Europe Provides Sweet, Sweet Benefit for Vikings
On Tuesday morning, it was announced that the Minnesota Vikings have been tabbed to play the first-ever NFL game in Ireland. Not only will they go to Dublin and face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they’ll likely stay in Europe as they are the road opponent for Cleveland in London the following week.
Europe Provides Sweet, Sweet Benefit for Vikings
That schedule revelation has drawn the ire of some Minnesota Vikings fans. It’s understandable to think that human beings being away from their families and out of their normal routine for roughly 10 days could throw off their ability to perform. That said, it looks like there are some substantial advantages too.
The Vikings have eight home games this season and nine on the road. Two of their road games are now at neutral sites. From a competitiveness standpoint, no matter what you think of the Steelers or Browns, the lack of a homefield advantage is a substantial downgrade for their chances to knock off Minnesota.
Both Pittsburgh and Cleveland play in outdoor stadiums as well. Croke Park and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are outdoors, but weather impacts should be significantly less than what Ohio or Pennsylvania could present to an opposing team.
Then there’s the reality that the rest of the Vikings division doesn’t get the same benefit. The AFC North is a common opponent for the NFC North this season. Green Bay, Chicago, and Detroit all have to play two of those divisional opponents in true road games. Minnesota doesn’t have to be bothered in doing so.
Sure, it’s a different schedule quirk to have the Minnesota Vikings players and personnel abroad for nearly two weeks during the regular season. It also gives them consistency while making that flight, and the duration could generate a greater opportunity for family members to make the trip.
We’ll see how it all plays out when the games actually kick off, but a pair of neutral-site road games across the pond is hardly as bad as it may seem.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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