Examining The 2024 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
The 2024 NFL schedule is here, and now the predictions for the season can officially begin. Minnesota has the league's 18th most difficult strength of schedule based on opponent win percentage from last season.
Here's a look at the full Vikings' schedule and quick thoughts on each of the 17 games.
Week One: At New York Giants
For the first time since 2021, the Minnesota Vikings will start the season on the road. The last time the Vikings and Giants went head-to-head was during the Wild Card playoff round in 2023. New York won that game 31-24.
I like this as Minnesota's opening game. The team is even at 1-1 in Week One games under head coach Kevin O'Connell. Although I don't expect J.J. McCarthy to be the day one starter, I believe that Sam Darnold behind center still makes this a competitive game.
Week Two: Vs. San Francisco 49ers
Minnesota opens its home schedule with a matchup against the defending NFC Champions. San Francisco is an obvious Super Bowl contender heading into this season. They've got, arguably, the most talented roster in the league. The 'Niners are also very familiar with quarterback Sam Darnold, which could make for a long day for the former first-round pick going against Nick Bosa and company.
Week Three: Vs. Houston Texans
For the first time in his NFL career, C.J. Stroud will face the Minnesota Vikings. The Texans' rookie had a phenomenal rookie season in 2023, leading Houston to a 10-7 regular season record and a Wild Card win over the Cleveland Browns. Seeing such an electric player on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium will be fun.
Week Three will also bring the return of long-time Viking Danielle Hunter. The former third-round pick spent eight seasons in purple and gold, making Four Pro Bowls.
Week Four: At Green Bay Packers
The Vikings will play their first NFC North division rival in Week Four as they head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. These two teams split the regular season series last year. Minnesota won at Green Bay in October. In return, the Packers ruined New Year's Eve for all Vikings fans by winning 33-10 later in the season.
I enjoy the idea of the Vikings visiting Lambeau Field early in the season, as opposed to playing there once the elements become a bigger factor.
Week Five: Vs. New York Jets In London
Minnesota flies across the pond to face a familiar foe in Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. I'm a little disappointed that Rodgers won't be returning to U.S. Bank Stadium, but this will be an interesting game regardless.
NFL games in London are always a little bit weird. Although the Jets may be the favorite in this one, with a healthy Rodgers, I wouldn't be surprised if the Vikings find a way to win. Minnesota has a perfect 3-0 record in games played in London. The most recent International victory came against the Saints in 2022.
Week Six: BYE Week
When the Vikings went to London in 2022, they elected not to take the BYE week upon their return home. Minnesota won the next game by a 29-22 score over the Chicago Bears. However, this year, they seem to be switching up the strategy. The club will have their BYE week following their trip overseas.
Week Seven: Vs. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions had a massive breakout season in 2023, and they'll continue to build on that success in 2024. If there's one positive for the Vikings, it's the fact that they will have multiple weeks to prepare for a tough Lions squad thanks to the Week Six BYE. Despite that extra time, I believe Detroit has the better roster, and they'll walk out of U.S. Bank with an NFC North victory.
Week Eight: At Los Angeles Ram On TNF
I hate the idea of the Minnesota Vikings heading to L.A. on a short week to face the Rams. Los Angeles has won the previous two meetings between these teams. However, McVay has yet to coach against Kevin O'Connell. KOC was part of the McVay coaching staff during their Super Bowl season in 2021.
Week Nine: Vs. Indianapolis Colts
After what I expect to be a tough outing in Los Angeles on Thursday night, the Vikings get a 'mini-bye' to rest up and prepare for the Indianapolis Colts. Everyone remembers the last meeting between Minnesota and Indy. It was the spectacular 33-point comeback win for the Vikings in December 2022. I don't expect that type of entertainment this time, but with a healthy Anthony Richardson, the Colts have the potential to be one of the more enjoyable teams to watch this season.
Week Ten: At Jacksonville Jaguars
In the second of three straight games against AFC South opponents, the Vikings head to Jacksonville to face Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. This will be the first time since 2020 that the Jags and Vikings do battle. Minnesota has a 6-1-0 record against Jacksonville all-time, including wins in the last five meetings.
Week 11: At Tennessee Titans
If J.J. McCarthy is going to play this season, I believe this Week 11 matchup with the Titans could be the game where he makes his NFL debut. The Vikings will be coming off what could potentially be a tough loss in Jacksonville, and the Titans may make a good bounce-back opponent. Tennessee enters the season with a new head coach, no Derrick Henry, and a quarterback room that'll leave you wanting more.
Week 12: At Chicago Bears
Week 12 could feature the first meeting between Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy, which would be an interesting glimpse into the future of the NFC North. The Bears got the best of Minnesota in their final matchup last season, but the Vikings have had their number for a few years prior. With this game being played in late November, weather could become a big storyline at Soldier Field.
Week 13: Vs. Arizona Cardinals
Following three road games, the Vikings return home to take on Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. The wide receivers should be the main focus of this game, with Justin Jefferson already the top player at the position and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. looking to pave his way in the NFL. The Vikings won the most recent matchup with Arizona back in 2022.
Week 14: Vs. Atlanta Falcons
In my opinion, this is the most intriguing game on the Vikings' schedule this season. Kirk Cousins is returning to U.S. Bank Stadium to face his former squad. J.J. McCarthy, who Vikings fans consider the franchise's future, potentially starting opposite the former face of the organization. The story writes itself. Expect a full week of Vikings and Falcons coverage leading up to this game.
Week 15: Vs. Chicago Bears On MNF
In the Vikings' second and final prime-time game of the 2024 season, the Chicago Bears come to town for Monday Night Football. Chicago won in Minneapolis on Monday night last year. If you don't remember that game, it's probably because you fell asleep while watching it. The final score was 12-10 in favor of the Bears. Not the best outing from the Josh Dobbs-led Vikings team.
Week 16: At Seattle Seahawks
On the road in Seattle? Three days before Christmas? This just feels like a loss for the Vikings. In all seriousness, I'm a little shocked they didn't find a way to have the Seahawks and Vikings in primetime, as that seemed to be a guarantee for a number of years. Minnesota won the last meeting against Seattle 30-17 in 2021.
Week 17: Vs. Green Bay Packers
The Packers blew out the Vikings in Week 17 last year, and I wouldn't be shocked if it happens again this season. Depending on the playoff race in late December, this could be a big divisional game. This is also the third straight season these two teams meet in Week 17.
Week 18: At Detroit Lions
Like last season, the Vikings wrap up the regular on the road in Detroit. The Lions won that Week 18 game 30-20. I like the idea of having back-to-back NFC North matchups at the end of the year. It creates drama and ensures fans get the best game possible in prime time.
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