​With the expectation that Kyler Murray is the starting quarterback and a talented roster to support him on both sides of the ball, here is my prediction on how the 2026 season will unfold in a highly competitive NFC North where it wouldn’t be a surprise if any of the four teams finish on top.While most media analysts wait until closer to the September opener to make their picks, I figure not much will change in training camp and preseason unless there are major injuries to star players, which usually doesn’t happen with limited fully padded practices where quarterbacks wear red jerseys and can’t be hit, and starters play few snaps (if at all) in the three preseason games.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe past few seasons have seen the Vikings go from 13-4 division champs in 2022 to injury-ravaged 7-10 in 2023 to 14-3 wild card team in 2024 to 9-8 and one game out of the playoffs last season. This pattern says 2026 should be a playoff season, and I’m going to agree with that projection.Sept. 13—Home vs. Green Bay: WIN…The Vikings split with the Packers last season after sweeping them in 2024. I think the Packers are a bit weakened by the departures of edge Rashan Gary, LB Quay Walker and WR Romeo Dobbs, but the biggest factor is that Micah Parsons will miss the early part of the season with his ACL recovery. I expect Murray to have a successful Vikings debut with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison having big games against Green Bay’s suspect corners.Sept. 20—At Chicago: LOSS…The defending NFC North champion Bears have the league’s most difficult schedule as a 2025 first-place team and have lost several key players, including WR D.J. Moore via trade and Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, who surprisingly retired.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEx-Viking Garrett Bradbury is a downgrade from Dalman, so the Vikings can beat Bradbury up front, especially if first-round DT Caleb Banks is healthy. I see a close game the Bears win, with QB Caleb Williams leading a late drive, as he did in Week 11 last season at Minnesota and in several other games.Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) greets Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) following a game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn ImagesSept. 27—At Tampa Bay: WIN…Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is in a contract squabble over an extension, which could be a distraction for him and the team, and his top receiver, Mike Evans, is now in San Francisco. Tampa Bay is an average team coming off an 8-9 season in the NFL’s worst division—the NFC South. They lost seven of their last nine games, giving the division to Carolina. The Vikings get a road win in the September heat of Tampa.Oct. 4—Home vs. Miami: WIN…The Dolphins are in rebuilding mode with new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, new head coach Jeff Hafley, and new QB Malik Willis, all of whom came from Green Bay. They traded their best WR Jaylen Waddle