Adam New’s Vikings Predictions for the 2026 Season

Ahead of the Minnesota Vikings preseason opener against the New York Giants this Saturday, I am ready to drop my Vikings predictions for the 2026 season.

Adam New’s Vikings Predictions for the 2026 Season

My predictions last year didn’t fare so well, as they were all about the Vikings’ offense, and it wasn’t a good year for that side of the ball in Minnesota. With that in mind I’ve made sure to get the defense involved this time around. Here are my Vikings predictions for 2026.

Kyler Murray Makes the Pro Bowl

The first of my Vikings predictions for 2026 involves the most important position on the team. Stay healthy and a good quarterback can get himself to the Pro Bowl in Minnesota. Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold are proof of that, and it can be the same for Kyler Murray – who already has a couple of Pro Bowl appearances to his name from earlier in his career. Minnesota should have a strong offensive line and certainly an abundance of offensive weapons, with Justin Jefferson leading the charge. 

Kevin O’Connell likes to lean on his passing game as much as possible, so there will be ample opportunity for Murray. If Murray can get well over 3500 passing yards and 20+ touchdowns he can be in Pro Bowl contention. He has achieved that in every season where he has played at least 14 games. If he stays healthy he should be doing it in Minnesota.

Dallas Turner has 10+ Sacks

Dallas Turner getting 10+ sacks shouldn’t be a huge leap. He managed eight last season and he wasn’t a regular starter to begin the season. Now he is the leader of the Vikings’ pass rush but that does come with extra attention as opposing teams will be focused on stopping him. I’m confident that Turner has the talent and has shown the development to take on his increased role in 2026 and be a success. Reaching double figures in sacks should be well within his reach.

Charles Demmings is the Breakout Rookie

He might only be a fifth-round pick but Charles Demmings is showing up in training camp. He’s already being put up against the Vikings 1s and proving that he has the ability to compete.

Demmings is a physical man-to-man cornerback who loves to talk when he wins a rep, something this group has desperately missed in recent years. The man who goes by Chuck doesn’t lack confidence as shown when he swatted a pass away from Jefferson in camp and got chirpy. 

The next step for Demmings is to take the good work from training camp into the upcoming preseason games as he pushes for playing time when the regular season begins. The secondary is an area that rotation can be used giving him potential to get on the field. If he does he comes across as the kind of character who will make the most of his opportunities.

One and Done Again in the Playoffs

It’s all been positive so far with my Vikings predictions but this one is a mixed bag. I believe the Vikings will make it back to the playoffs this season, which is a positive after a disappointing 2025 season. However, I’m not seeing enough to convince me that O’Connell can lead the team to a first playoff win of his tenure as head coach.

If Minnesota makes the playoffs then maybe they get a favorable draw, but against the top teams I feel the team still has too many weaknesses or needs serious development – particularly in the trenches on both sides of the ball, the secondary, and the rushing attack.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.