Let's leave out the NFC North opponents.
The 2026 opponents have been set for the Minnesota Vikings. When the Vikings will take on their opponents is the only question, as the NFL schedule release is set for sometime this month. To say the Vikings have had an interesting offseason is an understatement.
Following an underwhelming 9-8 season in 2025, the Vikings fired their GM and haven't hired his replacement. Signing Kyler Murray is essentially an indictment of first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Vikings players spoke to the media about how disappointed they were to see Sam Darnold leave. Lastly, the Vikings' draft class has raised questions and eyebrows.
One thing is for sure: Minnesota isn't boring. You can be bad or boring, but you can't be both, and despite the offseason turmoil, the Vikings have a chance to be very good and entertaining.
What are the three most anticipated matchups in 2026? The divisional games are always anticipated, but let's look at three games outside the division.
Buffalo at Minnesota
Josh Allen rolls into town with a familiar face on offense in former Chicago Bear D.J. Moore. Former Viking legend Dalvin Cook's little brother is coming off a stellar 2025 season, and the offense will pose a challenge for Brian Flores and his defense. This game is a litmus test for where Minnesota is headed in 2026.
Indianapolis at Minnesota
Another home game for Minnesota, only this time, Daniel Jones returns to Minnesota. The questions about Jones' departure and whether the Vikings wanted him back or let him and Darnold leave in favor of McCarthy will lead the storylines heading into the game.
Jones and Alec Pierce were extended this offseason, Jones was transition tagged, but Minnesota media will have questions for Kevin O'Connell and the Colts quarterback about his time in Minnesota and what led to his departure.
Miami at Minnesota
All three games I selected are home games for the Vikings. This one has little to do with the players on the field and more about Minnesota's defensive coordinator and his time with the Dolphins. Flores' departure was fiery and led to a lawsuit being filed by Flores.
For those who forgot, Flores claimed the organization asked him to "tank." Plus, there is the whole narrative about Flores wanting Justin Herbert and not Tua Tagovailoa as the team's future franchise QB and first-round pick. The former Dolphins head coach will want to prove something against his old team.