Feb. 13, 2026, 9:27 a.m. CT
The Minnesota Vikings missing the playoffs following a 14-3 season was not on their bingo card, or the card of fans. As a result, folks will have some anger heading into 2026, especially after seeing Sam Darnold win a Super Bowl immediately after the team chose not to re-sign him and stick with J.J. McCarthy.
However, with so many questions at quarterback and around the roster remaining, can the Vikings actually return to the playoffs? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler discussed every team that missed the playoffs, including the Vikings, and offered suggestions on why they will or won’t make the playoffs in 2026.
For the argument that they can return to the playoffs, it all starts with the head coach.
Fowler writes, “Kevin O’Connell’s 43-27 record through four seasons suggests the Vikings will be in the thick of the NFC North race yet again. The defense is among the league’s most physical and opportunistic. The offense is still full of playmakers, and the offensive line should be healthier.”
The Vikings coaching staff is stacked in 2026, thanks to the return of Brian Flores to coach up the defense once again. That being said, the games still have to be played, but having a coaching staff as good as theirs will raise the play of both sides of the ball.
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