The Minnesota Vikings kick off their 61st NFL season on the road as the team opens the schedule on Sunday, September 12, at the Cincinnati Bengals for the first time in franchise history before going to Arizona to face the Cardinals in Week 2. The 17-game slate in 2021 marks the first expansion of the NFL regular-season structure since 1978.
Beginning a three-game home stand in Week 3, the Vikings welcome the Seattle Seahawks to U.S. Bank Stadium in the home opener on September 26 at 3:25 p.m. (CT). Minnesota then takes on the Cleveland Browns (October 3) and the Detroit Lions (October 10), respectively.
The Vikings hit the road in Week 6 to play the Carolina Panthers before heading into the Bye Week (October 24). It is the first time since the 1993-94 seasons Minnesota has had byes in Week 7 in consecutive years.
Following the break, the Vikings host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 8. Overall, Minnesota has four primetime games scheduled for 2021, including back-to-back games in Weeks 14-15 as the Vikings play the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Thursday Night Football and travel to face the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The Week 17 contest against the Green Bay Packers is also on SNF.
In Weeks 9-10, Minnesota has consecutive matchups against AFC opponents on the road as the Vikings will take on the Baltimore Ravens (November 7) and the Los Angeles Chargers (November 14).
The Vikings are scheduled to play NFC North opponents in five of their remaining eight contests starting in Week 11 when Minnesota returns home to play the Green Bay Packers on November 21. Minnesota will also travel to Detroit in Week 13 and round out the regular season vs. Chicago at home on January 9.
Minnesota faces the San Francisco 49ers (November 28) on the road in Week 12 and hosts the Los Angeles Rams in Week 16. In the final eight weeks of the regular season, the Vikings are slated to play 2020 postseason participants seven times, including two contests against both Chicago and Green Bay.
The Vikings home preseason opponents include the Denver Broncos (August 13-14) and Indianapolis Colts (August 20-21). Minnesota is scheduled to play at the Kansas City Chiefs (August 27-28) to close out the preseason.
2021 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
(info courtesy of Vikings)