First 6 Games on the Vikings 2023 Schedule
Week 1
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Sunday, September 10th
- 12 p.m. CT
To kick off their 2023 season, the Vikings open up with an opponent in the Bucs, who likely aren't going to win very many games this year, even if they try.
Minnesota's new aggressive defensive scheme, courtesy of Brian Flores, will overwhelm Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield, and the Vikings will honor the late Bud Grant by leaving U.S. Bank Stadium with a win in their regular-season opener.
Prediction: Vikings win 27-9 (Record 1-0)
Week 2
- at Philadelphia Eagles (TNF)
- Thursday, September 14th
- 7:15 p.m. CT
For the second year in a row, Minnesota's second game on their schedule will send them to Philadelphia for a primetime NFC showdown with the Eagles.
After last season's 17-point beatdown, the Vikings and head coach Kevin O'Connell will be out for revenge in this rematch. Thanks to Primetime Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, Minnesota ends up avenging their 2022 loss by delivering Philadelphia with a stunning defeat.
Prediction: Vikings win 31-25 (Record 2-0)
Week 3
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Sunday, September 24th
- 12 p.m. CT
Riding high off of their impressive win over the Eagles, the Vikings will host the Chargers and former Minnesota linebacker Eric Kendricks.
Knowing Kendricks isn't as quick as he used to be, the Vikings will use that to their advantage and heavily utilize their running backs and tight ends in their passing attack. Minnesota's strategy will allow them to escape a shootout with their third victory of the season.
Prediction: Vikings win 42-37 (Record 3-0)
Week 4
- at Carolina Panthers
- Sunday, October 1st
- 12 p.m. CT
This is where the Vikings return to the team that has caused their fan base so much stress over the years.
Caught looking ahead to their big matchup against the Chiefs in Week 5, Minnesota lets a pesky Panthers team pull off an upset. This will be the highlight of former Vikings receiver Adam Thielen's 2023 season with Carolina.
Prediction: Vikings lose 24-20 (Record 3-1)
Week 5
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Sunday, October 8th
- 3:25 p.m. CT
Many might chalk this game up as a loss for Minnesota. But just as the Detroit Lions just showed on Thursday, Kansas City has plenty of flaws that can be exploited.
Special teams will come up big for the Vikings in this matchup, as field position and taking advantage of scoring opportunities will be extremely important against the Chiefs. Thanks in part to their special teams making a big difference, Minnesota does the unthinkable and defeats Kansas City and the mighty Patrick Mahomes.
Prediction: Vikings win 37-30 (Record 4-1)
Week 6
- at Chicago Bears
- Sunday, October 8th
- 12 p.m. CT
Once again, the Vikings' high from their win from the week before will end up playing a factor in a contest that most would expect them to emerge with a victory.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields performed well against Minnesota last season, but that was against a Swiss cheese Vikings defense with Ed Donatell calling the plays. Minnesota's new defense will make life much more difficult for Fields in this matchup and this will ultimately allow the Vikings to escape with a win.
Prediction: Vikings win 23-20 (Record 5-1)