Minnesota Vikings Schedule 2023

After an intense 2022 season, the Minnesota Vikings are eager to tackle their new opponents in the 2023 season. The schedule this year presents an assortment of challenges, from high-profile matches against the top-ranked teams to multiple prime-time games. It’s a combination of early-season games with emotional ties, such as the one against Adam Thielen’s Carolina Panthers, and end-of-season clashes through the NFC North that could decide the division. Let’s delve into the details of the Vikings’ 2023 journey.

Minnesota Vikings Schedule 2023

WeekDateOpponentKickoff timeTV
1Sept. 10vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers1 p.m. ETCBS
2Sept. 14at Philadelphia Eagles (TNF)8:15 p.m. ETPrime Video
3Sept. 24vs. Los Angeles Chargers1 p.m. ETFox
4Oct. 1at Carolina Panthers1 p.m. ETFox
5Oct. 8at Kansas City Chiefs4:25 p.m. ETCBS
6Oct. 15at Chicago Bears1 p.m. ETFox
7Oct. 23vs. San Francisco 49ers (MNF)8:15 p.m. ETESPN
8Oct. 29at Green Bay Packers1 p.m. ETFox
9Nov. 5at Atlanta Falcons1 p.m. ETFox
10Nov. 12vs. New Orleans Saints1 p.m. ETFox
11Nov. 19at Denver Broncos (SNF)8:20 p.m. ETNBC
12Nov. 27at Chicago Bears (MNF)8:15 p.m. ETESPN
13Dec. 3Bye
14Dec. 10at Las Vegas Raiders4:05 p.m. ETFox
15Dec. 16/17at Cincinnati BengalsTBDTBD
16Dec. 24vs. Detroit Lions1 p.m. ETFox
17Dec. 31vs. Green Bay Packers (SNF)8:20 p.m. ETNBC
18TBDat Detroit LionsTBDTBD

Home Games:

  1. Chicago Bears
  2. Detroit Lions
  3. Green Bay Packers
  4. New Orleans Saints
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  6. San Francisco 49ers
  7. Kansas City Chiefs
  8. Los Angeles Chargers

Away Games:

  1. Chicago Bears
  2. Detroit Lions
  3. Green Bay Packers
  4. Atlanta Falcons
  5. Carolina Panthers
  6. Philadelphia Eagles
  7. Denver Broncos
  8. Las Vegas Raiders
  9. Cincinnati Bengals

Offseason Developments

The Vikings had an active offseason, bringing in new defensive coordinator Brian Flores to refine their defensive strategies. Flores, known for his defensive acumen, is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team. The addition of the experienced coach will be crucial in matchups against high-powered offenses like those of the Chiefs, the Eagles, and the Bengals.

The Vikings also focused on their cornerback unit, seeking to bring in young, promising talent to deal with the powerful wide receivers that they will encounter this season.

Analysis of the Season

The 2023 season is set to be a rollercoaster for the Minnesota Vikings. They will face off against top-tier teams and will have their mettle tested in prime-time games. Early matches against teams like the Buccaneers and the Eagles will be significant litmus tests for the team.

The toughest stretch for the Vikings will likely be Weeks 6 to 8, where they will face the Bears, 49ers, and Packers consecutively, two of them being on hostile road environments.

The Vikings will also have a critical game against the Bears in Week 12. As it precedes a bye week and leads into a challenging end-of-season stretch, this game is one the Vikings must secure.

Strength of Schedule

Facing the ninth-toughest schedule in the NFL for 2023, the Minnesota Vikings have a challenging year ahead, according to Sharp Football Analysis. This is primarily due to high-profile matches against the Bengals, Eagles, and 49ers. In comparison to their NFC North counterparts – the Bears, Lions, and Packers – the Vikings face the most challenging slate, potentially affecting their chances of retaining the division title.

Significant tests include away games against Super Bowl contenders, the Eagles and Bengals, along with matches against the Broncos, Raiders, Panthers, and Falcons, all teams with strong home records. These tough games, compounded by Minnesota’s inconsistent performance, pose potential hurdles.

However, home games at the U.S. Bank Stadium provide some respite, where the Vikings have a strong historical performance. Key fixtures include matches against formidable teams like the 49ers, Chargers, and Chiefs, where home-field advantage could play a pivotal role. Additional home games against the Buccaneers and Saints, both transitioning with new quarterbacks, could offer more opportunities for wins, making the NFC South draw slightly kinder to the Vikings.

Key Matchups

The opening game against the Buccaneers will be a key early-season test for the Vikings. Likewise, the Week 2 game against the Eagles will provide a measure of the Vikings’ progress and potential. Here are all Key Matchups of the Vikings

Vikings vs. Buccaneers (Week 1)

The Vikings open the season in a challenging match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which will test their mettle right from the start. The Buccaneers, although undergoing changes with new quarterback candidates, Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, still feature a powerhouse offense with wide receivers like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. To secure a victory, the Vikings will need to effectively counter these offensive threats and utilize their own key players adeptly. This opening game could offer a glimpse into the Vikings’ potential and championship aspirations for the season.

Vikings vs. Eagles (Week 2)

The Vikings face a demanding second-week encounter with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, who handed the Vikings a resounding defeat in 2022, boast a formidable defense and a strong offensive unit that could pose significant challenges. The Vikings will need to effectively use their offensive and defensive strategies to win. This game could serve as an early-season litmus test, providing a measure of the team’s potential growth and strength this season.

Vikings vs. Chiefs (Week 5)

In Week 5, the Vikings square off against the Kansas City Chiefs, a team with an elite offense led by Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs, known for their dynamic offense and stout defense, present a significant challenge. For the Vikings to triumph, they must effectively counter Mahomes’ exceptional quarterback play and the Chiefs’ diversified offensive threats. This matchup could be a crucial test of the Vikings’ defense and might set the tone for their performance against other high-octane offenses during the season.

Vikings vs. 49ers (Week 7)

The Week 7 face-off against the San Francisco 49ers is another critical matchup for the Vikings. The 49ers’ aggressive defense and potential threat at quarterback, regardless of whether it’s Brock Purdy or Trey Lance, will challenge the Vikings. To emerge victorious, Minnesota will need to employ their offensive strategies skillfully and withstand the 49ers’ powerful defensive line. This game could serve as a crucial mid-season assessment of the Vikings’ offensive strength and adaptability.

Vikings vs. Bears (Week 12)

The Week 12 home game against the Chicago Bears is a must-win for the Vikings. While the Bears pose a significant challenge with their improved team, the Vikings must capitalize on their home-field advantage to secure a victory. A win here could prove pivotal for the Vikings’ playoff chances and might set the stage for the challenging end-of-season stretch.

Predicted Season Outcome

While the schedule presents its challenges, a 10-7 record feels achievable for the Vikings, putting them firmly in the wild-card conversation. However, with this record, questions about the team’s future, especially concerning quarterback Kirk Cousins, will continue to linger.

In terms of the NFC North finish, the Vikings are predicted to come in first, with Detroit, Green Bay, and Chicago following, respectively.

Conclusion

The 2023 season will be a demanding one for the Minnesota Vikings. With a series of challenging matchups and several high-profile, prime-time games, the Vikings’ mettle will be put to the test. Despite the tough schedule, the team has the potential to secure a playoff spot and perhaps even win the NFC North. It’s going to be an exciting season for Viking fans. Let’s get ready to cheer the team on!

Minnesota Vikings Schedule 2022

DateOpponentPlace (Stadium + City)TimeScore
Mon Sep 12at Seattle SeahawksLumen Field, Seattle, WA8:15pm ETL 17-16
Sun Sep 18Houston TexansEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO4:25pm ETW 16-9
Sun Sep 25San Francisco 49ersEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO8:20pm ETW 11-10
Sun Oct 2at Las Vegas RaidersAllegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV4:25pm ETL 32-23
Thu Oct 6Indianapolis ColtsEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO8:15pm ETL 12-9(OT)
Mon Oct 17at Los Angeles ChargersSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA8:15pm ETL 19-16(OT)
Sun Oct 23New York JetsEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO4:05pm ETL 16-9
Sun Oct 30at Jacksonville JaguarsWembley Stadium, London, England9:30am ETW 21-17
Sun Nov 6BYE
Sun Nov 13at Tennessee TitansNissan Stadium, Nashville, TN1:00pm ETL 17-10
Sun Nov 20Las Vegas RaidersEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO4:05pm ETL 22-16(OT)
Sun Nov 27at Carolina PanthersBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC1:00pm ETL 23-10
Sun Dec 4at Baltimore RavensM&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD1:00pm ETL 10-9
Sun Dec 11Kansas City ChiefsEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO4:05pm ETL 34-28
Sun Dec 18Arizona CardinalsEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO4:05pm ETW 24-15
Sun Dec 25at Los Angeles RamsSoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA4:30pm ETL 51-14
Sun Jan 1at Kansas City ChiefsArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO1:00pm ETL 27-24
Sun Jan 8Los Angeles ChargersEmpower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO4:25pm ETW 31-28

FAQS

Will the Vikings play the Chicago Bears in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Chicago Bears showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Detroit Lions in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Detroit Lions showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Green Bay Packers in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Packers showdown.

Will the Vikings play the New Orleans Saints in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Buccaneers showdown.

Will the Vikings play the San Francisco 49ers in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. 49ers showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Chiefs showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. LA Chargers showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Atlanta Falcons in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Falcons vs. Vikings showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Carolina Panthers in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Panthers vs. Vikings showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Eagles vs. Vikings showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Denver Broncos in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Broncos vs. Vikings showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Raiders vs. Vikings showdown.

Will the Vikings play the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023?

The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Bengals vs. Vikings showdown.

James Idayi