1
Sunday, Sept. 7
Noon • Ch. 9
The Mike Zimmer era begins with a battle of 2013 cellar-dwellers. Bottom line: The Rams look to be a team on the rise. We have a lot to learn about the Vikings.
2
Sunday, Sept. 14
Noon • Ch. 4
The Vikings' first game at TCF Bank Stadium gets a superstar: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Bottom line: The Vikings defense will have its hands full.
3
Sunday, Sept. 21
Noon • Ch. 9
A return to the Superdome, where the Saints were undefeated in 2013 while averaging 34 points per game. Bottom line: Tough to beat Drew Brees in that beehive.
4
Sunday, Sept. 28
3:25 p.m. • Ch. 9
The Falcons took an even bigger tumble in 2013 than the Vikings did, but they still have a lot of offensive weapons. Bottom line: They better turn up the heat on Matty Ice.
5
Thursday, Oct. 2
7:25 p.m. • Ch. 4/NFLN
The Vikings haven't won at Lambeau Field since 2009, with Brett Favre at QB. Bottom line: Favre isn't driving his tractor through that door, at least not as of press time.
6
Sunday, Oct. 12
Noon • Ch. 9
The Week 17 matchup in 2013 was Leslie Frazier's last win for the Vikings and Jim Schwartz's last loss for Detroit. Bottom line: New coaches freshen up an old rivalry.
7
Sunday, Oct. 19
Noon • Ch. 9
Schedule-makers cut the Vikings — and their traveling fans — a break with this midseason trip to Buffalo. Bottom line: Mother Nature likely on the inactive list.
8
Sunday, Oct. 26
Noon • Ch. 9
Leslie Frazier is now the defensive coordinator on Lovie Smith's new Bucs staff. Bottom line: Expect hugs during pregame, but both sides badly want this win.
9
Sunday, Nov. 2
Noon • Ch. 9
The Redskins are looking to bounce back. They have a healthy Robert Griffin III, a new coach and a flashy new wideout in DeSean Jackson. Bottom line: Speed kills.
11
Sunday, Nov. 16
Noon • Ch. 9
The Vikings haven't won at Soldier Field since 2007, when Brian Griese was the Bears' QB. Bottom line: Jay Cutler is greater than Griese, and he has some big-time targets.
12
Sunday, Nov. 23
Noon • Ch. 9
With 26 TDs and just four INTs, Aaron Rodgers has saved some of his best ball for the Vikings. Bottom line: Coach Zimmer better have that pass defense fixed by this time.
13
Sunday, Nov. 30
Noon • Ch. 9
The Panthers have a punishing front seven that routinely blows up backfields, something Zimmer hopes to replicate. Bottom line: Hide the women and children. And the QBs.
14
Sunday, Dec. 7
Noon • Ch. 4
In the last of three home games in a row, the Vikings play one of the few other teams that still rely on the ground game. Bottom line: Dust off your leather helmets.
15
Sunday, Dec. 14
Noon • Ch. 9
Reggie Bush piled up 191 total yards and a TD against the Vikings at Ford Field in 2013. Bottom line: Someone better ask Kim Kardashian how to lock this guy down.
16
Sunday, Dec. 21
Noon • Ch. 9
The Vikings have historically struggled in Miami, but they won't have to worry about steamy temperatures this time around. Bottom line: Leave the sunscreen at home.
17
Sunday, Dec. 28
Noon • Ch. 9
After six wildly entertaining years in purple, Jared Allen returns to town with the Bears. Bottom line: Allen has already circled this one on the calendar. You should, too.
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
