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Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

By Mike Phillips

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on November 29, 2020, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium on November 29, 2020, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

4. Vs. Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota is set to face off with the NFC West this year, which should be one of the best divisions in football due to its incredible depth. The presumed favorites to win that division are the Los Angeles Rams, who come to U.S. Bank Stadium this season.

It will be a new-look Rams team thanks to their big trade for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has plenty of experience facing off with Mike Zimmer’s defense from his days in Detroit. Stafford should be able to utilize his vast knowledge of Zimmer’s schemes to help his coaching staff come up with a few wrinkles that could give the Vikings problems.

Los Angeles’ defense will also present a challenge to Minnesota thanks to its strong defensive front headlined by perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald. That front should serve as a stiff test for the Vikings’ running game, which is the key to establishing their offense.

Having this contest at home will be a big help for the Vikings, who can look at this game as an opportunity to see how they stack up against one of the NFC’s best teams. Finding a way to scoop up a win against Los Angeles could mean a lot for Minnesota’s playoff chances.

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