It’s NFL Schedule release day and the speculation and leaks have started – some possibly genuine, others not so much.
The NFL started making official pronouncements for some of the marquee games it has planned for the 2023 season well in advance the of 7 p.m. full schedule release, but as of Thursday morning, the Vikings aren’t involved in any of them (rude).
Still, there are alleged leaks giving indications for a few of the Vikings games, which we’re rounding up below:
Just a reminder, nothing is official till it’s confirmed by the NFL.
Vikings v. Packers on New Year’s Eve?
The Athletic’s Green Bay Packers beat writer Matt Schneidman has his hands on what he claims is the full Packers schedule, and it has Green Bay hosting the Vikings at Lambeau Field in Week 8 (Oct. 29), with the Vikings playing host in Week 17 for Sunday Night Football at 7:20 p.m. New Year’s Eve.
Even without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have five prime-time games, per Schneidman.
Packers' full 2023 schedule (per source):
– Five prime time games even without Rodgers
– Love's first game as full-time starter will be in Chicago
– Thanksgiving in Detroit
– Davante Adams vs. Packers for first time on MNF Week 5
– Super Bowl champs at Lambeau on SNF Week 13 pic.twitter.com/lBvES4Wlmf
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 11, 2023
Vikings vs. Lions Week 16 and Week 18?
Multiple reports suggest the Vikings will host Detroit in Week 16 and then finish the regular season in Detroit in Week 18. That could mean a Christmas Eve game agains the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, with the season finale potentially Jan. 7. It would also mean three straight division games to end the season since the aforementioned rumor has the Vikings hosting the Packers in Week 17.
Vikings vs. Chiefs in Week 5?
Again, nobody knows for sure if it’s legit, but there’s at least one person who has broke news before (Skol Bros on Twitter) saying the Vikings will host the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 8. That’s Week 5 of the regular season.
https://twitter.com/SkolBros/status/1656641840504795137
Alec Lewis, who covers the Vikings for The Athletic, seems to be in agreement with Skol Bros on the timing of the Lions and Chiefs games.
The #Vikings schedule for 2023 is set to release today. Sounds like a Christmas Eve NFC North showdown at U.S. Bank against the Detroit Lions is forthcoming. Also, the matchup with the defending champ Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank will be happening early in October.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) May 11, 2023
Vikings Home Opener against Tampa Bay?
Skol Bros is also saying the Vikings will open the season at home Sept. 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If true, it would be a gift from the football gods because the Bucs are projected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2023.
https://twitter.com/SkolBros/status/1656638142550614017
Vikings in Philly for Thursday Night Football?
Skol Bros says the Vikings will face the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in Philly in Week 2 on Thursday Night Football. Short rest in Philly would be a tough game considering facing the Eagles with a full week of rest is hard enough as is.
Vikings go to Lambeau in Week 8?
Again, Skol Bros gets the credit for this rumor that has the Vikings and Packers playing at Lambeau Field in Week 8. We’ll see if it comes true.
Vikings and 49ers on Monday Night Football?
This would be epic. October 23 would mean MNF between the two West and North divisional champs in Week 7. So, Packers-49ers in back-to-back weeks?
https://twitter.com/SkolBros/status/1656650341402791936
