Fantasy Football Video: Are Vikings, Justin Jefferson a 'sleeping giant' with Kyler Murray in town for 2026?

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Fantasy Football Video: Are Vikings, Justin Jefferson a 'sleeping giant' with Kyler Murray in town for 2026?

Fantasy Football Video: Are Vikings, Justin Jefferson a 'sleeping giant' with Kyler Murray in town for 2026?

Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski talk Vikings, Kyler Murray on latest episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast.

Fantasy Football Video: Are Vikings, Justin Jefferson a 'sleeping giant' with Kyler Murray in town for 2026?

Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski talk Vikings, Kyler Murray on latest episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast.

Could the Minnesota Vikings be the NFL's next "sleeping giant"? That's the question Matt Harmon and Scott Pianowski tackled on the latest episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast—and the answer might just reshape your 2026 fantasy football draft strategy.

Let's be honest: Vikings fans would rather forget the 2025 season. Between a disappointing rookie campaign from J.J. McCarthy and a team that never found its rhythm, Minnesota limped through a year to forget. But the NFL moves fast, and the Vikings have already made a splash that has fantasy managers buzzing.

Enter Kyler Murray. After a messy breakup with the Arizona Cardinals, the dynamic quarterback is bringing his dual-threat magic to the Twin Cities. Murray only suited up for five games last season, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while adding 173 rushing yards and a score on the ground. But his potential in Kevin O'Connell's offense? That's the real story.

Pianowski sees the Vikings as a "sleeping giant" ready to wake up in 2026. He's buying into the hype—talking himself into an NFC North title and even a Comeback Player of the Year campaign for Murray. He asked Harmon to keep him grounded, but the numbers are hard to ignore.

Harmon believes Murray is a lock to start Week 1, but the bigger question is whether he can stick beyond this season. While Murray isn't the perfect schematic fit for O'Connell's system, Harmon thinks the head coach is creative enough to adapt to his quarterback's unique skill set. That flexibility could unlock a dangerous offense.

Of course, all eyes are on Justin Jefferson. After being a consensus first-round pick in 2025, Jefferson delivered one of the most shocking fantasy busts in recent memory. He finished as the WR39 in fantasy points per game (just 9.1) with 84 catches, barely over 1,000 yards, and only two touchdowns across a full 17-game season. It was a nightmare for anyone who invested a top pick in him.

But here's the silver lining: Jefferson's talent hasn't disappeared. With Murray's ability to extend plays and push the ball downfield, the Vikings' star receiver could be poised for a massive rebound. The question isn't whether Jefferson can bounce back—it's whether Murray can revive his fantasy stock to elite levels.

So, as you prep for your 2026 drafts, keep an eye on this Vikings offense. If the "sleeping giant" narrative holds true, Jefferson and Murray could be the steals of your league.

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