Writer makes bold prediction regarding Vikings QB Kyler Murray

The Minnesota Vikings expect Kyler Murray to spark an offensive resurgence after a hit in 2025. With the revolving door of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer, the Vikings ranked 29th in passing offense. Over Kevin O'Connell's previous three seasons as head coach, Minnesota had never ranked worse than 7th in the metric.

That's why there is optimism with Murray. He's played only one full season in the past four years, and he wasn't surrounded by the best roster or coaching staff in Arizona. Not only does he now have O'Connell in his ear, but Murray now has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, among others, at his disposal. And a renewed emphasis on the running game could also take some pressure off Murray.

ESPN's Seth Walder is optimistic that Murray can not only get his career back on track, but also be a top-12 quarterback in an advanced metric.

"Murray will finish in the top 12 in QBR," Walder wrote over the weekend . "It doesn't feel like that should be that bold of a prediction, considering he did that just two years ago. But considering he was cut by the Cardinals (who need a quarterback) this offseason, that would be a very nice turnaround for the former No. 1 pick. I'm buying him with O'Connell and Jefferson."

QBR is ESPN's metric for evaluating overall quarterback performance, accounting for factors such as passing, rushing, turnovers, game situation, and play difficulty. No Vikings quarterback qualified in last year's top 28 QBR rankings, and Murray, limited to five games, was left off the list, too.

But with a full bill of health and tons of supporting talent, Murray has a chance to climb up the list once again. If he does so, Minnesota could return to the playoffs in 2026.