There is something special about the NFL schedule release. We’ve known who is on the schedule for months but to see who we’re paired with when allows the die-hards to start planning those road trips! Here’s my rankings of the road games based on opponent and location. Since sports betting has not yet been legalized in Minnesota it’s also an opportunity to parlay your fandom with a chance to bet on our beloved Vikings in certain states.
9. Philadelphia (Thursday Night Football, Sept. 14)
No. Just no. On the bright side, it’s a Thursday night game so you don’t need to spend the whole weekend with Philly dickheads. This game will likely be a blood bath of two physical teams and this will be an early season test to see how much that Vikings defense has improved.
8. Detroit (Jan. 7)
I have no urge to go to Detroit to watch a football game. Michigan is a legal sports betting state though so that is a perk if you head to Motown to cheer on the Vikes!
7. Atlanta (Nov. 5)
I’ve been to Atlanta before. It’s a decent town. Sporting events in Atlanta are awesome with the fan first concessions. You can get a hot dog, fries and beer for only $10! One of the best things of all concessions.
Buyer Beware: Stay in the downtown area if you go to this game. You won’t want to get stuck in traffic on I-85. If you don’t know what that is… imagine 494 East during rush hour combined with the 94 exits through downtown. It’s always busy.
6. Chicago (Oct. 15)
The Windy City has been anything but pleasant for the Vikings over the last 20 years. It seems that no matter what kind of team the Bears field we always seem to have trouble pulling out a win. The Vikings are 7-16 when playing at Chicago since 2000. The good news is the Vikings have now won three straight games in Chicago. As a word of advice, skip the deep dish and go for an Italian beef sandwich while you’re in town. Sports betting is also legal in Illinois.
5. Carolina (Oct. 1)
Adam Thielen revenge game? Let’s hope not. This one will be fun for Vikings fans to see what Brian Flores can dial up and have Bryce Young running for his life all day.
4. Cincinnati (Week 15, TBD)
Cincy isn’t anything special but they got a real good squad. Coming off two really good seasons, there is no sign of the Bengals slowing down. While you’re there, try the local delicacy that is Skyline Chili. Since Ohio is also a legal sports betting state, take the over in this one!
3. Green Bay (Oct. 29)
Shit town. Shit team. But! The bad man is finally gone! If there was ever a time to go to Lambeau Field, it would be this year. I’ve long said I wouldn’t want to go to Lambeau to watch the Vikings lose and this looks like a winnable game for the purple. Late October and a new QB who (we think) isn’t Hall of Fame caliber (yet).
2. Denver (Sunday Night Football, Nov. 19)
Sunday Night Football in the Rockies. Sounds like a dream. Every Minnesotan knows at least one person that moved to Colorado.
1. Las Vegas (Dec. 10)
This one is self-explanatory. Las Vegas is my favorite city to visit in these United States. Combine that with my favorite NFL team and we have ourselves one hell of a weekend. If you want to make this trip I would recommend booking those flights and hotels like…. NOW. This will no doubt be a drunken purple party. A classic Viking siege to take over Allegiant Stadium. You know I’ll be on the Vikings moneyline for this one!
Final Thoughts
Don’t get me wrong I love summer and everything but I often find myself wanting to fast forward to football season. I literally can’t wait for the fall! There’s plenty of solid destinations to enjoy a Vikings game on the road this year. Whether you are looking to visit a fun place or see a top tier matchup, the Vikings 2023 schedule has a lot to offer. Can they recreate the 2022 season? Only time will tell, but no matter the result we know Vikings Nation will be along for the ride!
Parlay engineer with Twitter fingers.