Vikings' 2026 season hinges on Kyler Murray

The Vikings open their season Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium with the makings of a dangerous team. The question is what kind of danger they'll be.

The big picture: While the pundits predict a middle-of-the-pack team, the Vikings have the talent to be much more than that. But they also have enough uncertainty that things could go sideways in a hurry.

Catch up quick: After last season's 9-8 finish, the Vikings had seen enough of young quarterback J.J. McCarthy to prompt them to sign Kyler Murray. He's a former No. 1 draft pick who flashed brilliance early in his career with the Cardinals but struggled with inconsistent play and injuries — enough so that Arizona cut him loose.

The rest of the roster and coaching staff remain very similar to 2025, though the loss of pass rusher Jonathan Greenard hurts.

Threat level: All the ingredients are in the cupboard for the Vikings to put up the type of magical season the franchise provides every 10 years, give or take.

They have a reclamation quarterback, uber-talented wide receivers and a wizard of a defensive coordinator — all reminiscent of 1998 and 2009.

You can easily see a scenario in which Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings light up scoreboards while Brian Flores' blitz-happy defense licks its lips playing with a lead.

Yes, but: This team has some of the ingredients for a meltdown that also comes every decade or so.

If Murray is ineffective or injured, it will create a QB controversy between McCarthy and Carson Wentz.

Jefferson has been patient with subpar quarterbacking, but he's a star in his prime and another rocky year will test that patience.

What to watch: The action will start hot and heavy with the Green Bay Packers coming to town Sunday for a 3:25pm kickoff on CBS.

Nick's (shaky) prediction: Shades of 1998: 13-4 and an NFC Championship game.