The Minnesota Vikings have one of the more talented rosters in the NFL at key positions. However, the most important one, quarterback, was a major letdown in 2025. As a result, the team underperformed and saw others in the division rise as a result.
However, in 2026, the team is already making sure they can do something to bring life to the position. They brought in Kyler Murray, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals, but that won’t be enough. According to ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, the season is going to be on the shoulders of Brian Flores and his defense, rising to the occasion once again.
Solak explained, “You see a team that right now is shedding a lot of veteran contracts. They are trying to get more cap compliant. . .Brian Flores, who has done tremendous work, must continue to do so again with even fewer pieces, but offensively, I expect them to really bounce right back. That offensive line is ready to be the driving force line. . .you’re gonna have a very motivated Justin Jefferson and Addison. . .It doesn’t matter what happened in 2025. And so offensively, I think they can score a lot of points. If Flores is the guy we think he is, and trust me, he is. He’s the man. And yeah, Minnesota back in the playoff one, for sure.”
From @SportsCenter: I think the Vikings are a playoff team again with Kyler Murray under center *IF* Brian Flores can work some magic again pic.twitter.com/ZO05Q4LIKB
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 12, 2026
Flores and his defense were a major reason that the Vikings finished with a record of 9-8 instead of 4-13, like they were on pace for. While Solak lays the groundwork for him needing another big performance, that is going to be expected for as long as he is with the Vikings and they are sorting out their quarterback situation.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Offseason: ESPN analyst believes the Vikings can make the playoffs
About the Author
