Oddsmakers do not expect the Minnesota Vikings to be a top-tier Super Bowl contender in 2026, but they also didn’t expect the Seattle Seahawks to win the chip at this time last year. Therefore, we have a path outlined for Minnesota to follow in Seattle’s footsteps.

Minnesota’s ceiling depends on five clean outcomes.

It’s all pretty basic stuff, but, you know, it just has to come true.

What Must Break Right for the Vikings

A list of reasons why the Vikings can win it all.

Clean Bill of Health for the Offensive Line

Every starting offensive lineman for the Vikings, not named Will Fries, missed games last year. Every single one:

• Christian Darrisaw (7 missed games)
• Donovan Jackson (3 missed games)
• Ryan Kelly (9 missed games)
• Brian O’Neill (3 missed games)

The main guts of Minnesota’s starting offensive line missed over 25% of the season. The group ended up as the NFL’s 18th-best, according to Pro Football Focus, even with injuries. The working theory suggests that so many injuries probably won’t rattle the trenches again.

This will be vital because new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has missed about 25% of all career starts due to injury.

No Serious Defensive Regression

These are the Vikings’ defensive rankings per EPA/Play under Brian Flores since 2023:

• 2023: 17th
• 2024: 1st
• 2025: 3rd
• Overall 2023 to 2025: 2nd

That’s right — the Vikings’ showcase the NFL’s second-best defense overall with Flores in charge. Make no mistake: whatever happens with Minnesota’s offense in 2026, it already has a defense good enough to win a Super Bowl. That factoid has been bogged down over the last three seasons by offenses that either didn’t reach their ceilings or flamed out at the worst possible time (i.e., Sam Darnold in Week 18 and the 2024 playoffs).

If Flores’s defense doesn’t take a bizarre step back, Minnesota has the defensive personnel and coaching staff to win it all.

Run the Damn Football

Under Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota ranks as follows per rush playcalling percentage:

That’s not acceptable. No Super Bowl-winning team runs the ball as a complete afterthought. The Vikings don’t have to quite “establish the run” like the Mike Zimmer days, but they must run the ball at a balanced clip and avoid treating that section of the offense like a pain in the butt.

O’Connell always says he wants to “run to set up the pass,” and then doesn’t run the ball very much. For the Vikings to win the Super Bowl, they must call rushing plays more than the 19th-most in the NFL.

Top 12 or Top 15 QB Performance from Kyler Murray

The Vikings finished 9-8 last year while trotting out the NFL’s fifth-worst quarterback group per Dropback EPA/Play. To put it plainly — and to confirm your eye test — J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer were not very good. They formed the fifth-least efficient quarterback trio in the sport.

Well, if Minnesota grabbed nine wins with the NFL’s 28th-ranked quarterback unit, the Vikings now need Murray to climb into the Top 12 or Top 15. This would suggest an 11-6, 12-5, 13-4, or 14-3 season.

Murray doesn’t have to be Tom Brady at all times, but he cannot play like 2025 Max Bromser. Murray must find the happy medium, playing turnover-free and dynamic football.

The Minnesota Sports Curse Ceases

The last time a men’s professional sports franchise won a championship in Minnesota? Thirty-five years ago. Since the Twins won the World Series in 1991, Minnesota’s four major men’s pro teams have combined for 130 completed championship attempts (full seasons from the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Wolves) without another title.

One hundred and thirty failed seasons.

This will sound bizarre, so bear with us: the state of Minnesota is due for a championship based on sheer math and probability. In fact, Minnesota sports teams should rattle off something like 5-10 in a row to make up for the championship-less oddity. That’s how probabilities usually work.

Boston has 13 championships since 1992. Minnesota has zero. Minnesotans are really just asking for one. Why not the Vikings in 2026?

Symbiosis

Perhaps you’ve felt this way during Vikings football games over the last decade: when one thing is working, another is not. For example, Kirk Cousins played his best ball as a Viking in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and that was right about the time when the defense could no longer be trusted.

In 2025, Flores’s defense turned out to be great, but Minnesota has to play Brosmer at quarterback.

Things like that.

Maybe once for the Vikings, all sides can jell. For example, Murray and the offense cook, Flores’s defense does Floresian defense things, and Will Reichard maintains his All-Pro form.

The Vikings are wildly overdue to showcase full synergy. They can win the Super Bowl if they do it in 2026.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

The NFL released the full schedule on Thursday night, allowing each team to reveal its own docket with fancy social media videos. The Minnesota Vikings featured kicker Will Reichard and wrestler Chris Jericho. The league may never, ever, be the same eh-gain.

Minnesota’s toughest tests are easy to spot.

That was a Chris Jericho reference for the non-wrestling fans, but we digress. The following is a list of the best games on the Vikings’ schedule, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = top game).

Five Matchups That Will Highlight the Vikings’ Season

What games have you circled?

5. Week 11 | at San Francisco 49ers (SNF, Mexico)

This game feels like the season’s midpoint, though it’s mathematically closer to the finish line.

On November 22nd — four days before Thanksgiving — this contest should be a fantastic indicator of whether the Vikings are “for real” or merely sputtering around .500 while hoping to keep things interesting. The Vikings have played the 49ers well with Kevin O’Connell in charge and seem to have Brock Purdy’s number.

We know for sure that San Francisco won’t be a joke, so at a neutral site, this is a wonderful barometer in late November to determine whether the Vikings can be a real contender.

4. Week 14 at New England Patriots (TNF)

Minnesota hasn’t played at New England in eight years, and the last time they visited, Tom Brady still ran the show, and Kirk Cousins played poorly that contest. This time is different. The Patriots don’t have Brady but are still the Super Bowl runner-up. Vikings fans will also get to see Drake Maye, whom much of the fan base wanted for Minnesota’s roster from the 2024 NFL Draft.

Of all games on the schedule, this one has the biggest underdog point spread for Minnesota from a May perspective — 4.5 points in favor of the Patriots.

Sportsbooks do not think the Vikings will win this one.

PatsPulpit‘s Brian Hines predicted a New England win on Thursday night, writing, “Following a big win over the Bills, New England will have a short week for their second Thursday night game of the season — which will take place at Gillette Stadium against another NFC North opponent.”

“The big question for Minnesota will be who is starting at quarterback by Week 11: 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy or free agent addition Kyler Murray? With either operating on a short week and on the road, the Patriots take care of business. | Prediction: Win (8-5).”

3. Week 1 | vs. Green Bay Packers

It’s Kyler Murray’s — probably — first game as a Minnesota Viking, and he will see his old head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who is the new defensive coordinator for the Packers. Meanwhile, the Vikings have opened the season at home against Green Bay just twice in franchise history: a loss in 2020 and a win in 2022 to start the O’Connell era.

This one is must-see television for these reasons:

1. Week 1 is always must-see television.
2. Murray’s first game in purple.
3. Murray vs. Gannon.
4. The natural MIN-GB rivalry
5. A quasi-primetime feel at 3:25 pm CST
6. It’s at home.

2. Week 15 | vs. Detroit Lions (SNF)

At this point on the schedule, if the Vikings are good, they could have a 10-3, 9-4, 8-5, or 7-6 record. Taking on the Lions, who might have a similar record and a roster that remains impressive, will have heavy implications for the NFC North and the playoff picture.

Until last year, Dan Campbell utterly dominated O’Connell; it was embarrassing. But O’Connell took down Campbell twice in 2025. Maybe a new day is on the horizon.

Circle this one because it is late in the season, it’s at home, and it will probably drip with playoff implications.

1. Week 9 | vs. Buffalo Bills (MNF)

A rematch of one of the best Vikings’ regular season games of all time from 2022 — perhaps the single best Vikings regular season game ever.

That dub occurred in Buffalo; this contest will shake out in Minneapolis. The Vikings drew the Bills on Monday Night Football on November 9th, right after the World Series and the 2026 midterm elections, and a few weeks before Thanksgiving.

Buffalo is basically guaranteed to be a contender if Josh Allen is healthy. Allen returns to the spot of his career win at U.S. Bank Stadium when he and the Bills stunned Kirk Cousins‘ Vikings in 2018.

Suppose Minnesota has a winning record heading into Vikings-Bills. This game will teach you a lot about the team’s upside.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Belgium head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup looking to begin a fresh chapter after finally moving beyond the long-standing “golden generation” label that defined the previous decade of Belgian football.

The Red Devils struggled to let go of several aging stars during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a decision that ultimately contributed to an early and disappointing exit. Although signs of transition began to emerge at Euro 2024 under Domenico Tedesco, it is now under new coach Rudi Garcia that Belgium appear ready to fully embrace a younger and more dynamic era.

While experienced figures from Belgium’s most successful generation still remain part of the setup, the spotlight has now shifted towards a new wave of talent eager to establish its own identity on the world stage. Entering the tournament without overwhelming pressure or expectations could work in Belgium’s favour this time around.

Belgium enjoyed another unbeaten qualification campaign, finishing with 5 wins and 3 draws while scoring 29 goals and conceding just 7. Kevin De Bruyne once again proved decisive, finishing as the team’s top scorer with six goals, while Alexis Saelemaekers led the assist charts with four.

Although Belgium only secured top spot in Group J on the final matchday, they consistently showcased attacking quality throughout qualifying. A commanding 4-2 victory over Wales in Cardiff perfectly highlighted the balance and attacking intent of this evolving Belgian side, while effectively sealing their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Belgium’s Group G in FIFA World Cup 2026

Belgium

Iran

Egypt

Will Belgium’s next gen spring a surprise?

Jérémy Doku enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Belgium’s biggest attacking weapon and a true game-changer on the wings. The Manchester City star is known for his explosive pace, dazzling footwork, and fearless dribbling, consistently troubling defenders in one-on-one situations and bringing excitement every time he touches the ball.

Alongside him, Malick Fofana is emerging as one of Belgium’s brightest young talents. Much like Doku, Fofana thrives in direct attacking situations and possesses the ability to unsettle defenders with his unpredictability. Although an ankle injury briefly slowed his progress, the young winger continues to attract strong interest from several top European clubs.

Belgium Strengths

Belgium are expected to operate in a possession-based 4-2-3-1 system under Rudi Garcia, built around technical quality, midfield control, and attacking fluidity. One of the team’s biggest strengths is its balanced and deep midfield unit, capable of dictating tempo while also providing defensive stability.

Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat of the side, but Belgium’s attacking threat is heavily driven by its dynamic wide players. Jérémy Doku’s explosive dribbling and ability to dominate one-on-one situations make him a constant danger, while Dodi Lukébakio’s tendency to cut inside from the right creates additional attacking variety. Combined with elite talent in the final third, Belgium possess the firepower to overwhelm opponents when their attacking system clicks into place.

Belgium Weaknesses

Despite their technical quality, Belgium have often struggled mentally against the strongest teams in world football. There remains a lingering inferiority complex in high-pressure matches against elite opposition, something that has affected them in previous major tournaments.

Another issue has been their tendency to start games slowly, occasionally allowing opponents to settle into matches before Belgium can establish control. Against top-tier sides, these sluggish openings can prove costly and place unnecessary pressure on the team later in matches.

Belgium squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: 

Goalkeepers

Mats Sels — Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Thibaut Courtois — Real Madrid (LaLiga)

Senne Lammens — Royal Antwerp (Belgian Pro League)

Defenders

Arthur Theate — Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga)

Brandon Mechele — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)

Nathan Ngoy — Luton Town (Championship)

Koni De Winter — Genoa (Serie A)

Zeno Debast — Sporting CP (Primeira Liga)

Maxime De Cuyper — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)

Joaquin Seys — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)

Thomas Meunier — Trabzonspor (Süper Lig)

Timothy Castagne — Fulham (Premier League)

Midfielders

Nicolas Raskin — Rangers (Scottish Premiership)

Axel Witsel — Atlético de Madrid (LaLiga)

Hans Vanaken — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)

Kevin De Bruyne — Napoli (Serie A)

Youri Tielemans — Aston Villa (Premier League)

Amadou Onana — Aston Villa (Premier League)

Forwards

Jérémy Doku — Manchester City (Premier League)

Alexis Saelemaekers — AC Milan (Serie A)

Mathias Fernandez-Pardo — Lille (Ligue 1)

Lucas Stassin — Saint-Étienne (Ligue 1)

Romelu Lukaku — Napoli (Serie A)

Leandro Trossard — Arsenal (Premier League)

Charles De Ketelaere — Atalanta (Serie A)

Dodi Lukebakio — Sevilla (LaLiga)

The Vegas Golden Knights could still avoid losing their second-round pick despite the NHL handing down major penalties following the team’s playoff media access controversy.

NHL insider Andy Strickland suggested the league may eventually reduce that part of the punishment during the appeal process.

“Don’t be surprised if the NHL decides to remove the 2nd round pick as part of the penalty in Vegas appeal process,” Strickland wrote on X. “Bill Foley will make a call, if he hasn’t already. Can’t see the league making them lose a 2nd round pick, possibly a blue chip player down the road, because of a poor decision by Torts and the PR staff. Expect the 100k to stick.”

That prediction comes after the NHL announced that Vegas would forfeit its second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft while head coach John Tortorella was fined $100,000. Vegas still has the option to appeal both penalties during an in person hearing scheduled for next week in New York.

What led to Vegas Golden Knights’ punishment from the NHL

Vegas Golden Knights advanced to the Western Conference Finals after beating the Anaheim Ducks 5-1 in Game 6 on Thursday night to win the series 4-2. But after the game, attention quickly shifted away from the result when head coach John Tortorella did not speak with reporters.

Under NHL playoff rules coaches are required to be available to the media following games. The NHL later explained the punishment in an official statement.

“The National Hockey League announced today that, as a result of flagrant violations of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Media Regulations following Game 6 of their Second Round series against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday, May 14, the Vegas Golden Knights will forfeit a second-round pick in the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft,” the league said.

“In addition, Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella has been fined $100,000. The imposition of these penalties comes after previous warnings were issued to the Club regarding their compliance with the Media Regulations and other associated policies.”

Neither Vegas nor Tortorella gave much explanation afterward about why the postgame media session was skipped. However Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported that frustration over Brayden McNabb’s one-game suspension for interference may have contributed to the decision. Tortorella also avoided getting into details when asked about the situation later.

“We put out a statement as an organization,” Tortorella said. “We’ll go by that.”

Vegas Golden Knights will next face the Colorado Avalanche as the franchise continues its push for another Stanley Cup after winning its first title against the Florida Panthers in 2023.