The Easiest Games on the Vikings Schedule
For it being a third-place schedule, the Minnesota Vikings have a rather daunting road ahead of them in 2024.
With a new starting quarterback under center, Minnesota will face off against a number of playoff teams from the 2023 season. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t winnable games on the Vikings schedule this season. Here is a look at a few of the easier matchups ahead of them this fall.
5. Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping the freakish athlete can become their next franchise QB. Unfortunately, his rookie season was limited to just four games because of a shoulder injury that ended his season.
The Colts are a solid team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, but they could see some growing pains from Richardson in what is essentially his first full season as a starter. This game won’t be a “gimme” by any means for Minnesota, but being at U.S. Bank Stadium will help.
4. Week 15 vs. Chicago Bears
Similar logic applies to this home game against the Bears as the previously discussed matchup with the Colts. Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is a very talented player. However, he very well could see some struggles during his first year as a starter. It will be two young teams on display for this Monday Night Football matchup, so the home team gets an advantage here.
3. Week 13 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. will be a daunting matchup for the Vikings’ secondary. However, this game will kick off a three-week homestand for Minnesota after a long road trip. The U.S. Bank crowd is destined to be a loud one for this matchup in what could be a pivotal game for the Vikings’ playoff hopes.
2. Week 1 at New York Giants
The Vikings should have an extra chip on their shoulders for their season opener. Of course, the New York Giants were the team to dash any hopes of a deep playoff run in 2022 when they upset Minnesota in the Wild Card round at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Daniel Jones is still the quarterback in New York despite rumblings that the Giants might target a QB with the sixth overall pick. Additionally, Saquon Barkley is now employed by the Philadelphia Eagles. This looks like a game that could be a win for the Vikings.
1. Week 11 at Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are a team in rebuild right now. They are working towards putting the right pieces around Will Levis, but it will more than likely take at least another year or two before they are ready to contend.
On top of their rebuild status, Tennessee also needs to navigate the loss of Derrick Henry in their backfield. It’s the second game of a three-week stretch of road games for the Vikings, but it looks like it could be a relatively easy game for Minnesota.
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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.