Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousin (8) and New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Syndication: North Jersey.
Now that we have the official schedule for the upcoming NFL season, Vikings fans are starting to pour in the potential results and see what the final record could be.
A new general manager helped create the roster, and Kevin O’Connell will lead a team to try to move forward.
When Mike Zimmer was fired, it was assumed that the job would be the most coveted in football. Skill position players were available in the draw, and Kirk Cousins provided an established experienced soldier in the quarterback position. Once the games are played, we know how important that talent is, but for now, we can dissect the results on paper.
Here are the five easiest games on the Vikings schedule, from the least to the most.
5. New York Giants – Week 16 Home
There is no denying that the New York Giants have talent. Daniel Jones has occasionally flashed, and they hope healthy Saccon will return to Berkeley to bolster the ongoing game. Kenny Gollade is a capable wide receiver, and perhaps they are starting to mix Kadarias Tony a bit more this season. Kayvon Thibodeaux is expected to make plays outside the gate, and he could also cause problems for cousins behind a reformed offensive line. It won’t be a cakewalk, but it should be enough to control the results of the Vikings found in the Giants’ home.
4. Chicago Bears – Week 18 Road
There may not be a worse team in the NFL this season than the Chicago Bears. Despite Justin Fields being at the center, they did absolutely nothing to help him. David Montgomery is not the same as before, and Darnell Mooney should not lead a spacious receiver room. Cole Comet may be the focal point of attack, but it should tell you what you need to know about potential passing game optics. Roquan Smith is a stud on the defensive side of the ball, but Chicago can find themselves on the field so much that the unit will continue to gas. Soldier Field is a bug for the Vikings, but not too important this season.
3. Detroit Lions – Week 3 Home
The Lions aren’t as bad as they once were, but they’re certainly not good. Jared Goff is still moderate at best, and despite the rise of Aman-Ra St. Brown last season, they will need first-round pick Jameson Williams to become an immediate star. D’Andre Swift has seen a good back part while he is healthy, but there is not enough difference here. Minnesota split with the Lions last year and the two games were quite close. I hope O’Connell fixes that mistake next season.
2. New York Jets – Week 13 Home
Jack Wilson seems to be a good kid and someone you can get behind, but he must have picked his fault in the first year. He will now get a rookie for running behind him if Bryce, and 10th overall pick Garrett Wilson will be seen as a must find in the passing game. The Jets have not played since Minnesota moved to New York and won 20 in 2018. The team should have been better, but getting them at US Bank Stadium should have had similar results.
1. Chicago Bears – Week 5 Home
As mentioned earlier, the Bears should be one of the worst teams this season. Minnesota Week 4 may be more than a bye after a trip to London against the Saints, but that’s the next best thing. O’Connell can’t let his team look past the game, but against a helpless opponent at home, it’s a chance for the most one-sided win of the season.
Which games did you surround as a victory for the Vikings? Check back tomorrow for the five toughest games of the upcoming season.
