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Ranking the Vikings' 2026 Opponents from Easiest to Hardest

Ranking the Vikings' 2026 Opponents from Easiest to Hardest

The Vikings' schedule has been out for a little over a week and we've had time to really evaluate the team's schedule by now. Let's rank the Vikings' opponents from easiest to hardest.

J.J. McCarthy News / HITC / May 23
Bold move by Minnesota: J.J. McCarthy will have to fight for what other first-round QBs get

Bold move by Minnesota: J.J. McCarthy will have to fight for what other first-round QBs get

J.J. McCarthy isn’t being handed the Minnesota Vikings’ starting quarterback job. Instead, he’ll have to win it over Kyler Murray, with head coach Kevin O’Connell opting for a true competition to raise the level of the whole group.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / May 23
Minnesota Vikings’ quiet offseason did everything to maximize the one thing Kevin O’Connell needs to get right

Minnesota Vikings’ quiet offseason did everything to maximize the one thing Kevin O’Connell needs to get right

Sometimes, it’s not just about making big splashes, and the Minnesota Vikings used that as their big focus this year. One of the biggest frustrations with the Minnesota Vikings was the lack of big moves.

NFL News / Yardbarker / May 22
Cardinals, Jacoby Brissett are still 'far apart' in contract talks

Cardinals, Jacoby Brissett are still reportedly 'significantly far apart' in contract talks

The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly not making much progress with starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett when it comes to reworking his contract for the 2026 season.

Josh Sweat has a no-brainer trade destination
Analyst lists three possible landing spots for Deebo Samuel
Vikings reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to make these improvements amid competition with Kyler Murray
Five important NFL OTA storylines to monitor
The 'Active NFL passing leaders' quiz
J.J. McCarthy News / A to Z Sports / May 22
Biggest criticism of J.J. McCarthy off the field could doom his future with the Vikings, and it was evident on the field

Biggest criticism of J.J. McCarthy off the field could doom his future with the Vikings, and it was evident on the field

There are a lot of questions surrounding the future of Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, and the biggest one could doom his future. The biggest story this offseason with the Minnesota Vikings focuses on their quarterback competition.

Minnesota Vikings News / Viral Sports News / May 22
Vikings Could Target $156 Million Star in Surprise Move

Vikings Could Target $156 Million Star in Surprise Move

The Minnesota Vikings made a notable roster adjustment during the 2026 NFL Draft by trading away edge defender Jonathan Greenard. This decision has opened up a significant gap in their pass rush group, forcing the team to reevaluate how they will build their defensive front moving forward.

NFL News / Yardbarker
The greatest all-time linebacker in for every NFL franchise

The greatest all-time linebacker in for every NFL franchise

Yardbarker's best-of NFL positional series continues with linebackers. This does not cover pure pass-rushing threats -- we will get to them -- but rather true off-ball defenders who thrived as traditional inside and outside 'backers.

NFL News / Yardbarker / May 22
Sam Darnold addresses Vikings' controversial decision, makes bold J.J. McCarthy claim

Sam Darnold addresses Vikings' controversial decision, makes bold J.J. McCarthy claim

Members of the Seattle Seahawks will forever be grateful that the Minnesota Vikings let quarterback Sam Darnold leave the club via free agency.

Vikings reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to make these improvements amid competition with Kyler Murray
Analyst lists three possible landing spots for Deebo Samuel
This is 30: Why stakes are higher for Josh Allen entering age-30 season than you might think
The 'Super Bowl winning QBs' quiz
Minnesota Vikings News / Yardbarker / May 22
Vikings reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to make these improvements

Vikings reportedly want J.J. McCarthy to make these improvements amid competition with Kyler Murray

The perception exists that free-agency signing Kyler Murray is the overwhelming favorite to emerge as the Minnesota Vikings' starting quarterback over 2024 first-round draft pick J.J.

The 'Multiple TD passes in an NFL debut' quiz
Five lingering NFL questions: Chiefs in the WR market? Saints vets on the move? And more
J.J. McCarthy News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / May 21
Why the Vikings Keeping J.J. McCarthy Doesn't Prove He's Competing for QB1

Why the Vikings Keeping J.J. McCarthy Doesn't Prove He's Competing for QB1

Tom Pelissero's dedication to publicly expressing his belief that Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will battle for the QB1 job in Minnesota isn't slowing down; it's speeding up.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / May 21
NFL analyst calls Minnesota Vikings’ offseason into question, while missing one key element

NFL analyst calls Minnesota Vikings’ offseason into question, while missing one key element

It wasn’t the most exciting offseason for the Minnesota Vikings, but it was important in more ways than one. When taking a look at the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason, there are a lot of interesting elements to look at.

NFL News / Yardbarker
The way-too-early 2027 NFL first-round mock draft

The way-too-early 2027 NFL first-round mock draft

With the 2026 draft in the books, teams are already looking toward 2027. Here's our way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft, as of April 27, 2026.

Let's tap the brakes on the hype for Arch Manning for 2027 NFL Draft
Round 1 of the 2027 NFL Draft projected to be top-heavy with QBs
Five non-quarterback stars to know before 2027 NFL Draft
2026 NFL Draft: First-round grades
25 late-round draft picks who will impact the 2026 NFL season
NFL News / NFL on ClutchPoints / May 21
Vikings signing 5-year Steelers veteran

Vikings signing 5-year Steelers veteran

As the Minnesota Vikings try to get back to the playoffs, they have made plenty of changes to their roster. While the focus has been on quarterback Kyler Murray’s arrival, the Vikings haven’t forgotten about their defense either.

Isaiahh Loudermilk News / Field Level Media / May 21
Vikings sign DL Isaiahh Loudermilk to contract

Vikings sign DL Isaiahh Loudermilk to contract

The Minnesota Vikings signed defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk to a contract on Thursday. The Vikings did not disclose the details of the deal with Loudermilk, who spent the past five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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The 'NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 winners' quiz
 The 'NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 winners' quiz
The 'ERA leaders since 2003' quiz
 The 'ERA leaders since 2003' quiz
The '35-5-5 Conference Finals games' quiz
 The '35-5-5 Conference Finals games' quiz
The 'NBA MVPs' quiz
 The 'NBA MVPs' quiz
Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / May 21
Minnesota Vikings make key addition to their defense ahead of the meat of OTAs

Minnesota Vikings make key addition to their defense ahead of the meat of OTAs

It was relatively surprising for the Vikings to have two roster spots open, but they remedied that on Thursday. With the Minnesota Vikings set to enter the meat of the offseason program, they still had two roster spots available.

NFL News / Yardbarker / May 21
Analyst lists three possible landing spots for Deebo Samuel

Analyst lists three possible landing spots for Deebo Samuel

Samuel may no longer be the prime dual-threat guy he was in his heyday, but he can still pile up yards after the catch like the best of them.

Chiefs can only replace Rashee Rice with one free agent
Five lingering NFL questions: Chiefs in the WR market? Saints vets on the move? And more
Patriots embracing 'us against the world' mentality as Super Bowl loss, Mike Vrabel controversy lingers
The 'Most INT's in a first NFL start' quiz
Mike Zimmer News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / May 21
Adrian Peterson Opens Up About Feeling 'Disrespected' by Mike Zimmer

Adrian Peterson Opens Up About Feeling 'Disrespected' by Mike Zimmer

Former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer's propensity to rub players the wrong way wasn't just held to non-star players. According to legendary running back Adrian Peterson, he had a falling out with Zimmer during the 2016 season, which ended up with Peterson leaving the Vikings when his contract ran out following the season.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / May 21
Kyler Murray’s issues in cold weather games are overstated, and the answers lie in the numbers

Kyler Murray’s issues in cold weather games are overstated, and the answers lie in the numbers

After signing with the Minnesota Vikings, Kyler Murray’s lack of success in cold-weather games was viewed as a problem. There are a lot of narratives that hovered over Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray had when he signed back in March.

Minnesota Vikings News / NFLTradeRumors.co / May 20
Minnesota Vikings 2026 Undrafted Free Agent Guarantees

Minnesota Vikings 2026 Undrafted Free Agent Guarantees

Undrafted free agents sign standard three-year contracts that are worth whatever the minimum salary is in those years. In 2026, the standard UDFA deal is worth $3.1 million.

Minnesota Vikings News / Minnesota Vikings on SI / May 20

One of These 5 Candidates Likely to Become Next GM of the Vikings

The Vikings have reportedly requested in-person interviews with five candidates for the team's open general manager position, according to numerous reports.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / May 20
‘So much going on in his life’ — NFL insider highlights intriguing circumstances with Vikings QB competition

‘So much going on in his life’ — NFL insider highlights intriguing circumstances with Vikings QB competition

Talking about the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is a fascinating discussion with a lot of nuance. The quarterback competition for the Minnesota Vikings is fascinating to look at.

Minnesota Vikings News / A to Z Sports / May 20
Minnesota Vikings continue their general manager search by narrowing the candidate with one frustrating element

Minnesota Vikings continue their general manager search by narrowing the candidate with one frustrating element

The general manager search for the Minnesota Vikings takes a necessary step on Wednesday with in-person interviews. The Minnesota Vikings are the only team in the National Football League right now without a general manager.

Minnesota Vikings News / NFL on ClutchPoints / May 20
Vikings rumors: 5 candidates emerge as frontrunners for GM position

Vikings rumors: 5 candidates emerge as frontrunners for GM position

The Minnesota Vikings fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on Jan. 30. The team has gone through the bulk of the offseason, including the 2026 NFL Draft and the start of free agency, without a permanent general manager to build out the roster.

Minnesota Vikings News / NFLTradeRumors.co / May 20
Vikings Request In-Person Interviews With Five GM Candidates

Vikings Request In-Person Interviews With Five GM Candidates

According to Jonathan Jones, the Vikings have requested in-person interviews with five candidates for their GM vacancy.  That list includes:  Vikings interim

Minnesota Vikings News / Field Level Media / May 19
Minneapolis selected to host 2028 NFL Draft

Minneapolis selected to host 2028 NFL Draft

NFL owners voted to award the 2028 draft to Minneapolis. The Twin Cities were chosen to host the event on Tuesday at the meeting of franchise owners in

Minnesota Vikings News / NFLTradeRumors.co / May 19
Minnesota Officially Selected To Host 2028 NFL Draft

Minnesota Officially Selected To Host 2028 NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings announced that Minnesota will officially host the 2028 NFL Draft in partnership with Minnesota Sports and Events and the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings News / Larry Brown Sports / May 16
Justin Jefferson has a clear hope for Vikings’ QB battle

Justin Jefferson has a clear hope for Vikings’ QB battle

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson really hopes the team’s quarterback battle this year is the last they will have for a while. Jefferson appeared on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Friday and was asked what he was hoping to see from the Vikings’ quarterback battle this season.

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