Where are the trap games on the Vikings 2020 schedule?

With the schedule for the 2020 season now known, which matchups could result in the Minnesota Vikings suffering a surprise loss?

Among other factors, how a team’s schedule is laid out typically plays a part in determining the amount of success that is achieved during a season. For the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, the release of their schedule last week didn’t really create any new hurdles to overcome in order to return to the playoffs next season.

The Vikings kick off the year at home against the Green Bay Packers and then they take on a team from the AFC South for three-straight weeks. Since 2002, Minnesota is 11-5 against opponents from the AFC South, including wins in eight of their last 10 matchups with teams from this division.

During the second half of the upcoming season, the Vikings will also get to avoid playing games in cold weather. For their final seven matchups, four will be played at home, one will be on the road in Tampa Bay, and the other two will take place indoors against the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions.

So there are plenty of positives to take away from Minnesota’s schedule this year. However, there could be a game or two that results in the Vikings suffering an unexpected loss to an opponent who is clearly inferior.

Following the schedule release, the guys from Bleeding Purple recently attempted to predict Minnesota’s record for the 2020 season. They also highlighted a few matchups that could potentially be given the classic “trap game” label.

Week 6 at home against the Atlanta Falcons is one matchup that was mentioned as one that could potentially result in the Vikings being handed a loss after underestimating their opponent. In four meetings since Mike Zimmer was hired in 2014, Minnesota has never lost to the Falcons.

In the scenario mentioned on Bleeding Purple, the Vikings are coming off a big road win over the Seattle Seahawks and the victory improves their record to 5-0. Thanks to an impressive start, Minnesota begins to be included in potential Super Bowl contender conversations and it results in them taking Atlanta lightly.

The Falcons then stun the Vikings inside U.S. Bank Stadium and Zimmer makes sure the team’s bye in Week 7 is anything but a vacation. If you don’t think that is a believable scenario, then you really haven’t been paying attention to the recent history of this franchise.

If Minnesota is going to get over the hump during the upcoming season and truly be a championship contender, then slip-ups like a potential loss to Atlanta in Week 6 need to be avoided.

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