Power Rankings: Where Do The Vikings Land With Kyler Murray As The Starter?

Kyler Murray is the starter for the Minnesota Vikings. The focus is now trying to build rapport for the offensive unit as a whole. Saturday will be the first action for Murray and the Vikings against an opponent. The Qb competition is behind them and that is a good thing. 

Where do the Vikings rank in NFL.com's power rankings after the announcement? 

Nick Shook of NFL.com has the Vikings at number 18.

18. Minnesota Vikings

"The NFC North is the one division in which one could realistically make a Lombardi-contending case for any of its four members entering 2026. Chicago was last season's darling, Detroit is aiming to get back on track after missing the playoffs, Green Bay lurks as a disruptor with clear strengths ... and then there's Minnesota. The Vikings won nine games last year with zero reliability under center, then quickly signed Kyler Murray, who apparently just locked up the starting quarterback job. If Murray solves Minnesota's quarterback conundrum, everything about this team improves, starting with Justin Jefferson's production. On paper, there might be a weak spot or two defensively, but DC Brian Flores has shown he's capable of maximizing the talent he's given. These Vikes aren't sleepers, but they're certainly a candidate for climbing the rankings as the season progresses."

It's easy to get behind the Vikings. It's arguable that Kevin O'Connell and Flores are the best coaching duo in the NFL. Full stop. The NFC North is a bloodbath with four teams capable of a playoff berth and winning the division. The bottom line comes down to quarterback play.

The Vikings won nine games last season with largely below average quarterback play. Murray should raise that floor, but his reputation of starting out on fire before simmering a bit is in the background. Minnesota needs to get back to running the football and the good news is running back Jordan Mason has been the belle of the ball in training camp.

It's hard to bet against O'Connell and Flores, but the NFC North isn't an easy division. Each team has a chance to win the division and finish last and you wouldn't be shocked by either outcome. The NFC North could have three playoff teams and that feels realistic. 

It could all come down to health, as any team in this division could have a key player go down, which would change the entire outlook of the entire season.