The Vikings Remaining 2022 Schedule Is Incredibly Favorable
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings have jumped out to a 9-2 start this season; it’s something that not even the most positive fan could have suggested prior to the season start. Because of this, Minnesota currently holds the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture.
They can also clinch the NFC North this weekend if they beat the New York Jets at home, and the Detroit Lions lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Either way, they have their sights set on hosting multiple playoff games this January, and given the favorability of the Vikings remaining 2022 schedule, they should be able to do so.
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For the final six weeks of the regular season, the Minnesota Vikings have fifth-easiest strength of schedule in the entire NFL, per opponent winning percentage. The Vikings final six opponents have a combined winning percentage of .428. Only the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs have easier schedules moving forward.
The easier competition on the Vikings remaining 2022 schedule is largely because they still have to play against each of their NFC North rivals one more time, and each of them have four or fewer wins through 12 weeks. Here’s each opponent the Vikings play for the rest of the season and their records:
- Week 13 vs. New York Jets (7-4)
- Week 14 @ Detroit Lions (4-7)
- Week 15 vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-7-1)
- Week 16 vs. New York Giants (7-4)
- Week 17 @ Green Bay Packers (4-8)
- Week 18 @ Chicago Bears (3-9)
The Vikings toughest games would appear to be against the two New York teams based upon record, and both of those games occur at home. Additionally, unless the injured Justin Fields and Aaron Rodgers come back this season for some reason, Minnesota should end the year with back-to-back backup QBs.
As for Minnesota’s other playoff contenders, the Eagles have the 13th-hardest schedule for the rest of the season. They have games against the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants (twice), and Tennessee Titans. Because of this, there should be at least one or two more losses on Philly’s schedule over the rest of the year. If the Vikings can win out, there’s a chance that they can still capture the top seed in the NFC.
In Week 13, the Vikings kick off against the Jets at 12 PM CST at U.S. Bank Stadum.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.