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
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 10 | vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 2 | Sept. 14 | at Philadelphia Eagles (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. ET | Prime Video |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | vs. Los Angeles Chargers | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | at Carolina Panthers | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | at Kansas City Chiefs | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | at Chicago Bears | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 7 | Oct. 23 | vs. San Francisco 49ers (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | at Green Bay Packers | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | at Atlanta Falcons | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | vs. New Orleans Saints | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | at Denver Broncos (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC |
| 12 | Nov. 27 | at Chicago Bears (MNF) | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | Bye | ||
| 14 | Dec. 10 | at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:05 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 15 | Dec. 16/17 | at Cincinnati Bengals | TBD | TBD |
| 16 | Dec. 24 | vs. Detroit Lions | 1 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | vs. Green Bay Packers (SNF) | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC |
| 18 | TBD | at Detroit Lions | TBD | TBD |
Home Games:
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Chargers
Away Games:
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- 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
| Date | Opponent | Place (Stadium + City) | Time | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Sep 12 | at Seattle Seahawks | Lumen Field, Seattle, WA | 8:15pm ET | L 17-16 |
| Sun Sep 18 | Houston Texans | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ET | W 16-9 |
| Sun Sep 25 | San Francisco 49ers | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 8:20pm ET | W 11-10 |
| Sun Oct 2 | at Las Vegas Raiders | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV | 4:25pm ET | L 32-23 |
| Thu Oct 6 | Indianapolis Colts | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 8:15pm ET | L 12-9(OT) |
| Mon Oct 17 | at Los Angeles Chargers | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 8:15pm ET | L 19-16(OT) |
| Sun Oct 23 | New York Jets | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ET | L 16-9 |
| Sun Oct 30 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | Wembley Stadium, London, England | 9:30am ET | W 21-17 |
| Sun Nov 6 | BYE | |||
| Sun Nov 13 | at Tennessee Titans | Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN | 1:00pm ET | L 17-10 |
| Sun Nov 20 | Las Vegas Raiders | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ET | L 22-16(OT) |
| Sun Nov 27 | at Carolina Panthers | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 1:00pm ET | L 23-10 |
| Sun Dec 4 | at Baltimore Ravens | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD | 1:00pm ET | L 10-9 |
| Sun Dec 11 | Kansas City Chiefs | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ET | L 34-28 |
| Sun Dec 18 | Arizona Cardinals | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:05pm ET | W 24-15 |
| Sun Dec 25 | at Los Angeles Rams | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | 4:30pm ET | L 51-14 |
| Sun Jan 1 | at Kansas City Chiefs | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | 1:00pm ET | L 27-24 |
| Sun Jan 8 | Los Angeles Chargers | Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO | 4:25pm ET | W 31-28 |
FAQS
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Chicago Bears showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Detroit Lions showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Packers showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Buccaneers showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. 49ers showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. Chiefs showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Vikings vs. LA Chargers showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Falcons vs. Vikings showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Panthers vs. Vikings showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Eagles vs. Vikings showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Broncos vs. Vikings showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Raiders vs. Vikings showdown.
The 2023 NFL schedule is out, and it features Bengals vs. Vikings showdown.
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