Predicting the first loss on the Minnesota Vikings schedule for 2021 season

The Minnesota Vikings schedule is one of the toughest in the NFL and here is when they will likely be looking at their first loss.

Based on last year’s winning percentages, which can be a slippery predictive indicator, the Minnesota Vikings have the fifth-toughest schedule in the NFL for 2021. But if the every-other-year trend under head coach Mike Zimmer continues, they’ll navigate that slate to earn a playoff spot.

The Vikings will face every team in the NFC West and AFC North this year. The first year of a 17-game schedule for the league gives each NFC team nine road games in 2021, and the Vikings will get an extra trip west with that additional game. But two of their last three games (and three of their last five) will be at home, so that will be helpful to any push for a playoff spot.

When will the Vikings take their first loss of the 2021 season?

The Vikings open the 2021 season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, as Zimmer returns to where he was defensive coordinator before becoming the head coach in Minnesota. It may not show clearly in their win-loss record, but the Bengals should be better this season. The big question mark for them right now is if quarterback Joe Burrow (torn ACL) will be ready for Week 1. Regardless, it will be a serious upset if the Vikings don’t open the season 1-0.

Week 2 brings another road trip, this time to take on the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals faded to 8-8 and out of the playoffs after a 6-3 start last season, but they followed that disappointment with an active offseason. J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, Rondale Moore, Zaven Collins, Malcolm Butler and James Conner were added in free agency and the draft, so failure to make a jump in the NFC West this year may cost head coach Kliff Kingsbury his job.

A second straight road game to open the season is one thing. Having to contain Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins is a step up from that, along with having to keep Watt and Chandler Jones away from Kirk Cousins all game. It adds up to the Vikings taking their first loss of the season in Week 2, though it could be an exciting game against the Cardinals.