What the Minnesota Vikings must do to have a successful season depends on who you ask.
Some fans look at the obvious factors, such as quarterback play, defensive-back performance, and the turnover battle. Others will focus on the team’s stars, highlighting why the game plans must go through Andrew Van Ginkel, Justin Jefferson, and the hopeful rise of Dallas Turner.
Even more will look at the main factors in all three phases of the game: Kevin O’Connell, Brian Flores, and Will Reichard.
While people will debate these factors throughout the season, there are three factors that, while not the top-line topics, could be the difference in 2026.
Offensive Line Health
Last season, 10 offensive linemen played for the Vikings in 26 different iterations, the most in team history and the second-most in the league behind the 2025 Los Angeles Chargers.
Hopefully, the 2026 squad can find more consistency along the offensive front.
According to ESPN.com, the current construction shows an offensive line we saw pieces of during 2025. The difference between last season’s optimal lineup and the current one is at center, where Blake Brandel will replace Ryan Kelly, who retired in the offseason.
Brandel will likely get this opportunity instead of the drafted center, Gavin Gerhardt, or other interior linemen like Michael Jurgens or Joe Huber, based purely on how he performed when he started six games at this spot for the injured Kelly.
Offensive line continuity will play a bigger role with the 2026 Vikings. It will be vital no matter which quarterback is behind center.
Rookie Development
Even though not all rookies will be Week 1 starters, it is important to understand that their growth will play a part in building a playoff team.
It could be their first-round selection, Caleb Banks, or an undrafted guy they decide to keep on the roster. The way they develop throughout the season helps in the immediate term and in understanding what the future might hold.
Fans and journalists may look at each rookie individually. However, fans should consider the rookies as a unit. To play playoff football, what each player does matters; the unit helps create a deep run.
So, what would great rookie development look like?
They take advantage of every down that they play and maximize their opportunities.
Both sides of the ball have incredible coaching staffs who share a vision for how they’ll develop and what their roles on the team are. Putting “we” before “me” creates a culture of winning and keeps players accountable for mistakes.
In the NFL, life comes at young players fast. If these rookies can develop their play style, they can propel this team to further success, and given their schedule, they might get their opportunity.
The Schedule
Teams can control how they play, but not who they play. That makes the schedule an unaccounted-for challenge when initially looking into what will make a team successful.
No matter what you think of the opponents, every week is a different struggle. Injuries and unforeseen game circumstances create an ever-flowing dynamic as teams continue throughout the season.
The Vikings are no exception to this. Vegas set their over-under at 8.5 games this year.
The team’s ability to beat up on the teams they’re supposed to win against and hang tough in games that others might see as challenges could set the Vikings up for a very good season, if not a potential playoff run.
I believe the Vikings will go 11-6, remain competitive in the NFC, and potentially make the playoffs. They could exceed my expectations if they can optimize all three of these factors.
