Fans will have the chance to see the Minnesota Vikings on a national stage several times during the 2017 NFL regular season according to the schedules.
For fans of the Minnesota Vikings, there was a time when there were very few prime time games. In fact, the team was struggling so badly and the market was so small that the team often had the minimum of nationally televised games each year.
However, that trend has ended and under the Mike Zimmer era of the Vikings, the team has a combination of one of the most exciting defenses in the NFL and a developing, yet explosively efficient offense.
For fans wondering when the Vikings will be on a national stage, here is a rundown of the contests which can be seen outside of the local viewing area of these teams according to Minnesota’s 2017 schedule (all times are Central time):
Week 1: Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
- Monday, Sept. 11
- Monday Night Football – 6:10 PM | ESPN
- While having a prime time game in week 1 seems like a great thing, it also means fans will need to be patient and wait until Monday night to see the first regular season Vikings action. Both a blessing and a curse.
Week 5: Vikings at Chicago Bears
- Monday, Oct. 9
- Monday Night Football – 7:30 PM | ESPN
- It doesn’t take long for the Vikings to return to Monday Night Football. This time, it is on the road against a division rival. Still, this should be some more good exposure for the small-market Vikings.
Week 12: Vikings at Detroit Lions
- Thursday, Nov. 23
- Thanksgiving Day – 11:30 AM | FOX
- Last year, the Vikings played the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. This year, it looks to be happening again. Fans in Minnesota will need to miss much of the game due to stuffing their face with food or hearing their uncle talk about Donald Trump. Not good, but at least it’s on a national stage.
Week 16: Vikings at Green Bay Packers
- Saturday, Dec. 23
- Saturday Night – 7:30 PM | NBC
- There is no doubt that games against the Packers mean more to fans of the Vikings than any others on the regular season schedule. A big Saturday Night game near the end of the season could be VERY meaningful for these two squads.
Next: Vikings complete 2017 regular season schedule
The Minnesota Vikings should continue to get some good exposure. And, if the team can stay healthy, these games could help to draw in some more fans. Which games are you most looking forward to? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.