Last week, the Vikings finalized their opponents and learned the order of their four preseason games. Today, the team has announced the exact dates for those August contests.

Here is how the preseason will unfold:

  • Friday, August 9 -- vs. Houston, 7 p.m. (at Mall of America Field)
  • Friday, August 16 -- at Buffalo, 6 p.m. (at Ralph Wilson Stadium)
  • Sunday, August 25 -- at San Francisco, 7 p.m. (at Candlestick Park)
  • Thursday, August 29 -- vs. Tennessee, 7 p.m. (at Mall of America Field)

All four games will be televised on KARE-11. The game against the 49ers will be NBC's Sunday night showcase game.

The quick turnaround from Game 3 to Game 4 is notable, particularly for the second- and third-tier players fighting to win roster spots.

Oh, and if you're ready to fast-forward past the preseason, it's worth noting that the 16-game regular season schedule will be announced next week, likely on Tuesday evening.

The Vikings know their 2013 opponents and already have their Week 4 game against the Steelers in London set in stone. That will be followed by a Week 5 bye. But the other 15 weeks are still being finalized.

The Vikings will have home games against Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington, Philadelphia and Carolina.

The road games will be at Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, Dallas, New York, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Seattle.