3 biggest challenges Minnesota Vikings face in 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Minnesota Vikings’ 2020 Schedule, Especially Early
According to CBS Sports’ 2020 strength-of-schedule rankings, the Minnesota Vikings are tied for the 10th toughest schedule this upcoming season with opponents’ 2019 winning percentage at .516.
Looking at the actual schedule, though, it’s not hard to see why Minnesota’s calendar is a bit more tougher than that.
Especially on the road, which features the following games:
- Week 2 @ Colts
- Week 4 @ Texans
- Week 5 @ Seahawks
- Week 8 @ Packers
- Week 10 @ Bears
- Week 14 @ Buccaneers
- Week 16 @ Saints
- Week 17 @ Lions
Two particular stretches could be tough. Late in the season, visiting quarterback Tom Brady and the upstart Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a significant challenge. So is yet another game on the road against another playoff contender, the New Orleans Saints, two weeks later. If the Vikings are eyeing a playoff berth late, those contests could prove to be vital.
And before Minnesota’s Week 7 bye, the first six games — including opening at home against the Packers, then hosting the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 and feisty Atlanta Falcons in Week 6 — mean Mike Zimmer and Co. need to get off to a hot start.
It won’t be easy. And some early struggles could prove to be disastrous.