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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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Matias delivers impressive Frank Packer Plate win in 2026

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Matias has entered the Queensland Derby discussion thanks to his commanding success in the Group 3 $250,000 Frank Packer Plate (2000m).

This came just 35 minutes on from his stablemate Snitzel Dancer’s win in the Group 3 Carr Stakes.

Prior to his stud career at Arrowfield, Ryan had Snitzel capture the Oakleigh Plate; there, the stallion excelled, claiming four Australian Sires Premierships and producing 27 individual Group 1 winners, three of whom won the Golden Slipper.

Snitzel died last year aged 22, but with Matias and Snitzel Dancer, he is set for a fifth Sires title this season, reaching 15 individual stakes winners (others max 8), progeny prize money over $20.5 million, $4 million ahead of The Autumn Sun.

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“Snitzel is just a freak of a horse,” said Ryan, who now trains in partnership with Sterling Alexiou.

“He was outstanding on the racetrack and a phenomenon at stud – and he’s still throwing stakes winners.”

As the $2.70 market elect, Matias became Snitzel’s newest stakes victor with a lengthier-than-expected margin in the Frank Packer Plate over Providence ($7.50), Pictor ($13) third by a half-length.

The trainer announced Matias heads to the Queensland Derby, alongside Snitzel Dancer targeting the Queensland Oaks in Brisbane’s winter three-year-old carnival.

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“This race was the deciding point, whether he ticked the 2000m box,” Ryan said.

“I know he’s by Snitzel but his first three dams either won or ran a place in the Oaks.

“The Queensland Derby has always been the aim since he won the Grand Prix up there in December.

“I think we will run in the Rough Habit Plate. I know it’s a month between runs, I know he’s a big, gross horse but you can’t overwork him. Then it’ll be a fortnight into the Derby.”

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Ryan hailed jockey Nash Rawiller’s performance aboard Matias as “a beautiful ride.”

Matias exhibited solid staying power according to Rawiller in taking the Frank Packer Plate.

“I don’t know what time they ran (2m 02.43s) but it was a genuinely run race,” Rawiller said.

“My bloke was turned out to perfection. He’s been a horse that’s been building to this now for 12 months.

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“You know, I think we just saw the furnished product, the sort of horse we thought he would be from day dot.

“Like I said, it was a genuinely run, staying-type race and he just thrived on that and he loved it.”

Visit premier betting sites to check racing odds for key races including the Queensland Derby.

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Boston Marathon LIVE: Latest updates as Sharon Lokedi and John Korir chase more success

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John Korir looking strong

Benson Kipruto (Kenya) and Tanzania’s Alphonce Simbu have formed a chasing couplet in behind the runaway leader, yet John Korir’s gap is widening, rather than closing. 36km down; six and a bit to go.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:22

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Boston Marathon

That lead is 22 seconds at the 21-mile mark for the defending men’s champion. It’s looking good for John Korir.

You can still throw a blanket (admittedly, a broad one) over the women’s field. Nip and tuck entering the crucial miles, though the scarlet-haired Annie Frisbie is showing strongly as the American looks to improve on an eighth-placed finish 12 months ago.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:20

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And just like that…

John Korir might be gone. There’s still a long way to go, of course, and time enough for a similar move, but there are 10 kilometres of open road ahead of a 29-year-old improving with age. Can he go quicker than last year and, perhaps, challenge Geoffrey Mutai’s course record (2:03:02) from 2011?

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:14

Here comes John Korir!

Watch your back, Milikesa – here comes John Korir! With renewed energy, the defending champion accelerates past the leader and keeps striding on, engine whirring smoothly as he goes. Scary closing speed from the Kenyan, now at the head of the race as Mengesha attempts to cling to his coattails.

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Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:11

Milikesa Mengesha leads by 12 seconds

It’s a 12-second advantage for Milikesa Mengesha, with John Korir among a trailing quintet looking to make up that gap in the last 12 kilometres. Mengesha is a long way ahead of the course record as things stand, though this gruelling course will sap the legs.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:06

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Halfway mark for women

Through the halfway mark for the women in a smidge over 1min 11sec. Sharon Lokedi, the defending champion, looks rock solid, nestled in the pack.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 16:00

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Boston Marathon – elite men

Mengesha set his PB in that Berlin run, and was also a winner in Shanghai last year. He’s the sort of calibre of athlete who can get away from even a strong field.

He drifts away from the rest of the runners for a bit, choosing a different path nearer a large fence. A bit more shelter from the wind? It’s tough to say but Mengesha looks strong.

No such obvious movement in the women’s event, seven kilometres back down the road.

Milkesa Mengesha leads the Boston Marathon
Milkesa Mengesha leads the Boston Marathon (Getty)

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:57

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Boston Marathon – elite men

And here is another insurgent: Milkesa Mengesha took out a marathon major in Berlin a couple of years ago and is making his presence known.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:52

It’s hotting up

Back to the men, who are nearing the 25km mark, and a sight to worry the field. Defending champion John Korir moves up alongside Lemi Berhanu with effortless ease. Zouhair Talbi, born in Morocco but American-based, is right up there, too, though few are yet out of the running.

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Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:50

Eden Rainbow-Cooper on her Boston Marathon triumph

“It took a lot. But having great weather, having the crowds, there is no better time to give it all, right?

“For me, it’s all in. I know once I get to the top of the hill, I have a bit of a rest, and the quicker I get to the top, the quicker it is over.

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“It was tough after my first Boston win and it has taken a lot to get back here. To take it from the front again, and run a very similar race to 2024, I’m so happy. To prove to myself I can do it again is such a big confidence boost.”

Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner comes home for a distant silver, with home hope Tatyana McFadden in for bronze.

Harry Latham-Coyle20 April 2026 15:47

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Asterix hits top gear in 2026 JRA Plate conquest

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Asterix’s success diverged from Waller’s typical victors by being rather unforeseen, as the ascending eight-year-old gelding jumped at $16.

Four years on from his New Zealand Derby conquest, Asterix struggled initially but recaptured form last summer, securing The Beauford and vice in the Christmas Cup.

Heading into the JRA Plate for his fresh start, Waller held reservations about Asterix’s showing, only to be overjoyed by the stayers’ swift finish that secured the prize, bolstered by Jason Collett’s astute handling.

“It’s taken a while for him to find his legs in Australia, but he’s certainly racing honestly now. That was a good win,.” Waller said.

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“That’s exactly what we wanted to see and I think there’s a Gosford Cup in about three weeks to consider.

“We’ll have a look at that first, it’s good prizemoney here in Sydney and then probably up to Queensland.”

Asterix ($16) charged through the bunch ridden by Collett to pip You Wahng ($9) by a long head on the wire, with favourite Travolta ($3.80) half a length adrift in third spot.

Collett commented that the race “played out really well” for Asterix.

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“His trials were really good coming into it, he had some freshness in his legs but starting off over 2000m may have been a question mark,” Collett said.”Chris said ‘be kind to him’ and we got a very kind run. Off a moderate tempo, we only had to get out late and sprint and he did that.

“I was pretty happy with that win, I think he’ll be in for a pretty good winter campaign.”

You Wahng, successful in last year’s Queensland Oaks, pointed towards impending triumphs via her solid second placing.

“She’s run very well so we will look at Brisbane again with her,” trainer Kris Lees.

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“It was encouraging to see her run so well and if we get some rain-affected tracks, then that won’t worry her, either.”

Following his run of misfortune yet rapid close for third, Waller pointed Travolta towards a likely Gosford Gold Cup entry on May 9.

“It wasn’t a pretty sight, was it? Just didn’t have any luck at the top of the straight,” Waller said.”By the time he got out, it was sort of too late, but I think it showed he’s much more effective over these shorter distances, so he’d probably go there too.”

For the best racing betting markets on the JRA Plate, visit leading sites now.

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Female star hints at her return amid WWE signing rumors, Buddy Matthews takes a shot at Jade Cargill, Wardlow issues a statement

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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 top pro-wrestling stars, including Buddy Matthews, Jade Cargill, and Wardlow, among others.

A popular female star has hinted at a return to the squared circle amid rampant WWE rumors. Meanwhile, Buddy Matthews took a subtle jab at Jade Cargill after a WWE Women’s Championship loss to Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania 42, and Wardlow has issued a statement amid his absence from the Jacksonville-based promotion. This and more as we delve into the latest All Elite Wrestling news today. Let’s get this roundup started.

#5. Anna Jay hints at in-ring return amid WWE signing rumors

One of All Elite Wrestling’s longtime female competitors, Anna Jay, has seemingly teased her impending return to the squared circle amid swirling rumors of a potential jump to WWE. Jay first appeared for AEW at All Out 2019 and officially signed in April 2020, going on to face top names like Hikaru Shida, Britt Baker, Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Julia Hart, Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, and Megan Bayne. The Queen Slayer has been notably absent from television programming since November 2025, when she and her tag team partner, Tay Melo, were eliminated from the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship tournament by the MegaProblems (Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir). During this extended hiatus, reports emerged that Jay’s contract with Tony Khan’s promotion might be set to expire in the spring of 2026, fueling widespread speculation that she might jump ship to the sports entertainment juggernaut. That said, her latest social media activity suggests she is ready to return to wrestling, potentially in Tony Khan’s promotion.

During a recent live stream on Twitch, fans asked Anna Jay about her favorite ring gear, prompting her to drop a major hint about her eventual comeback. While she could not pick a favorite outfit, she revealed that she has brand-new gear ready whenever she returns, noting that it features a red color palette.

#4. Jade Cargill uses Kenny Omega’s One-Winged Angel finisher at WrestleMania 42

Jade Cargill suffered a major setback during her WWE Women’s Championship defense at Night 2 of WrestleMania 42. The former AEW TBS champion had originally captured the title by defeating Tiffany Stratton at Saturday Night’s Main Event 41 in October, and she went on to defend it against Michin, B-Fab, and Jordynne Grace. During her highly anticipated clash against 2026 Elimination Chamber winner Rhea Ripley at the Shows of Shows, Cargill utilized outside help from her henchwomen, Michin and B-Fab, to try and retain the gold.

In a shocking moment during the match, Cargill even pulled from the playbook of a popular AEW superstar, hitting Ripley with her own version of Kenny Omega’s devastating One-Winged Angel finishing maneuver. However, executing the Best Bout Machine’s near-unbeatable move was not enough to secure the pinfall. Iyo Sky eventually interfered to neutralize Cargill’s allies, allowing Ripley to plant the champion with the Riptide and officially capture the WWE Women’s Title.

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#3. Buddy Matthews takes a subtle dig at Jade Cargill following Rhea Ripley’s Win At WWE WrestleMania 42

Following Rhea Ripley’s monumental victory over Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42, AEW star Buddy Matthews took to social media to celebrate his wife’s championship win. Matthews, who was in attendance at The Showcase of the Immortals to support the Eradicator, posted a photo on his Instagram story reacting to the title change. Seemingly taking a direct shot at the defeated Jade Cargill, Matthews captioned the image with:

“We having the last laugh!! 😂😂”.

While Matthews is currently celebrating his wife’s success, his own in-ring future remains uncertain following an unfortunate injury. The 37-year-old Australian native has not competed since February 2025, when he injured his foot during his entrance at the Grand Slam Australia event and lost to Kazuchika Okada.

#2. Wardlow issues statement following non wrestling TV return

Wardlow has been a dominant force in AEW, but his momentum has repeatedly been halted by injuries, preventing him from receiving a sustained main-event push. After missing over a year of action in 2024, Mr. Mayhem made a shocking return at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view in August 2025, attacking Swerve Strickland, only to be sidelined again by a torn pectoral muscle. While his professional wrestling career remains on pause, the former AEW TNT Champion has made his television return outside the ring, starring as the character Fang on the rebooted American Gladiators series on Prime Video.

Following the show’s premiere last week, Wardlow took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes photos and celebrate the show’s success. He noted that American Gladiators was trending at number eight on the top 10 shows and encouraged fans to help push it to the number one spot, thanking everyone for the love and support.

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“Well closing the weekend with #AmericanGladiators trending at #8 on top 10 shows! Let’s get it to that #1 spot! Thank you to everyone that watched and for all the love I’ve been receiving. Means the world. What did yall think of the first three episodes!? More coming next Friday on @primevideo 🐺💪🏽🇺🇸 Here’s a little bts from one of my favorite photo shoots ever!” he wrote.

Check out his Instagram post here.

#1. AEW began promoting All In: London tickets right after WrestleMania 42 ended

The professional wrestling world was focused on Las Vegas this weekend for WWE’s WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium, an event that drew both praise and criticism online for its production and match quality. Immediately after Night 2 of The Showcase of the Immortals concluded, All Elite Wrestling seized the moment to take a massive dig at their competition by launching a promotional push for their upcoming stadium show. AEW took to social media to aggressively promote All In: London, scheduled for August 30 at Wembley Stadium, highlighting that their lowest available tickets start at just £31.70, significantly cheaper than WWE’s stadium tickets.

This promotional strategy comes as Tony Khan’s company prepares to expand its pay-per-view schedule following the major successes of Revolution and Dynasty earlier in 2026. According to the latest reports, the Jacksonville-based promotion has officially filed a trademark for “AEW Redemption,” which will debut as a new pay-per-view event later in 2026.