Sam Thiel

From February to August, NFL franchises become an exercise in macro-management a six-month stretch defined by abstract, big-picture decisions such as navigating salary cap space, auditing rosters, and implementing long-term development tracks. But at the dawn of Week 1, the lens narrows entirely, shrinking from the organization's overarching future down to a single short-term puzzle: how to game-plan for a three-hour window.

For the Minnesota Vikings, the big-picture view underwent a massive shift this summer with the hiring of General Manager Nolan Teasley. Much like Head Coach Kevin O'Connell entering his first season at the helm in 2022, Teasley brings recent championship experience to the table after helping guide Seattle to its second title in franchise history in February.

Minnesota stayed within the scope of the NFC West to add another piece at a critical position by signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick (see below for more about Murray) can impact the game with both his arm and his legs; Murray's 20,460 passing yards and 3,193 rushing yards makes him one of only 13 quarterbacks in NFL history to cross the threshold in each category. He's also one of four active players to achieve the feat, joining Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers.

While the offseason was spent constructing that foundation, the theoretical outlines will give way to real evaluation when Minnesota hosts the Green Bay Packers at 3:25 p.m. (CT) Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Last year's Week 1 power rankings placed Minnesota in the 7-to-16 range. This year's spectrum from media members is between 18 and 21 as the Vikings prepare to kick off the 2026 campaign.

Here's a look at where the Vikings landed heading into Week 1:

No. 19: Nick ShookNFL.com

As everyone predicted when the Vikings quickly signed him back in March,Kyler Murraywon the quarterback battle overJ.J. McCarthy. Now, it's up to the former No. 1 overall pick to deliver.

No. 21: Moe MotonBleacher Report

Expect Head Coach Kevin O'Connell to open up the playbook with the most talented quarterback he's had in his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings.

Kyler Murray has played through one full season in five years, but he's still a dynamic quarterback when healthy. In Minnesota, he shouldn't have to use his legs much with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson downfield.

Murray is a strong Comeback Player of the Year candidate, and he'll play with a top-notch defense led by Brian Flores that will take some pressure off the offense. Don't be surprised if the Vikings are in contention for a division title this year.

No. 18: Pete Prisco CBS Sports

Kyler Murray takes over as the starting quarterback, which is an improvement from what they had last year. How much better is the big question.

No. 18: Nate DavisUSA TODAY

Few teams ran the ball more efficiently last season (4.5 yards per attempt), yet few were less committed to the ground (24.1 rushes per game) than the Vikes. So what does new QB1 Kyler Murray mean on that front given his multi-dimensional abilities, yet proclivity to get injured?

No. 19: Josh Kendall and Chad GraffThe Athletic

There's plenty of upside now that Kyler Murray is under center. Even if Murray plays at a league-average level, they should be better. Still, the defense is a bit of an unknown. Brian Flores is an incredible coordinator, but his roster is largely unproven.

No. 19: Conor OrrSports Illustrated

This was a nine-win team last year amid a disastrous campaign with multiple starting quarterbacks. Kyler Murray isn't perfect, but he's stable, which is all Kevin O'Connell asked for this offseason. My question,as I outlined in this column, is whether the system will fit Murray, or whether both the star coach and quarterback will have to give a little to make it hum.

No. 19: Vinnie IyerSporting News

Kyler Murray has a huge opportunity in Kevin O'Connell's offense, and his recent play with the Cardinals brings guarded optimism. Playing in the NFC North is rough, with more hype and/or stability tied to the three other teams.

No. 18: Frank SchwabYahoo! Sports

In 2021, Kyler Murray had a solid season with a 100.6 passer rating. Since then, he hasn't posted a rating above 93.5, and his overall rating over four seasons is a mediocre 90.3. In other words, it has been a while since Murray was a plus quarterback. Maybe he improves in Kevin O'Connell's scheme.

Top of the Class

There's a lot that comes with the territory of being a No. 1 overall draft pick the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Quarterbacks know that feeling all too well, especially in today's game. Of the 38 QBs who have been selected first overall in NFL draft history (the most out of any position), 11 are current players, including nine starting in Week 1. They are (draft year in parentheses):

Matthew Stafford/Rams starter (2009 by Lions)

Jameis Winston/Giants backup (2015 by Buccaneers)

Jared Goff/Lions starter (2016 by Rams)

Baker Mayfield/Buccaneers starter (2018 by Browns)

Kyler Murray/Vikings starter (2019 by Cardinals)

Joe Burrow/Bengals starter (2020 by Bengals)

Trevor Lawrence/Jaguars starter (2021 by Jaguars)

Bryce Young/Panthers starter (2023 by Panthers)

Caleb Williams/Bears starter (2024 by Bears)

Cam Ward/Titans starter (2025 by Titans)

Fernando Mendoza/Raiders backup (2026 by Raiders)

Murray will join another exclusive club on Sunday when he leads Minnesota out of the U.S. Bank Stadium tunnel against Green Bay. He will become just the fifth QB to be drafted first overall by a team and play for the Vikings, joining George Shaw (1955), King Hill (1958), Jeff George (1990) and Sam Bradford (2010).

Shaw's first start as a Viking was a unique one, as he was under center for the first game in franchise history in 1961. Shaw completed two of his three pass attempts for 22 yards, but he was replaced during the first half by rookie backup Fran Tarkenton, who led Minnesota to a 37-13 victory against Chicago.

Hill joined the Vikings midway through the 1968 season. While he was initially drafted as a quarterback, Hill was primarily used as a punter during his time in Minnesota. He recorded 39 total punts for 1,592 yards (avg. 40.8) in nine career games (including playoffs).

George's first start in Purple occurred in Week 7 of the 1999 season. He completed 15 of 28 passes for 250 yards and threw three touchdowns against one interception for a passer rating of 104.8 in a 40-16 victory against San Francisco.

Similar to Shaw, Bradford's first start as a Minnesota QB in Week 2 of the 2016 campaign was significant within team history. Squaring off against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, Bradford finished 22-of-31 passing for 286 yards and threw a pair of touchdowns with a 121.2 passer rating, leading the Vikings to a 17-14 victory in the inaugural regular-season game at U.S. Bank Stadium.

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