Minnesota Vikings: Team enters toughest stretch of schedule

The Minnesota Vikings stand at 4-3-1 at the midway point of the 2018 season, and are just now entering the toughest stretch of their schedule.

The 2018 version of the Minnesota Vikings are still searching for an identity. After eight games, the Vikings stand at 4-3-1, in which three of their four wins were decisive, while all three losses were clear as well. Then there’s that one tie with the Green Bay Packers, in which Kirk Cousins led an incredible fourth quarter comeback.

Coming off a 30-20 Sunday night loss against the New Orleans Saints on national TV, the Vikings still have eight tough matchups remaining.

Before Minnesota enters their bye week in Week 10, they’ll take on a bipolar Detroit Lions team that’s shown it has the firepower to compete with anyone at times, while they lay down and accept defeat at others.

After facing the Lions at home and a week’s worth of rest during the bye, it’s a string of divisional matchups against the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers in Weeks 11 and 12, with road games against the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks in Weeks 13 and 14.

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The Bears are finding their way with Mitchell Trubisky, as first-year head coach Matt Nagy settles in with creative playcalling tailored to his sophomore quarterback. Chicago’s defense has been excellent this season, as well, with the addition of Khalil Mack and rising stars in Eddie Jackson and Akiem Hicks. Chicago currently allows only 20.6 points per game, eighth-best in the NFL.

Then there’s the Packers, who always present an interesting matchup with Aaron Rodgers at the helm. Unlike recent years, however, Green Bay’s defense has come around to be a formidable unit with the addition of rookie corner Jaire Alexander and the underrated Kenny Clark. The Packers are allowing just 221.7 passing yards per game, fifth-best in the NFL.

The Vikings then go on the road to play two tough opponents in the Patriots and Seahawks. After facing New England and Seattle, the Vikings return home to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, followed by divisional matchups against the Lions on the road and Bears at home to close out the season.

Minnesota faces divisional opponents in five of their final eight games. In a crowded NFC North, 9 or 10 wins would likely be enough to claim the division title. The Vikings would need to finish 5-3 or 6-2 to finish at 9-6-1 or 10-6, respectively, tiebreakers notwithstanding.

The final eight games of the regular season will make or break the Vikings’ season. With a struggling defense and shaky offensive line, finding the strength to muster out six more wins may be a taller task than initially perceived.