The NFL won't officially release the 2011 schedule until 6 this evening, but the leaks already have started.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bears will play host to the Vikings on Oct. 16 in what is expected to be NBC"s prime-time Sunday game that day. There also is a report the Vikings will close the season by playing host to the Bears in Week 17.

Honestly, I'm not expecting too many prime-time appearances for a Vikings team that is coming off a 6-10 season and no longer has Brett Favre. Of course, the presence of Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson never hurts.

We'll have the entire official schedule on Access Vikings as soon as it's available.