Sports
Billy Egan reunites with Jimmy The Bear for 2026 Winter Championship Final
Jockey Billy Egan is set to partner the Patrick Payne-trained gelding Jimmy The Bear again for the $200,000 Listed Winter Championship final at Flemington this Saturday.
Despite Egan not having ridden Jimmy The Bear extensively during his Winter Championship defence campaign, he will reclaim the ride at a crucial juncture.
This marks the first time Egan has been aboard Jimmy The Bear in 2026. His last association with the horse was in the Kensington Stakes on New Year’s Eve, and he has maintained a keen interest in the gelding’s performances.
“I galloped with him on Tuesday morning at Werribee – Patrick rode him and I rode his stablemate, but he worked good,” Egan commented.
“He’s been going pretty good. I think he’s had a similar lead up with all the races he’s run in, it’s been the same sort of plan as last year, and he’s going well.”
Much like last year, Jimmy The Bear commenced his campaign at Caulfield in early May and completed his Winter Championship preparations in The David Bourke (1620m) at Flemington.
This year saw him have only one additional start before the final, a win over 1600m at Caulfield on May 30, whereas in 2025, he had two runs in between.
The son of Jimmy Creed is assigned 60kg for Saturday’s assignment, a kilogram more than last year. He aims to join Glaneuse as the only horse to win the 1600m race, first run in 1980, in consecutive years.
“He’s pretty highly rated now, so he deserves to carry the weight,” Egan said of the 13-time winner.
“He’s a big horse and he’s proven he can carry the weight.”
Jimmy The Bear drew barrier one for the Winter Championship Final. This contrasts with his younger half-brother and stablemate, Clevor Trever, who will start from the second-widest gate in the 13-horse Silver Bowl Final, which closes the meeting.
The Omaha Beach three-year-old also carries 60kg for his first attempt at 1600m. Egan acknowledges the challenge but believes the colt is up to the task.
“Maybe the weights might be a little bit different for him, because they got so close to him last time and he is getting out to the mile,” he observed.
“He’s probably got a few more obstacles to overcome, but he’s in really good form.”
Egan’s other mounts on Finals Day, both trained by Payne, are Bold Soul in the $150,000 Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m) and Falset Star in the $175,000 Listed A R Creswick Stakes (1200m).
Check out the latest betting markets for the Winter Championship Final with leading Australian betting sites.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell didn’t necessarily spill the beans this week about his impending quarterback competition, but he wasn’t afraid to mention his track record in Minnesota, which involves success with seasoned veteran quarterbacks.
O’Connell spoke with D.J. Siddiqi this week, as training camp gets underway in about three weeks.
Murray’s Veteran Edge Becomes a Bit More Apparent
O’Connell on Murray, the QB Competition
The quarterback battle is top of mind for most Vikings fans, and O’Connell weighed in accordingly. He told Siddiqi, “We’ve had a lot of success with different veteran quarterbacks at different stages of their career, whether it was Sam Darnold or Kirk Cousins, and now we want to do everything we can to provide Kyler Murray with a great opportunity and see what he can do with it.”
“Kyler has always been a player. I’ve known him for a long time, and obviously having coached against him at multiple spots, and the talent you talked about bringing that different dimension. I think what he’s really done over seven years in the NFL is really maintain that dimension.”
Even Nick Mullens dished out massive performances in O’Connell’s offense.
O’Connell added, “But also the growth, the way he sees the field, the way he can throw with anticipation, and ultimately where he’s at in his career is a unique time. Having had the success that he had at his previous stop and ultimately wanting to build upon that and us having the opportunity to bring him to Minnesota, it felt like a great fit.”
Good with Veterans; Mediocre Without
Murray provides O’Connell with the caliber of quarterback he molds into a solid, sometimes even exceptional, player. It highlights an interesting paradox in O’Connell’s reputation. He has a proven track record of elevating veteran quarterbacks like Darnold, Cousins, Joshua Dobbs, and Nick Mullens — all of whom had prior NFL game experience.
However, his success hasn’t extended to rookies. McCarthy’s full potential remains untapped, Jaren Hall never developed, and Max Brosmer is still an extreme long shot.
While O’Connell is indeed a “QB whisperer,” his magic seems most effective with players who have already experienced the demands of an NFL Sunday.
That’s precisely why Murray is an ideal fit. He’s not an unproven project and a quarterback who has won games with his undeniable arm talent. Pairing Murray with O’Connell could offer Murray the perfect opportunity for a career resurgence. And it wouldn’t be a situation reminiscent of the Mike Zimmer era, where quarterbacks merely aimed to survive and appease the defense.
Instead, this would be O’Connell’s chance to reaffirm his “QB whisperer” status with a veteran quarterback talented enough to make everyone a believer.
Two Hungry QBs
Thankfully for the Vikings’ sake, both men want the job badly and have a vested interest in succeeding this season. For example, if McCarthy wins the competition or earns the QB1 job sometime during the regular season, he can regain his footing as the long-term franchise quarterback. That was the original plan two years ago when Minnesota selected him. If McCarthy does nothing of the sort in 2026, well, he’s probably on deck as a trade piece for the 2027 offseason.
For Murray, he faces an ultimatum. He can resume his typical production from the Cardinals days and just become the Vikings’ quarterback for the long haul — like many have suggested Minnesota should’ve done with Darnold. Or, if Murray flunks the Vikings test, he’d hit the 2027 offseason with an unknown future. He can be a starter or a journeyman. It’s up to him.
Clarity at Camp
The verdict is not far away. The Vikings begin camp in three weeks, and O’Connell has hinted that he doesn’t want the battle to drag forever. While he likely won’t see a practice or two and name a winner, Minnesota won’t take the competition all the way to Week 1.
By early or mid-August, onlookers should have a pretty good handle on who will take the cake at QB1.
Sportsbooks believe Murray is the guy — he has -770 odds, which translates to about 89%.
The Vikings haven’t hosted a real quarterback battle since 2014, when Teddy Bridgewater, Matt Cassel, and Christian Ponder locked horns in Mankato, but one is just weeks away in Eagan.
The clues suggest O’Connell may roll with Murray and his steady experience. If not, what was the point of signing him — and why would Murray green-light the deal so seamlessly in March?
Ireland Chasing European Glory at 2026 Co-ed Slowpitch Championship
Ireland will be aiming to end a seven-year wait for a European Championship medal when they take to the field at the 2026 European Co-ed Slowpitch Championship in London from 14–18 July.
With an experienced squad, several players arriving straight from last month’s Men’s European Championship and a proud history in the competition, there is genuine belief that Ireland can once again challenge Europe’s elite.
One of Europe’s Most Successful Nations
Since the European Championship began in 1998, Ireland have established themselves as one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
Only Great Britain, who have won 13 of the 14 European titles, have enjoyed more success than Ireland, whose record includes 10 European medals.
Ireland’s greatest achievements include:
🥈 Silver Medals
🥉 Bronze Medals
- 1998
- 2000
- 2006
- 2010
- 2011
- 2015
- 2019
While Ireland narrowly missed out on the podium in both 2022 (5th) and 2024 (4th), those performances reinforced that they remain among Europe’s strongest sides and are more than capable of competing for medals once again.
Battle-Hardened Squad
One advantage Ireland could hold over many of their rivals is recent international experience.
Several members of the squad, including Cathal Creaven, have just returned from representing Ireland at the Men’s European Slowpitch Championship.
Competing against Europe’s top men’s teams provides invaluable preparation, with players arriving in London already match-fit after a week of high-intensity international softball.
Experienced Leadership
Ireland will be managed by Aideen Teo, with Peter Mullen serving as Head Coach alongside coaches Jon Barry and Dermot McManus.
Norma McIntyre captains the side, while pitching duties will be shared by the experienced trio of:
- Simon Lewis
- Wayne Cullen
- Brian Hehir
Tournament Format
All 10 nations play each other once in a round-robin competition.
At the end of the group stage:
- 🥇 1st vs 2nd contest the European Championship Final.
- 🥉 3rd vs 4th meet in the Bronze Medal Match.
- The remaining teams play classification games.
Every run, every victory and every tie-breaker could prove decisive.
Ireland’s Fixtures
Tuesday 14 July
08:45 – Ireland v Norway
15:00 – Ireland v Czechia
Wednesday 15 July
10:45 – Ireland v Guernsey
14:45 – Ireland v Germany
Thursday 16 July
09:00 – Ireland v Lithuania
15:00 – Ireland v Austria
Friday 17 July
09:00 – Ireland v Belgium
15:00 – Ireland v Poland
18:45 – Ireland v Great Britain
The Matches That Could Define Ireland’s Tournament
Ireland will expect to take victories against Norway, Guernsey, Lithuania, Austria, Belgium and Poland.
Those six games are vital.
If Ireland can also claim one major scalp against Germany, Czechia or Great Britain, they should put themselves firmly in contention for a place in the bronze medal match—or perhaps even the final.
The standout fixture is undoubtedly Wednesday afternoon’s clash with Germany. Germany denied Ireland a bronze medal at the 2024 Championships, and that game could once again have huge implications in the race for the top four.
Opening against Norway is equally important. A fast start would allow Ireland to take confidence into the tougher contests that follow.
Hazel Hoping for Another Medal
This will be Hazel Kilduff’s third European Championship.
Her previous finishes are:
After experiencing the heartbreak of missing out on the European podium two years ago, she will be hoping to add a medal to her collection.
Can Ireland Return to the Podium?
Great Britain rightly begin as overwhelming favourites, but behind them the competition is remarkably open.
Ireland have proven over the past three decades that they belong among Europe’s elite. They possess experience throughout the squad, proven pitching, players arriving in excellent form and a management team that knows what success at this level requires.
If Ireland take care of the games they are expected to win and produce one or two standout performances against Europe’s leading nations, there is every reason to believe they can end their seven-year wait for a European Championship medal.
Did You Know?
Galway City Rapparees GAA Rounders Club will have three players representing two different countries at this year’s European Championship.
🇮🇪 Cathal Creaven and Hazel Kilduff have been selected for Ireland, while teammate Katie Jessop will represent defending champions Great Britain—a unique achievement that underlines the growing reputation of the Galway club on the international stage.
Sports
Linda Noskova vs. Marta Kostyuk odds, prediction, time: 2026 Wimbledon ladies’ semifinal picks
The 2026 Wimbledon ladies’ semifinals conclude on Thursday with a matchup between 9-seed Linda Noskova and 12-seed Marta Kostyuk. Both players advanced on straight sets in their quarterfinal contests, with Noskova defeating No 25. Elise Mertens and Kostyuk knocking off No. 13 Jasmine Paolini. This is the furthest either player has ever advanced at Wimbledon, with each seeking their first Grand Slam singles titles. Kostyuk prevailed in their lone previous match at the Madrid 1000 earlier this year.
The match will begin at approximately 9:40 a.m. ET on Thursday at Centre Court in London. The latest Noskova vs. Kostyuk odds list Kostyuk as the -125 favorite (risk $125 to win $100), with Noskova at +106. The over/under for total games is 22.5. Before making any Wimbledon picks or Kostyuk vs. Noskova predictions, you need to see what tennis expert Jose Onorato has to say.
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Onorato grew up playing competitive tennis in Caracas, Venezuela. After coming to the U.S., he trained with famed coach Nick Bollettieri at IMG Academy in Florida and faced players like Robert Farah, now one of the world’s top-ranked doubles players.
Onorato has gone 168-106-8 (+107.12 units) on his best bets since 2022. He correctly called Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open (+160), Carlos Alcaraz (+130) in the 2025 French Open and Sinner again at 2025 Wimbledon (+180). He also called Coco Gauff (+700) in the 2025 French Open and Iga Swiatek (+1200) at 2025 Wimbledon. This year, he nailed Alexander Zverev (+700) in the 2026 French Open. Anybody following his tennis betting picks at sportsbooks and on betting sites could have seen strong returns.
Now, Onorato has scrutinized the latest Wimbledon 2026 odds and released his picks and best bets for the Noskova vs. Kostyuk ladies’ semifinal match. He’s only sharing his picks and expert analysis at SportsLine.
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Kostyuk vs. Noskova preview
Both players are in unchartered territory as this is each of their first semifinals appearance at the All England Club. Kostyuk is coming off a semis appearance at the French Open — her first time making the final four at any Grand Slam — while Noskova is seeing the semifinal round for the first time at any major tournament.
Kostyuk, who turned pro in 2016, does have three singles titles in her pro career, which has seen her ranked as high as No. 12. She is currently the 13th-ranked player in the world, while Noskova’s current ranking of No. 10 marks her best ever. The latter turned professional in 2019 and has two career singles titles.
The lone prior matchup between these two came just a few months ago on clay. They met in the quarterfinal of the Madrid Open in which Kostyuk won in straight sets, needing a tiebreaker to get through the first. Kostyuk would go on to win that tournament but has yet to win an event on grass. Meanwhile, Noskova’s lone grass surface tournament win came last month at the Berlin Open. See how to bet Kostyuk vs. Noskova at SportsLine.
How to make Noskova vs. Kostyuk picks
Onorato is leaning Under on the total number of games (22.5), and he has found a critical x-factor and points out a “pattern is worth noting” in making his prediction on this match. See his best bet at SportsLine.
Who wins Kostyuk vs. Noskova in the ladies’ semifinals of 2026 Wimbledon, and what pick should you target? Visit SportsLine now to see Jose Onorato’s best bets for Noskova vs. Kostyuk, all from the tennis expert who has a history of calling Grand slam winners, and find out.
Dame Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most-decorated Paralympian, has retired from international competition with immediate effect.
The 48-year-old cyclist has opted not to compete at Los Angeles 2028 to focus on helping improve Para-sport.
The 19-time Paralympic champion feels the sport has “stalled somewhat” since the London 2012 Games and that many areas “still need attention”.
“The years between each Games haven’t been utilised well enough to create the momentum that I and others hoped to see,” she said.
“I see this as a critical stage; there are many areas of Para-sport that still need attention, and that is something that has played a big part in my decision.
“I fully believe that I can have a greater impact off my bike, rather than chasing a 10th Games and possibly further titles.
“I’m excited to be part of a future where we inject the momentum that is needed to ensure the future is bright for all Para-athletes.”
Storey started her career as a swimmer and competed at four Games before switching to cycling, winning a total of 30 Paralympic medals across nine Games, including four golds at London 2012.
World Athletics president Lord Coe, who was chairman of London’s organising committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “Para-sport was an enormously significant part of London 2012 and I remain extremely proud of what we were able to deliver.
“However, the issues that Dame Sarah raises upon her retirement resonate with me hugely – sport must continue to take those small but steady steps forward to ensure that what has gone before is not wasted.”
The British Paralympic Association has been approached for comment.
Sports
EU lawmakers demand FIFA probe over Trump call before USA-Belgium match | FIFA World Cup 2026
US President Donald Trump with FIFA president Gianni Infantino
Dozens of European lawmakers are gathering support to launch an investigation in the European Parliament of FIFA boss Gianni Infantino over his involvement in the decision to permit U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play despite an earlier red card.
Balogun was shown a red card during the U.S. victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1, which normally would make him ineligible to play in team’s next game, but FIFA lifted his suspension for a match on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened with Infantino on behalf of the 25-year-old striker.
European Parliament lawmakers Barry Andrews, Lara Wolters and Niels Fuglsang said in a joint statement that FIFAs decision to “change the rule on red card suspensions mid-tournament is a disgrace and a perversion of justice.”
“Once again, we’ve seen Infantino and FIFA surrender to the demands of the Trump administration,” the statement said.
The lawmakers are asking the national football associations of the EU countries to spur the FIFA Ethics Committee to investigate Infantino and whether pressure from the Trump administration was a factor in the lifting of the suspension, as well as “other potential breaches of political neutrality” like awarding Trump the FIFA Peace Prize.
FIFA has said the lifting of the suspension was a decision of a disciplinary committee.
The lawmakers said that 35 colleagues have so far signed the letter.
“The beauty of sport is that it is based on impartial and transparent rules. When Infantino allows political pressure to determine who gets to play, this sense of fairness goes out the window,” they said.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First Published: Jul 08 2026 | 1:30 PM IST
Jun 28, 2026; Chaska, Minnesota, USA; Nelly Korda takes a tee shot off of hole 1 during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Nelly Korda’s pursuit of the calendar Grand Slam may no longer be on the table, but she remains on the verge of multiple prestigious achievements.
One more major victory will give her the final two qualifying points she needs to trigger LPGA Hall of Fame membership. And a fifth career major title would push her up the all-time leaderboard, tying the likes of Korean great Se Ri Pak.
But Korda is the Scottie Scheffler of women’s golf in more ways than one. Not only is she a dominant World No. 1 player, she consistently insists she doesn’t think about legacy, pressure or external factors.
Korda headlines another strong women’s major field when the sport kicks off a European swing at the Evian Championship, beginning Thursday in Evian-les-Bains, France.
“For my mindset every week, it’s just, like, see how it goes,” Korda said. “Like, there is no (real) advantage to being World No. 1 when it comes to golf. I don’t get a better draw. I don’t have a bye. It’s just that you’re playing good golf, the best golf right now. That’s all that it is.”
Korda’s best finish at the Evian was a T8 in 2022. This and the Women’s Open are the only major trophies she has yet to collect.
She has won four tournaments this year, including the first two majors, but her major streak ended when South Korea’s Haeran Ryu raced out to a massive lead and captured the Women’s PGA Championship two weeks ago.
It was Ryu’s first major title, and she feels primed for more.
“I think everything going to be good, because every major championship is more thinking, more sensitive and more thinking harder, so always I got more stressful on the major week,” Ryu said. “But after (winning the Women’s PGA), I feel like more free and is less stressful for me.”
The Champions Course at Evian Resort will present a few new wrinkles to players this year. Chief among them is the pair of fairway bunkers strategically placed on the par-5 18th hole.
On that hole last year, Australian Grace Kim made eagle on Sunday to tie Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and force a playoff. Kim then chipped in for birdie on the same hole to win the playoff; she had never finished in the top 10 of a major before that breakthrough.
There’s now a plaque marking the spot where Kim had her chip-in.
“It is a very cool thing for Evian Resort to put up for it, so I’m really grateful for it,” Kim said. “It makes me feel like, you know, a bit (of a) legendary moment, so, yeah, I’m really, really grateful for that.”
At the same time, it was a heartbreaking way for Thitikul to lose. Though just 23, the World No. 2 continues to face questions about when she will finish the job and win her first major. She has four top-10 finishes at the Evian in the past five years.
“It’s always going to be in my mind whatever is happened (is) last year, but I feel like it’s had a good and a bad … and then you can’t let it go,” Thitikul said.
“Like you can’t, like, ‘Oh, I’m just going to let it go and I don’t want think what happening,’ because if you really don’t and then tell yourself not to, it’s always going to be stuck in your mind. But I feel like what has been happening in last year or couple years later on in this tournament, it’s made me who I am today, so it’s just stick to the positive one then.”
–Field Level Media
The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will do battle in Week 1 at U.S. Bank Stadium in 67 days, with storylines aplenty because — it’s Vikings-Packers. But one such scenario hasn’t been fully unearthed by the masses yet — the immediate, post-Arizona Cardinals showdown between Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
The two worked together for three seasons in Arizona. Their shared first order of business outside the desert? Dueling in the NFC North.
Gannon’s Defense Adds Personal Stakes to the Opener
Schedule-Makers Plop Murray v. Gannon Out of the Gate
The Vikings could’ve played any team in Week 1, but for the 2026 squad, the NFL chose Green Bay. The folks who made the schedule probably didn’t care much about Murray versus Gannon, but it’s happening anyway.
Arizona hired Gannon during the 2023 offseason, a year after the franchise extended Murray’s contract, the deal that included the infamous “study hall” clause before it was removed. Murray was viewed as the franchise quarterback, and with a fresh new set of eyes and ideas, Gannon took over.
The Cardinals went 15-36 in those three seasons, compiling a .294 win percentage and ranking 27th in the NFL. The experiment didn’t work, and the pair lost their jobs this offseason. Freshly removed from Arizona, they’ll dance on opposite sidelines at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Gannon’s Defense
Gannon inherits the league’s 19th-best defense per DVOA from last year. The Packers reached the postseason — lost to the Chicago Bears in a wild game — and did so with a mediocre defense that has seen better days. The club also lost superstar Micah Parsons along the way to a torn ACL.
Led by Gannon, Green Bay will face Minnesota with these notable players on defense:
- Javon Bullard (S)
- Edgerrin Cooper (LB)
- Zaire Franklin (LB)
- Javon Hargrave (DI)
- Isaiah McDuffie (LB)
- Xavier McKinney (S)
- Keisean Nixon (CB)
- Benjamin St-Juste (CB)
- Lukas Van Ness (EDGE)
- Evan Williams (S)
It’s also worth noting that Hargrave, a defensive tackle, played for the Vikings last year but was cast aside this offseason before Minnesota drafted Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport on the Packers’ defense: “After trading Rashan Gary to Dallas, who will step up on the edge opposite Parsons? How will the move from Quay Walker to Zaire Franklin affect the linebackers? How will veteran Benjamin St. Juste and rookie Brandon Cisse fit into the Green Bay secondary?”
“The Packers have the personnel on the defensive side of the ball to field a solid unit in 2026. They are going to need to, because the NFC North has the makings of the most tightly packed division in the NFL.”
Murray’s Offense
How about Murray’s offensive tools against Gannon’s defense? He’s got ’em. Murray hasn’t quite had game action with the following group, but that story will start in living color on September 13 against this former coach.
Here’s who will notably surround Murray in Minnesota’s offense:
- Jordan Addison (WR)
- Christian Darrisaw (T)
- T.J. Hockenson (TE)
- Justin Jefferson (WR)
- Jauan Jennings (WR)
- Aaron Jones (RB)
- Donovan Jackson (LG)
- Jordan Mason (RB)
- Brian O’Neill (RT)
Murray will also have Kevin O’Connell whispering in his ear, a man known for top-tier veteran quarterback tutelage.
Our Steve Hoikkala recently noted on Jackson, a rookie lineman from last year: “Jackson was stellar in his performance last season as a rookie allowing just 2 sacks in 14 games in 2025, and looks to be the long-term starter he was brought here to be.”
“His physicality and consistency to the interior offensive line are just as important as the stability in his youth for Minnesota to build around. Jackson should be the starting left guard for years to come.”
Packers-Themed Media’s Take
LombardiAve.com‘s Luke Norris wrote about the situation in March, “Jonathan Gannon will now face Kyler Murray, who he benched in 2025, twice in 2026.
“Any new wrinkle to the Packers-Vikings rivalry is always fun, but this one comes with a second storyline outside of just Murray himself, as the man who served as his head coach for the last three years and basically benched him this past season will now stand on the sideline opposite him on two occasions in 2026, that man, of course, being new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.”
The Packers are already favored to chip off the Vikings by a point or two.
Norris added, “There still appears to be plenty of respect between Gannon and Murray, but that doesn’t mean these upcoming Packers-Vikings matchups won’t have a little more intrigue to them.”
“Perhaps Gannon isn’t thrilled that his first regular QB1 as a head coach couldn’t stay healthy (or at least healthy enough), and perhaps Murray wants to stick it to the head coach who benched him.”
The NFL regular season is exactly nine weeks away.
Among the Minnesota Vikings’ fan base, hopes are high for 2026, mainly because the club acquired Kyler Murray in March and finished last season with a winning record despite mostly miserable quarterback play.
But ESPN does not share that optimism, nominating Minnesota’s roster as the 11th-worst in the NFL heading into training camp. If Minnesota makes something of the season, it will do so without the sign-off of ESPN.
ESPN’s Low View Adds Pressure ahead of 2026
ESPN: Vikings’ Roster Ranks No. 22 in Power Rankings
Mike Clay of ESPN dropped the No. 22 ranking for the Vikings, noting that the running backs — Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, Demond Claiborne, and Zavier Scott — were the team’s foremost weakness.
On the other hand, he noted the chief strength: “Biggest strength: Pass catchers. Receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and newcomer Jauan Jennings and tight end T.J. Hockenson form a terrific group of targets for whoever wins the QB job.”
“Even in a down season (no fault of his own), Jefferson delivered his sixth consecutive season with 1,000-plus receiving yards in 2025 and remains arguably the league’s best wide receiver. Addison produced 875-plus receiving yards and nine-plus TDs in his first two seasons before the QB woes of 2025.”
Pound for pound, Clay is probably correct about the pass-catchers as the team’s main calling card, though the defense is statistically fantastic too.
“Jennings broke out in 2024 with the 49ers and has a 132-1,618-15 receiving line over the past two seasons. Hockenson’s stats have been down the past two seasons, but the 29-year-old remains one of the league’s best two-way tight ends,” Clay concluded.
The Teams Ahead of MIN
Three teams questionably checked in ahead of Minnesota:
- Indianapolis Colts
- Washington Commanders
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The Colts are all-in to win a Super Bowl with Daniel Jones, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, an injury that goes either way in terms of recovery. The Commanders fired up a down year after an unexpected sprint to the NFC Championship in 2024. And the Steelers will roll with Aaron Rodgers again, this time led by his old pal, head coach Mike McCarthy.
Placing any of those squads ahead of Minnesota per roster talent is certainly debateable.
Very Little Faith in the QB
How did the Vikings fetch the 22nd roster ranking in football? It’s pretty evident: outside of Minneapolis, the masses don’t trust the quarterback(s). Murray’s reputation is at a career crater. That’s the cost of doing business when the Arizona Cardinals, of all organizations, run you out of town. Put plainly, the world believes that Murray is mid.
His quarterback running mate this summer, J.J. McCarthy, is mostly known for memes, and somehow, that matters in the court of public opinion. McCarthy produced an up-and-down season in his first as a starter, and that’s when he wasn’t missing seven games due to a flurry of injuries.
Most NFL analysis starts with the quarterback, and for a team like the Vikings to rank 22nd, it means that ESPN doesn’t really trust Murray or McCarthy to be dependable.
The Super Bowl Odds
How about Vegas? Do sportsbooks agree with the 22nd assessment? For the most part.
The Vikings’ Super Bowl odds in early July are 18th-best in the sport. Here’s the full list for curious minds:
- Los Angeles Rams: +500
- Buffalo Bills: +1000
- Baltimore Ravens: +1100
- Seattle Seahawks: +1200
- Los Angeles Chargers: +1600
- Kansas City Chiefs: +1600
- Detroit Lions: +1700
- New England Patriots: +1700
- San Francisco 49ers: +1700
- Philadelphia Eagles: +1800
- Houston Texans: +1900
- Cincinnati Bengals: +2000
- Denver Broncos: +2000
- Green Bay Packers: +2200
- Dallas Cowboys: +2200
- Chicago Bears: +2700
- Jacksonville Jaguars: +2700
- Indianapolis Colts: +4500
- Minnesota Vikings: +4500
- Washington Commanders: +5000
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +6000
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +7000
- New York Giants: +7000
- Atlanta Falcons: +7500
- Carolina Panthers: +8000
- New Orleans Saints: +8000
- Tennessee Titans: +12500
- Las Vegas Raiders: +12500
- Cleveland Browns: +35000
- New York Jets: +40000
- Miami Dolphins: +60000
- Arizona Cardinals: +100000
Oddsmakers pretty much plop the Vikings in the same boat as the Colts at +4500. That’s akin to reaching into a shuffled deck and pulling one specific card — like the Ace of Spades — on the first try.
NFL Spin Zone‘s Sayre Bedinger ranked Minnesota at — you guessed it — No. 22 in his recent power rankings: “The Vikings are going to be relying on defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his scheme more than ever before.”
“Even with the possibility of a breakout from Dallas Turner, this team has young players replacing the likes of Jonathan Greenard, Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, and Harrison Smith. Those are huge losses. Factoring in the quarterback position coming down to Kyler Murray and JJ McCarthy, this is going to be maybe the biggest “test” year for O’Connell and his staff.”
The Vikings haven’t won a playoff game in 2,376 days.
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