Vikings face playoff contenders like the 49ers and Colts in 2026, not ideal but manageable. Home schedule gets a boost.
Next season's schedule is set. The Minnesota Vikings (9-8) know which teams they will play in 2026.
On Sunday, the Vikings clinched a third-place schedule and winning record. On the surface that realization is not the worst news Minnesota fans have received. It does, however, mean the Vikings could play more playoff contenders than they would had they finished in last place.
The third-place schedule means that the Vikings will play the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts instead of the high drafting Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.
Admittedly, the draw is not optimal given the Colts could return to form should they return Daniel Jones at quarterback or a Jones equivalent at the position. The Titans may well improve dramatically in Cam Ward's second season as starting quarterback in Tennessee. Certainly, Ward is on the upward trend as the season closes. Nevertheless, the Colts game provides a challenge.
As for the NFC West bonus game, The Vikings probably did not want to face the Niners in 2026 given they will likely be a Super Bowl contender again with their impressive roster, coaching staff and depth of playoff experience. Instead of the Cardinals, the Vikings will play the likes of star quarterback Brock Purdy and big time playmakers in running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle should all return.
The third extra opponent will be the Washington Commanders instead of the New York Giants. This draw may prove more favorable than the other two.
The Commanders and Giants look to be in different trajectories even though the team with the better record in this case is the one on the downward trend.
The Giants continued to struggle in 2026 and ultimately fired their head coach. Even so, with young players having come in and contributed as rookies from a strong 2025 NFL draft led by rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and star running back Cam Scattebo, it's hard to envision the Giants staying in the basement of the division indefinitely.
The Vikings will have nine home games in 2026 as opposed to eight in their 2025 slate. Outside of divisional opponents, Minnesota will play host to the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders and Indianapolis Colts.
On the road, the Vikings will face the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Time will tell whether or not the schedule proves difficult or manageable, but the 2026 opponents are set. Minnesota will prepare to meet the challenge in the offseason.