When the Minnesota Vikings brought in quarterback Kyler Murray during the offseason, it sent a clear message to the rest of the NFC North: this team intends to make a real push for the division in 2026.
That move matters because last season’s quarterback play was too uneven, and Minnesota needed a proven starter to steady things. Now, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton has pegged the Green Bay Packers to finish last in the division, with Murray playing a major part in that outcome.
“Without Parsons to mask coverage issues in the secondary, the Packers could be off to a slow start this year. If the Minnesota Vikings offense looks sharp with quarterback Kyler Murray, Green Bay could be in an uphill climb to stay out of the NFC North basement.”
Murray gives Minnesota something it has lacked under head coach Kevin O’Connell: a quarterback who can change the shape of the offense with his legs as well as his arm. He can buy time, create openings for receivers and pick up yards on the ground, which makes him a difficult problem for defenses to solve.
That kind of versatility could be especially valuable in a division where every edge matters. The Vikings need a way to separate themselves, and Murray offers a different kind of threat than the pocket-first passers O’Connell has typically preferred.
The comparison to Chicago is hard to miss. Last season, the Bears leaned on Caleb Williams’ athleticism to help them win the division and knock off the Packers in the NFC Wild Card Round.
Minnesota could get a similar boost from Murray, but with a more efficient passing profile. Williams completed 62 percent of his passes in 2024 before dropping to 58 percent last year. Murray, meanwhile, has finished above 68 percent in each of the last two seasons.
That’s a big reason this Vikings team looks set to be very different from the one fans dealt with last year, when quarterback play was inconsistent. Murray brings a level of stability and explosiveness that could lift Minnesota out of the NFC North cellar and leave Green Bay there instead.
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Georgia coach Kirby Smart once described Bell as a positionless player, which fits the way the Vikings seem to be evaluating him early on. His route running and receiving production still come with some limitations, so this is not a finished product by any means, but the appeal is obvious if Minnesota wants a movable piece who can create matchup problems. For a team sorting through how to fill out its offense and its roster, Bell has at least made himself part of the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
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What makes Moore especially interesting for Vikings fans is the way his game seems to fit a modern passing attack. The scouting report points to quickness, route running, separation ability and work after the catch, while also noting he could help in the return game. For a Minnesota roster that can always use more flexible playmakers, he looks like the sort of receiver who could be more than just a one-role projection, even if the full draft picture is still to come. [Read more 🡒]