Heading into the 2023 season, the Minnesota Vikings will have the 9th hardest schedule in the NFL according to Sharp Football Analysis. Their opponents have a combined record of 143-145-0, with a winning percentage of 0.497.
When we compare the schedules of the Vikings with those of the other NFC North teams, we find that the Vikings face the toughest schedule. That comes with winning the division the year prior. The Chicago Bears have the easiest schedule and are ranked 5th in the NFL. The Detroit Lions come next, with the 8th easiest schedule. The Green Bay Packers have the 12th easiest schedule in the NFL.
Here’s a list of the teams that the Vikings will face in 2023, along with their records from 2022:
- Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
- Carolina Panthers (7-10)
- Chicago Bears (3-14)
- Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
- Denver Broncos (5-12)
- Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Green Bay Packers (8-9)
- Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
- Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)
- Los Angeles Chargers (10-7)
- New Orleans Saints (7-10)
- Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)
- San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
Although the strength of the schedule is an interesting topic, it does not clearly indicate the difficulty of the other team. Teams have undergone changes since the previous season, and although the core might remain the same, the rosters are different. Regardless, the Vikings will have their work cut out for them as they try to build off a remarkable 2022 season.