A Storyline for Each of the 2024 Vikings Opponents
Next week, the NFL will officially unveil its full schedule for the 2024 regular season.
We’ve known all 17 Vikings opponents for this year ever since the 2023 regular season came to a close, but on Wednesday, May 15th, we will officially know the order of those games for Minnesota. Before that happens, here is a look at storylines for each matchup this year.
Storylines for All 17 Vikings Opponents in 2024
Arizona Cardinals: A Surprising Rivalry
Despite the fact that the Cardinals and Vikings lie in different divisions, it seems like every time the stars align for these two franchises to meet, chaos ensues. Six of the eight matchups between these two teams since 2010 have been decided by eight or fewer points, including each of the past two.
Atlanta Falcons: Kirk Cousins’ Return to U.S. Bank
Assuming this game doesn’t get sent to London, Kirk Cousins will head back to U.S. Bank Stadium in his first season since leaving the Vikings and joining the Atlanta Falcons. It marks a new era for each team, and we’ll soon find out which group is better equipped to compete.
Chicago Bears: The Rookie QB Matchup?
The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings were two of six teams to select quarterbacks in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams went to Chicago with the first overall pick while the Vikings landed J.J. McCarthy with the tenth overall pick. If McCarthy takes over the starting role in Minnesota this season, there is a good chance that the two will face off.
Detroit Lions: The Reigning NFC North Champs
After the Vikings won the NFC North during the 2022 season, the Detroit Lions captured it in 2023 behind a 12-5 record and made it to the NFC Championship Game. The Vikings were swept by Detroit during the regular season series last year, and 2024 offers a chance to get back in the win column.
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Jones’ Revenge
The Green Bay Packers signed Josh Jacobs in free agency this offseason, leading to the decision to part ways with Aaron Jones. The veteran RB promptly signed a one-year deal in Minnesota. Now, Jones has two opportunities to prove to his old team that they made the wrong decision by letting him go.
Houston Texans: Danielle Hunter’s Return to U.S. Bank
Just like Cousins, Danielle Hunter decided to pursue greener pastures in free agency by signing with the Houston Texans. And, just like Cousins, Hunter will make his return to U.S. Bank Stadium as an opponent (again, assuming it isn’t the London game).
Indianapolis Colts: The QB Minnesota Tried to Trade the Farm for in 2023
The Vikings reportedly tried to trade the farm for Anthony Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft, presumably attempting to swing a deal with the Cardinals for the third overall pick. A deal wasn’t able to be completed, though, allowing Richardson to fall to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 4. The Vikings will now face off against the guy who could’ve been their franchise QB.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence Redemption Season
After a stellar 2022 season for Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars, both Lawrence and the team as a whole struggled down the stretch of the 2023 campaign. Lawrence battled through injuries, throwing for 4016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 16 games. He now will try to redeem himself in 2024, and one of those opportunities comes against the Vikings.
Los Angeles Rams: McVay vs. O’Connell
The apprentice takes on the master. For the first time since leaving the Rams to take the head coaching job in Minnesota, Kevin O’Connell will go head-to-head against Sean McVay and Los Angeles.
New York Giants: 2023 Wild Card Rematch
The Vikings had a thrilling victory over the New York Giants during the 2022 regular season to clinch the NFC North, but their Wild Card matchup against New York didn’t fare as well. The Vikings get a rematch against the Giants in 2024.
New York Jets: Another Aaron Rodgers Game
The Vikings got a year off from playing against Aaron Rodgers in 2023, but as long as the 40-year-old quarterback stays healthy, he will be back on the slate of opponents in 2024 when the Vikings host the Jets.
San Francisco 49ers: A Top NFC Contender
Last season provided a thrilling victory for the Vikings against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5, and it vaulted them towards a midseason five-game winning streak. This will prove to be one of the bigger tests on Minnesota’s schedule once again, so we’ll see if it results in a similar outcome.
Seattle Seahawks: The Post-Pete Carroll Era
For the first time since 2009, the Seattle Seahawks are heading into a season with Pete Carroll as their head coach. The Vikings could be one of the first teams to take on these new-look Seahawks. Oh, and Leslie Frazier is now on Seattle’s coaching staff.
Tennessee Titans: A New-Look Titans Offense
The Tennessee Titans have done their best to surround QB Will Levis with plenty of talent this offseason. They brought in names like Tyler Boyd, Tony Pollard, and Calvin Ridley in free agency while landing J.C. Latham in the first round of the draft. The Titans ranked 27th in scoring last season, but that could be poised to change this year.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.