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The Minnesota Vikings came out of nowhere in 2012 and made the playoffs. I’m not even sure they saw it coming, but now the proverbial bar has been raised. With the release of the 2013 NFL schedule, most were anticipating a tougher slate than 2012.
Let’s see what kind of hand the Vikings were dealt for 2013:
Week 1 – @ Detroit Lions
Week 2 – @ Chicago Bears
Week 3 – Cleveland Browns
Week 4 – Pittsburgh Steelers (Game in London)
Week 5 – BYE
Week 6 – Carolina Panthers
Week 7 – @ New York Giants (MNF)
Week 8 – Green Bay Packers (SNF)
Week 9 – @ Dallas Cowboys
Week 10 – Washington Redskins (TNF)
Week 11 – @ Seattle Seahawks
Week 12 – @ Green Bay Packers
Week 13 – Chicago Bears
Week 14 – @ Baltimore Ravens
Week 15 – Philadelphia Eagles
Week 16 – @ Cincinnati Bengals
Week 17 – Detroit Lions
As you can see, the purple and gold will have their work cut for them this upcoming season. What caught my attention, was the divisional road games right out of the gate. Those are two games you’d like to have in the middle of the season, after the team has had a chance to find its identity.
I don’t care what the Lions are Bears are looking like coming into the season, those will be tough games. There’s a very real possibility of the Vikings going 0-2, and that’s a place they can’t go in the loaded NFC next year. But, that’s what they have in front of them. I think they’ll be better for it in the long haul, but boy, that’s a rough way to start 2013.
By the time week three rolls around and the Browns come to town, it will be a welcome change of pace. The Viking faithful should be jacked, after waiting three weeks for the home opener.
The following week they head over the pond for a duel with the Steelers, and then an early bye comes in week five. I have mixed feelings on the buy that early, but after international travel, it’s probably for the best.
Stay tuned for much more Vikings’ 2013 schedule analysis from Rant Sports…
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