The Minnesota Vikings will look different offensively in 2024. Former starting quarterback Kirk Cousins signed with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency and is set to take his first regular-season snap with the team in September.
Although the full schedules have not been released for the upcoming season, there have been some games announced prior to the May 15 official drop and some other games have been speculated about by fans and experts.
Since the schedule release is so close, there are bound to be a ton of rumored leaks and speculated information circling social media. There isn't a lot known yet about the Vikings' schedule, but Cousins' first opponent with the Falcons may have been revealed.
Week 1 opponent for Kirk Cousins debut with Falcons possibly revealed
It is going to feel strange seeing Kirk Cousins in an Atlanta Falcons jersey this season. After multiple years with the Minnesota Vikings, "Captain Kirk" will have an opportunity to show that he has recovered from his Achilles' tendon tear in Atlanta's season opener.
It is being speculated by WSB-Ch.2 Atlanta (ABC-TV) Sports Director Zach Klein on X (formerly Twitter) that the Atlanta Falcons will host their season opener against another team with a new quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Multiple sources around the league tell me the Falcons will open up the NFL season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers and former HC and current Steelers OC Arthur Smith
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) May 14, 2024
Pittsburgh has Russell Wilson at the helm this season and it will be fun to see the two veteran passers go head-to-head in 3034. This will be a great test for both quarterbacks in their first game with their new teams.
For Minnesota Vikings fans, this would mean that five possible options would be eliminated for the season opener. We would know that Minnesota wouldn't play:
- Falcons (home)
- Packers (home)
- Packers (away)
- Jets (home)
- 49ers (home)
The Packers open their season in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Jets and 49ers are set to clash in the first Monday Night Football game of the season. If the Falcons are facing the Steelers, that eliminates Atlanta too.
Minnesota will play one game in England this season, but the week and opponent have not been announced for that contest. We know the game will count as a "home" game despite being played on a neutral field. That increases the likelihood that Minnesota will open the season on the road.
There is a lot of excitement about the upcoming 2024 NFL season and what the future holds for the Minnesota Vikings. That doesn't mean it won't be fun to check in and see what Kirk Cousins is doing for the Atlanta Falcons.