5 Random Vikings Predictions Ahead of the 2026 NFL Season

Being a writer can be a humbling business. So, let’s go ahead and invite the football gods to prove us wrong.

Included below is a listing of 5 Vikings predictions. Many have sent out some guesses about the team’s final record. Moreover, there has been no shortage of people who have made guesses about how the passer battle is going to unfold. Included below is some other ways at coming after what’s in store for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026.

Vikings Predictions | Getting Random

Prediction No. 1 — DT Domonique Orange Exceeds 3 Sacks

Big Citrus boasts some wiggle.

In a perfect world, Domonique Orange ends up being a true monster in the middle. Think back to those Pat Williams days when running on the Vikings was exceedingly difficult. Harrison Phillips offered similar abilities, albeit at a lesser level than Williams.

In Orange, the Vikings boast a 22-year-old talent who is going to get playing time as a rookie. Look for the newcomer to clog running lanes and chase down the passer.

Prediction No. 2 — RB Jordan Mason Clears 1,000 Yards

Most of the focus for Minnesota rests on the high-skill guys like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Think finesse instead of power.

Look for Jordan Mason to get tossed into the mix with greater frequency to help up the meanness level. At 27, Mr. Mason is within his physical prime. What’s encouraging for the Vikings is that he doesn’t have a ton of miles on the odometer. His 159 carries in 2025 were the highest of his career. Look for the carries to clear 250 as he expands his workload while maintaining his efficiency.

Prediction No. 3 — Max Bredeson Plays More Snaps than C.J. Ham Ever Did

C.J. Ham is a Minnesota Vikings legend. Consider his snap totals on offense during the Kevin O’Connell era:

• 2022: 169 Snaps
• 2023: 216 Snaps
• 2024: 269 Snaps
• 2025: 184 Snaps

Look for Max Bredeson to hit/surpass 270 snaps as the Vikings’ FB spot gets reinvigorated by youth.

Prediction No. 4 — Top Ten on O and D

Brian Flores is impressive. He’ll get his side to a top-ten finish in points against per game.

Kevin O’Connell still has something to prove. Last year, the Vikings finished at 26th in the NFL by averaging just 20.2 points per game. I say the skipper gets his side of the ball into a much better spot.

Prediction No. 5 — J.J. McCarthy Goes into 2027 With Momentum and Promise

Anybody buying J.J. McCarthy stock right now is doing so for cheap. Buying the same stock at the beginning of 2027 will mean needing to spend more money.

For a little while, the guess I’ve made is that Kyler Murray starts for the Vikings in Week 1. The catch has been that I’ve often been found insisting that McCarthy starts more games than Murray in the 2026 season. If that occurs, then this prediction could end up looking spiffy.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.