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2019 NFL schedule release: Detroit Lions divisional rivals

By Jeremy Friedrichs

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears encourages the crowd to cheer during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.The Bears defeated the Packers 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears encourages the crowd to cheer during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.The Bears defeated the Packers 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings

Bye: Week 12

Vs. Lions: Week 7 (away), Week 14 (home)

Primetime Games: Week 8 (vs. WSH / TNF), Week 10 ( at DAL / SNF), Week 13 ( at SEA / MNF), Week 15 (at LAC / SNF), Week 16 (vs. GB / MNF)

The Vikings endured a very disappointing 2018 season, and another campaign that falls short of expectations could mean serious changes. A below average start to the year in terms of competition could definitely help their cause.

Minnesota has a very manageable first half of the season in 2019; only two of their first eight opponents qualified for the playoffs in 2018. Then it gets tough.

Sandwiched around their Week 12 bye, they Vikings will play three of four on the road, with visits to the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. This precedes three of their final four games against each of the NFC North teams and a road game against the Los Angeles Chargers. For the Lions’ sake, their Week 14 game at US Bank Stadium will hopefully be significant.

The Vikings struggled away from Minneapolis in 2018, winning just three games on the road. They’ll need to perform better in their away games to stay relevant towards the end of 2019. Their difficult midseason stretch of road games, including a Week 7 tilt at Ford Field, heightens the need to hold their own in away from home.

Minnesota’s difficult group of road games balances out with home dates against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears to end the season. Should they navigate their schedule effectively and keep themselves within striking distance in December, those two season ending divisional games could be very meaningful.

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