Vikings' 2015 schedule challenging but navigable

The Vikings, seemingly on the rise after Mike Zimmer's first season as coach, have a challenging but navigable 2015 regular season. The season's start is tricky, as is its finish. But if Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings can build on what they started last season, the season finale could be the biggest game they've played since 2012.

1

Monday, Sept. 14

9:20 p.m. • ESPN

Vikings open with their first Monday night tilt since 2013. No Josh Freeman, this time.

2

Sunday, Sept. 20

Lions come for the home opener. Vikings went 1-5 vs. the NFC North in 2014.

3

Sunday, Sept. 27

Noon • Ch. 4

Last time the Chargers were here (2007), Adrian Peterson rushed for a record 296 yards.

Sunday, Oct. 4

3:25 p.m. • Ch. 9

Zimmer's defense faces a tough test against Peyton Manning and company.

5

BYE WEEK

Sunday, Oct. 18

Noon • Ch. 4

NFL highlights Super Bowl IV rematch as it celebrates Super Bowl's 50th birthday.

7

Sunday, Oct. 25

Vikings blew 14-point lead last time at Ford Field and are 1-4 in last five there.

8

Sunday, Nov. 1

Noon • Ch. 9

Bears have a new coach in John Fox. Will Jay Cutler still be their QB in November?

Sunday, Nov. 8

Noon • Ch. 9

Vikings trucked Rams — and their new backup QB Shaun Hill — in 2014 season opener.

10

Sunday, Nov. 15

The Christian Ponder bowl! The 2011 Vikings first-round pick is now a Raiders backup QB.

11

Sunday, Nov. 22

Noon • Ch. 9

Vikings get their first shot at Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North's biggest bullies at home.

Sunday, Nov. 29

Noon • Ch. 9

Big WRs posed big problems in 2014. Falcons have two in Julio Jones and Roddy White.

13

Sunday, Dec. 6

The 2013 and 2014 NFC champions and their physical defense will look to batter Bridgewater.

14

Thursday, Dec. 10

7:25 p.m. • NFLN

Short turnaround to Thursday night. Four days between games against Super Bowl hopefuls.

Sunday, Dec. 20

Noon • Ch. 9

Vikings, who hope to still be in playoff mix at this point, should be rested up for the Bears

16

Sunday, Dec. 27

Vikings play final home game in two year-stint at TCF — unless they make the playoffs.

17

Sunday, Jan. 3

Noon • Ch. 9

Vikings hope to have plenty to play for in finale at Lambeau. Haven't won there since 2009.