EAGAN, Minn. — There will be plenty of intrigue right out of the gates for the Minnesota Vikings as they kick off their regular season against one of their biggest rivals.
The Vikings tweeted out that they'll play host to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Minnesota hosts three division opponents in the first five weeks — Detroit in Week 3, Chicago in Week 5 — and close out the season with three division games in the final five weeks. The final two games of the season will be in Green Bay and Chicago on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day, respectively.
The Vikings will also play on Thanksgiving night as hosts to the New England Patriots.
Prior to Thursday night's schedule release, the league announced the Vikings would travel to Philadelphia for a Monday night showdown with the Eagles in Week 2. It was also announced that the Vikings would play in London Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints — one of five games on the 2022 International Series schedule.
The Vikings will be on the road against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6 before having their bye in Week 7.
Out of the bye, the Vikings host Arizona before consecutive roads games against Washington and Buffalo. Minnesota returns home for three games -- Dallas, New England, New York Jets -- before traveling to Detroit in Week 14.
The Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants will be in Minnesota for Week 15 and 16, respectively, before the home stretch against the Packers and Bears.
The Vikings went 4-4 last season against opponents on this year's schedule, including 4-2 in the NFC North. Minnesota played two opponents last season outside of the division — Dallas and Arizona — both resulting in losses. According to a list by edsfootball.com based on win percentage from 2021, the Vikings have the 20th toughest scheduled. The Packers have the 22nd toughest schedule, the Bears schedule is tied for the 24th toughest and the Lions have the 28th toughest.
The Vikings missed out on the postseason last year after losing two of their final three games. It marked the second straight season Minnesota was absent from postseason play, prompting the organization to make some major changes, including firing GM Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer.
Now, there's a new regime in Minnesota, highlighted by new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, who are fresh off their first NFL Draft with the Vikings.
