Slow start could mean blackouts

If the Vikings are going to turn things around after a 6-10 finish last season, they will have to get off to a good start on the road in 2007.

The NFL schedule, which was released Wednesday, has the Vikings opening at home for the third time in the past four years but playing four of their first six games on the road. Following the Sept. 9 opener against Atlanta, the Vikings will play at Detroit (Sept. 16), at Kansas City (Sept. 23), at Chicago (Oct. 14) and at Dallas (Oct. 21). A Sept. 30 meeting with Green Bay will be the only home game to break up the road stretch. The Vikings' bye will be Oct. 7.

The potential upside to the early road games is that Brad Childress' team will close with three of its final five at the Metrodome. A bad start, however, means a Vikings sellout streak that dates to the 1998 season could be in jeopardy, meaning potential late-season blackouts. According to ESPN.com, the Vikings' schedule is tied for the 13th-toughest in the NFL. The Vikings' opponents went 128-128 last season, as did the Eagles' and Redskins' foes.

The Vikings' subpar performance in 2006 and an offense that struggled throughout much of the season is the big reason the team will play only once in prime time after having three night games in Childress' inaugural year. That game will be on a Monday night, Dec. 17, against the Chicago Bears at the Metrodome.

For the second consecutive season, the Vikings are not slated to appear on NBC's Sunday night package, which is considered the NFL's marquee prime-time showcase. That could change because of the flexible scheduling that exists for Weeks 11-17.

The Vikings also will face a tough stretch coming out of the bye with four consecutive games against 2006 playoff teams, including San Diego on Nov. 4 at the Metrodome. The Chargers' 14-2 mark was the NFL's best last season.

Childress, who served as Philadelphia's offensive coordinator before joining the Vikings, will get a chance to face the Eagles on Oct. 28 when they play at the Dome.

Among former Vikings scheduled to make appearances in Minnesota next season are Oakland receiver Randy Moss and Washington cornerback Fred Smoot. The Vikings will close the regular season with their first game at Denver's Invesco Field at Mile High.

Etc.

• The Vikings would not confirm the names of any players who visited Winter Park as part of their predraft evaluation Wednesday. Players known to be on the list included Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams, Pittsburgh cornerback Darrelle Revis, Minnesota tight end Matt Spaeth and Tennessee offensive lineman Arron Sears.

• Former Gophers receiver Logan Payne visited Seattle on Tuesday and will be at Winter Park today.

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com