Can’t-Miss Vikings Games That Will Define 2025

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May 18, 2025
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) runs after a catch against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings’ schedule hit folks’ doorsteps on Wednesday, and fans now know the order of opponents in 2025.

We asked hardcore Vikings fans about their most anticipated games of 2025, and these were their replies.

All told, nine Vikings games occur against 2024 playoff teams this season — not an easy menu.

So, with the schedule at the forefront of all Vikings discourse, we asked fans to name the game they’re most looking forward to this fall and winter.

Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes (21) tackles Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) during their football game on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Vikings defeated the Packers 31-29. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Question to fans: In the spirit of the schedule release, tell me the game you’re most looking forward to on the Vikings’ schedule. You can pick anything you want.

Here’s what they said.

1)
Week 3
vs. Cincinnati Bengals

From: Chris | @Skol227

Injured Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) paces the sideline in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The Bengals fell to the Ravens, 34-20. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK.

The game I’m most excited about is when the Bengals come to town. The best receiver in football and Ja’Marr Chase go at it.

2)
Week 15
at Dallas Cowboys

From: Steve Berglund | @VIkesin18

I live in Dallas, first of all. I just wanted this game not to be on a holiday, but a Thursday or Sunday night game, if possible. Thrilled with SNF in week 15. I’ll have the RV at Jerry World and will be hosting a big ole Vikings tailgate.

3)
Week 17
vs. Detroit Lions

From: Eric Horstman | @EHorstman23

Aug 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell talk to quarterback Nate Sudfeld (10) on a time out late in the second quarter against the New York Giants at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

For me, this year, it doesn’t get better than the Christmas Day game against Detroit. I think that game will decide the division and overall playoff seeding again. I don’t think the lights will be too bright for J.J. McCarthy, and they come away with a huge W.

4)
Week 7
vs. Philadelphia Eagles

From: Ivan, Czar of Bohunks | @Up4Discussion_7

Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean (33) forces Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Lucky Jackson (81) out of bounds to prevent a touchdown during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports.

With some major assumptions that Minnesota will hit the ground running, I’m most looking forward to week 7 at home versus the Eagles. After the bye week and regrouping, the litmus test against the defending Super Bowl champs will be great, indicative of how far we can go this season.

5)
Preseason
vs. Houston Texans

From: Bruce Johnson | @sachikojohnson

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops back to pass against Minnesota defensive tackle Jerry Tillery (99) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

August 9th vs the Texans. Yes, it’s a preseason game and the backups and rookies will play most of the game, but it is the first game after a long wait, and I am interested in the newer players.

If I had a choice between the fourth quarter of game seven of the NBA Finals with the Wolves, or a practice of the Vikings, it’s not even close. It would be the practice. That’s how I roll. I am all about the Vikings.

t6)
Week 1
at Chicago Bears

From: SKOL Tom | @SKOLfromWI

vikings
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams (18) on the field after the second half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

We’ve got the Vikings-Lions on Christmas that could potentially decide the division. We’ve got the Kirk return (kinda sorta) on SNF. Two international games?! It’s tough to call. The Christmas Day game is the most anticipated, at least for me, until we see that the game actually has some stakes.

Therefore, I’ve gotta go Vikings-Bears opener in Chicago on MNF. We’ve got the chance to set the tune for this version of the Vikings by rolling in and walking all over the QB that wanted to play here. Dagger shots early and then keep the foot on the throat all season long. We’re gonna turn the whole league purple! SKOL!

t6)
Week 1
at Chicago Bears

From: Tadd | @ST7cubs

First game of the season, Monday Night Football, division rival, and J.J. McCarthy’s regular season debut. Enough said!

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