influence. We are in good shape footballing and mentally. There is no easy game, like against Cape Verde. Winning was the most important thing and we were able to do it.”
Argentina needed extra time to beat debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 last week. They had eased into the knockout stage, beating Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group matches.
Brazil eliminated from the FIFA World Cup by Norway
Brazil had a tough start with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, but finished top of their group. They defeated Scotland and Haiti in their final group games, and set up a clash with Japan in the Round of 32.
The Asian side took the lead in the first half, the Selecao looked set for an early exit. However, Casemiro got them level before the hour mark, and Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in injury time to seal a 2-1 win.
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However, things did not go their way in the Round of 16 ans Erling Haaland scored two late goals, before Neymar pulled one back deep into injury time.
The footballing world has reacted furiously to FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun, making him available to face Belgium
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