Kevin O’Connell is back for his fifth year in Minneapolis as the Vikings look to build on last year’s 9-8 season. The key roster changes are at quarterback, where new starter Kyler Murray takes over, and at receiver, where Jauan Jennings joins from the 49ers. The Vikings return four of their top five receivers and all five offensive line starters: Christian Darrisaw, Donovan Jackson, Blake Brandel, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill. Darrisaw suffered a knee injury in Week 4 and did not finish the game. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason entered the season splitting time at running back, but Mason suffered a thumb injury in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and T.J. Hockenson lead the receiving corps, and Wes Phillips returns as offensive coordinator.

Brian Flores is back as defensive coordinator for his fourth season. Minnesota returns nine of its top eleven tacklers from last year, with the front seven bringing back Jalen Redmond, Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, and Andrew Van Ginkel, while the secondary returns Byron Murphy, Isaiah Rodgers, Josh Metellus, and Theo Jackson. Veteran Harrison Smith returned for his 15th season and has moved back into a starting safety role alongside Metellus.

Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels returns for his fifth season. Will Reichard is back at placekicker after connecting on 94% of his field goals last year. Georgia rookie Brett Thorson will handle the punting duties, and Myles Price will be the primary return man. Murray has returned from the concussion that sidelined him in Week 2 and is back leading the offense. With enough continuity to compete in an NFC North Division that should stay close throughout the regular season, the Vikings’ outlook will depend heavily on how Murray performs in his first season in Minnesota.