ESPN Has The Vikings As Division Winners

ESPN’s Ben Solak predicts the Vikings will win the NFC North in 2026 largely thanks to Brian Flores:

“Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Brian Flores continues chugging along as the best defensive coordinator in the NFL. His creative maximizations of subpar talent stand above the work… pic.twitter.com/HeysXHbVDS

— SleeperVikings (@SleeperVikings) July 1, 2026

Creative maximizations? Dude, just say he made chicken salad out of chicken shit.

JustInTime wrote:

Creative maximizations? Dude, just say he made chicken salad out of chicken shit.

Exactly lol!

I just dont see how this D doesnt take some steps back. If only because of less experience AND no Greenard.

I'm still sick to my stomach about losing him (especially to Philly). I sure hope Turner can fill those shoes.

Does better QB play make up some for that? AND we win more games???

purplefaithful wrote:

Exactly lol!
I just dont see how this D doesnt take some steps back. If only because of less experience AND no Greenard.
I'm still sick to my stomach about losing him (especially to Philly). I sure hope Turner can fill those shoes.
Does better QB play make up some for that? AND we win more games???

I’d feel better if Smith came back to orchestrate the backend of the D.

Turner will make you forget Greenard and the almost sacked him sack.

The Vikings defense lost 4 veteran starting caliber players with pro bowls on their resumes and are replacing them with 3 rookies or 4 rookies if you assume Golday will pivot from ILB to OLB in case of injury.

Maybe Smith will come back (I think he will), but we’ve lost a lot of starting talent and are replacing it with rookies.

Regarding Greenard, you can say Turner will replace Greenard, but in that case, who replaces Turner?  If AVG or Turner goes down for 6 games, you are now starting an edge that probably should be being eased into the rotation not forced to start and our front 5 (DL+edges) will likely consist of 3 rookies or 2 rookies and a backup caliber player.

Obviously, we hit home runs on all of our rookies, but if you’re twisted and want to imagine a scenario where we get somewhat normal rookie production from the rookies, this defense will undoubtedly take a step back.  If Banks and Citrus take a year or two to develop, that’s not great news for this year. 

I’m kind of expecting our defense to be comparable to our 2024 defense, where we struggle to stop people consistently, but hope to offset that with turnovers caused by our defense being so chaotic. I think our saving grace will be playing a 3rd place schedule with subpar QBs.

medaille wrote:

The Vikings defense lost 4 veteran starting caliber players with pro bowls on their resumes and are replacing them with 3 rookies or 4 rookies if you assume Golday will pivot from ILB to OLB in case of injury.
Maybe Smith will come back (I think he will), but we’ve lost a lot of starting talent and are replacing it with rookies.
Regarding Greenard, you can say Turner will replace Greenard, but in that case, who replaces Turner?  If AVG or Turner goes down for 6 games, you are now starting an edge that probably should be being eased into the rotation not forced to start and our front 5 (DL+edges) will likely consist of 3 rookies or 2 rookies and a backup caliber player.
Obviously, we hit home runs on all of our rookies, but if you’re twisted and want to imagine a scenario where we get somewhat normal rookie production from the rookies, this defense will undoubtedly take a step back.  If Banks and Citrus take a year or two to develop, that’s not great news for this year. 
I’m kind of expecting our defense to be comparable to our 2024 defense, where we struggle to stop people consistently, but hope to offset that with turnovers caused by our defense being so chaotic. I think our saving grace will be playing a 3rd place schedule with subpar QBs.

I agree with JiT, I think Turner elevates his game and does what Greenard did in 24 or even better. While he creates chaos in the backfield, Gink runs wild and has a pro-bowl year if he stays healthy. He is one of the main pieces in the Flores D.

Don't forget Gink missed time last year, as did Smith and Mettelus. So our D performed without the full lineup last year, although we struggled some without Gink. The 2 overpaid fatties on the D line didn't do that much, that is why they are gone. Not sure why we are worried about replacing their contributions.

I didn't do the research but I'll bet Flo has never had the influx of so many rookie defensive players. if he coaches them up and they develop early it would be an add on to his resume for when he interviews for head coaching jobs. There's a lot going on here.....

Allen and Hargrave were barely shells of their former Pro Bowl caliber selves. Both were gruesome vs the run PFF grades in the mid 40s and mid 50s) and not exactly world beaters rushing the passer. If we get journeyman caliber play from the two rookies it will be an improvement over the play we got last year.

As far as Edge goes, Turner, Gink, Wilson can play the overhang LB, TID, possibly Golday, and possibly a FA signing works for me.

Smith’s spot remains, to me at least, the only slot that would give me gray hair if I had hair that could turn gray.

JustInTime wrote:

Allen and Hargrave were barely shells of their former Pro Bowl caliber selves. Both were gruesome vs the run PFF grades in the mid 40s and mid 50s) and not exactly world beaters rushing the passer. If we get journeyman caliber play from the two rookies it will be an improvement over the play we got last year.
As far as Edge goes, Turner, Gink, Wilson can play the overhang LB, TID, possibly Golday, and possibly a FA signing works for me.
Smith’s spot remains, to me at least, the only slot that would give me gray hair if I had hair that could turn gray.

I think we'll add a backup edge during camp and Smith will come back for one more season, and I'll feel pretty good with where the roster is. Borderline playoffs with options for more if things go well.

I'm not worried about Flores. He's proven to do more with less consistently than any coach in the league and he'll hold up his end of the bargain. What I do worry about is the offense, which was beyond abysmal mostly due to poor quarterback play and a head coach who refused to bend his playcalling to better suit those quarterbacks, or establish a consistent running game as has been his MO through four years. Will any of that change with a quarterback who really doesn't fit the offense? The marraige of Murray into the OConnell offense and how he wants it run, is still the biggest concern for me heading into the season..

supafreak84 wrote:

I'm not worried about Flores. He's proven to do more with less consistently than any coach in the league and he'll hold up his end of the bargain. What I do worry about is the offense, which was beyond abysmal mostly due to poor quarterback play and a head coach who refused to bend his playcalling to better suit those quarterbacks, or establish a consistent running game as has been his MO through four years. Will any of that change with a quarterback who really doesn't fit the offense? The marraige of Murray into the OConnell offense and how he wants it run, is still the biggest concern for me heading into the season..

Well said and a legit concern. Its the main reason I have to see it before I buy in fully. I will remain positive about the possibility of K1 hitting until proven otherwise.

I think the lack of a run game last year was more a byproduct of the offensive line injuries.

StickierBuns wrote:

Well said and a legit concern. Its the main reason I have to see it before I buy in fully. I will remain positive about the possibility of K1 hitting until proven otherwise.
I think the lack of a run game last year was more a byproduct of the offensive line injuries.

The line injuries were tough, but it was, and has been with OConnell over the course of four years, the lack of called runs. The Vikings have consistently ranked towards the bottom of the league in rushing attempts per game under OConnell. The media called him out on it last year and he begrudgingly changed the offense in December after we were alreaxy eliminated from playoff contention. The offense was more balanced. Not coincidently, the rookie quarterback played better and we won our last five games. Post season presser hits, and OConnell is up there talking about wanting to get back to "big play football in the passing game."

So like you said, I'll believe it when I see it with Murray in this offense. Until then, all we have to go on is past history.

purplefaithful wrote:

Exactly lol!
I just dont see how this D doesnt take some steps back. If only because of less experience AND no Greenard.
I'm still sick to my stomach about losing him (especially to Philly). I sure hope Turner can fill those shoes.
Does better QB play make up some for that? AND we win more games???

Turner has filled those shoes. He is more than ready. Greenard was the odd man out due to Turner's play. Embrace it.

It's going to be tough for the Lions to compete with all of the players they've lost. Packers will be who they always are: slightly above average and overrated by everyone. There's just not a lot of bite on that roster and several really bad drafts are catching up with them. I think it's between the Bears and Vikings. But instead of Flores making the difference, it will be Kyler Murray returning the offense to "functional."

MaroonBells wrote:

It's going to be tough for the Lions to compete with all of the players they've lost. Packers will be who they always are: slightly above average and overrated by everyone. There's just not a lot of bite on that roster and several really bad drafts are catching up with them. I think it's between the Bears and Vikings. But instead of Flores making the difference, it will be Kyler Murray returning the offense to "functional."

I'm still trying to get a bead on the Bears...

How good is that roster if they stay healthy and dont have a horse-shoe up their asz?

What is the ceiling on Caleb with Ben guiding the development? How will they do with a 1st place schedule?

I think they are the most interesting story in the division followed by what does a K1 led Viking team look like???

purplefaithful wrote:

I'm still trying to get a bead on the Bears...
How good is that roster if they stay healthy and dont have a horse-shoe up their asz?
What is the ceiling on Caleb with Ben guiding the development? How will they do with a 1st place schedule?
I think they are the most interesting story in the division followed by what does a K1 led Viking team look like???

I think this is a pivotal season for Caleb Williams. He improved a lot last year, but his completion percentage is still one of the worst in the NFL. He either improves as a pocket passer and becomes one of the most dangerous QBs in the NFL, or he doesn't and he remains maddeningly elusive, but someone you can beat if you contain him.

MaroonBells wrote:

I think this is a pivotal season for Caleb Williams. He improved a lot last year, but his completion percentage is still one of the worst in the NFL. He either improves as a pocket passer and becomes one of the most dangerous QBs in the NFL, or he doesn't and he remains maddeningly elusive, but someone you can beat if you contain him.

He's tough to contain though lol! But yah, if he doesnt improve in the pocket? His ceiling is a tier2 guy.

I luv the kid in Washington, but I still think Maye might end-up being the best of that bunch.

purplefaithful wrote:

He's tough to contain though lol! But yah, if he doesnt improve in the pocket? His ceiling is a tier2 guy.
I luv the kid in Washington, but I still think Maye might end-up being the best of that bunch.

Maye extremely benefited from a cupcake schedule.

Canthony wrote:

Maye extremely benefited from a cupcake schedule.

True, but I dont weigh that above their playoff run:

• Wild Card Round: Defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3.

• Divisional Round: Defeated the Houston Texans 28-16.

• AFC Championship: Defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7.

purplefaithful wrote:

True, but I dont weigh that above their playoff run:
Wild Card Round: Defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3.
Divisional Round: Defeated the Houston Texans 28-16.
AFC Championship: Defeated the Denver Broncos 10-7.

Stroud is mediocre and definitely shows that when the lights are on in the playoffs. No Bo Nix. Not to mention, Maye didn't play well at all. Like bad.