January 15, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stephen Diggs (14) before the AFC Wild Card play-off football game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. Compulsory Credit: Rich Burns – USA Today Sports
2022 NFL Schedule Now for a few days, we have time to pour out matchups and bring in projected records. Minnesota was lower than expected last season, and they will be higher with a new coach this year. It is their most difficult game that will require them to shine.
Last season, under Mike Zimmer, the Vikings consistently did even less. Despite being talented offenders, they continue to play intimate games (and lose), failing to shine in the big moments. Good teams do not move away from the spotlight, and if Kevin O’Connell takes this team to the next level, they will have to win tough matches.
Yesterday we saw the easiest games on schedule. Here are the five most difficult games on the Vikings schedule, from the least to the most.
5. New Orleans Saints – Week 4 Neutral
There were a few competitors here considering the Dallas Cowboys, the Indianapolis Colts and a road game in Washington. While the New Orleans Saints shouldn’t be particularly good in 2022, James Winston will return to their center and this game is not a traditional matchup. It’s nice that it comes in a home game against the Detroit Lions, but Minnesota will have to cross the pond, which means nothing is certain. The Chicago Bears shouldn’t be looking forward to next week, but they should be locked in with the trip.
4. New England Patriots – Week 12 Home
These are no longer the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady, but Mac Jones has shown that he is no slouch. Bill Belichick is still one of the best coaches in NFL history, and he will have a strong gameplan when he comes to town. Having such a good opponent at home makes a difference, and it should be in favor of the Vikings, but the match should be expected to be tight.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Week 8 Home
I’m not sure what the Arizona Cardinals will have to do for the upcoming season, but either team will be dangerous in Kyler Murray. Minnesota lost a close in Arizona last season and probably wants revenge for a game that could have gone the other way. O’Connell is known to the Cardinals, who represented him because of his division rival status. It could be a game of offensive blast, as it was last season and Patrick Peterson would like to show off against his former club.
2. Green Bay Packers – Week 17 Road
At the top of the list, it’s almost unbelievable not to see a game against Green Bay at Lambeau Field, but it’s even more evidence of who the Vikings have tapped. I’m not sure the Packers will be a juggernaut without Adams in Davante, even with Aaron Rogers. That said, you can’t count on one of the best teams in the league in recent years as they continue to recruit one of the best quarterbacks of all time to play the game. Rogers will lead the squad again, and although there has been some significant turnover on the roster, Minnesota is not going to Green Bay and is looking for a cakewalk.
1. Buffalo Bill – Week 10 Road
The good news here is that in 10 weeks, Minnesota should have found some continuity and flow. The bad news is that whatever happens, the Buffalo Bills are good. Josh Allen is an MVP contestant, and Stephen Diggs will always take revenge against his former team. The Bills have become one of the elite teams in the league, and the Vikings travel to meet them in a place other than a convenient place. If Minnesota can pull off this disaster, things have to look for their season.
Which games have you skipped about as a concern for the Vikings?
