Image Source: Cole Smith, Vikings Wire
Key Takeaways:
- The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2025 season with a five-game win streak, including a Christmas Day victory over the Detroit Lions.
- The Vikings and Lions both finished the season 9-8, but Minnesota owned the tiebreaker, securing a third-place finish in the NFC North.
- The Vikings will face a third-place schedule in 2026, including games against the 49ers, Commanders, and Colts.
- Minnesota will play nine home games and eight road games in 2026, with common opponents including the AFC East and NFC South.
Introduction to the 2025 Season
The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2025 season on a high note, with a five-game win streak that included a thrilling Christmas Day victory over the Detroit Lions. As noted in the article, "Included in the streak was a Christmas Day victory over the Detroit Lions, giving the Vikings a season sweep in the series." This win streak was a significant factor in the Vikings’ third-place finish in the NFC North, as they finished the season with a record of 9-8, tied with the Lions. However, the Vikings owned the tiebreaker, giving them the edge they needed to secure the third-place spot.
The Impact of the Third-Place Finish
The Vikings’ third-place finish in the NFC North has significant implications for their 2026 schedule. As the article states, "That means Minnesota will now face a third-place schedule in 2026, making its path back to the playoffs tougher than if it had finished last in the division." This means that the Vikings will face a more challenging schedule in 2026, with games against the third-place teams in the NFC West, NFC East, and AFC South. Specifically, they will face the 49ers, Commanders, and Colts, all of which are likely to be tough opponents. As the article notes, "They face the third-place teams in the NFC West (49ers), NFC East (Commanders), and AFC South (Colts)."
2026 Schedule Overview
The Vikings’ 2026 schedule will include nine home games and eight road games. In addition to their games against the 49ers, Commanders, and Colts, they will also share common opponents with the rest of the NFC North. As the article states, "The Vikings then share the rest common opponents with the rest of the NFC North. They play the AFC East and NFC South." This means that the Vikings will face a mix of familiar and new opponents in 2026, which will require them to be adaptable and prepared. The Vikings’ home opponents will include teams such as the Packers, Bears, and Giants, while their road opponents will include teams such as the Patriots, Jets, and Buccaneers.
Home and Road Opponents
The Vikings’ home schedule in 2026 will include nine games, with opponents such as the Packers, Bears, and Giants. As the article notes, "Home opponents" will include these teams, among others. On the other hand, the Vikings’ road schedule will include eight games, with opponents such as the Patriots, Jets, and Buccaneers. The article states, "Road Opponents" will include these teams, among others. The Vikings will need to be prepared to face a range of opponents, both at home and on the road, if they hope to succeed in 2026.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings’ third-place finish in the NFC North has set them up for a challenging 2026 schedule. With games against the 49ers, Commanders, and Colts, as well as common opponents with the rest of the NFC North, the Vikings will need to be prepared to face a tough slate of opponents. As the article notes, "The Vikings will play nine home games and eight road games in 2026." With a mix of familiar and new opponents, the Vikings will need to be adaptable and prepared if they hope to succeed in 2026. As the Vikings look to build on their 2025 season, they will need to focus on their upcoming schedule and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2026/01/09/what-teams-do-the-vikings-play-in-2026/88073505007/
