Minnesota Vikings: Preseason Panic Mode 2021 Schedule Edition

The Minnesota Vikings finished just shy of .500 last year but could’ve easily had a winning record. If they can get their act together they could have a shot. If not, they’ll easily devolve into panic mode.

From Profootballtalk.com

Week 1: 9/12 at Bengals, 1 PM, Fox
Week 2: 9/19 at Cardinals, 4:05 PM, Fox
Week 3: 9/26 vs. Seahawks, 4:25 PM, Fox
Week 4: 10/3 vs. Browns, 1 PM, CBS
Week 5: 10/10 vs. Lions, 1 PM, Fox
Week 6: 10/17 at Panthers, 1 PM, Fox
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: 10/31 vs. Cowboys, 8:20 PM, NBC
Week 9: 11/7 at Ravens, 1 PM, Fox
Week 10: 11/14 at Chargers, 4:05 PM, Fox
Week 11: 11/21 vs. Packers, 1 PM, Fox
Week 12: 11/28 at 49ers, 4:25 PM, Fox
Week 13: 12/5 at Lions, 1 PM, CBS
Week 14: 12/9 vs. Steelers, 8:20 PM, Fox/NFL Network/Amazon
Week 15: 12/20 at Bears, 8:15 PM, ESPN
Week 16: 12/26 vs. Rams, 1 PM, Fox
Week 17: 1/2 at Packers, 8:20 PM, NBC
Week 18: 1/9 vs. Bears, 1 PM, Fox

More NFL: Detroit Lions Preseason Panic Mode Schedule Edition

Last Chance For Cousins

The Vikings have been sticking with Kirk Cousins but that might need to cut bait soon. Statistically, Cousins has taken care of the football and has a respectable amount of yards through the air. The problem with Cousins is its not accuracy and effectiveness, it’s winning. With a 53-54-2 record (.495) he isn’t quite making a run at the playoffs too often. Eventually, that contract isn’t going to be worth the paper it’s written on.

Post Bye Week Struggles

While the start of their season might be a little easier, the back half is going to be tough. Starting with the Cowboys, Ravens, and Chargers then finishing with the Rams, Packers, and Bears. They’ll need to start the season with a big push, if they break even in wins/loses they’ll need to go on a run to finish the season. The NFC will be a challenge to push the playoffs this year and they’ll most likely need 10 wins to get in. To do so they’ll have to have won 7 of their last 11 games. The Vikings almost need to get off to a hot start.

Catching the Packers

In order for the Vikings to be taken seriously, they’ll have to catch division rivals the Green Bay Packers. Green Bay got Aaron Rodgers back under center but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a distraction. With Rodgers supposedly on the way out, the Packers will be taking all the risks to try and win it all. The Vikings have to match them stride for stride all season long. There’s limited room for error.

Minnesota isn’t far off from a strong playoff push. If they can get back to winning they should stand a real shot this season. If not, they’ll be in full panic mode by mid-season.