On Wednesday, May 15, the Minnesota Vikings announced their 2024 regular season schedule. The team will play seven home games and eight road games, and they will also face the New York Jets in London during Week 5.

The 2024 schedule is considered one of the toughest the team has faced in recent years. This makes it an opportune moment to discuss the three most significant takeaways from the schedule release.

Minnesota Might Only Win One Game Within First Six Weeks

The Vikings face an exceptionally tough start to their schedule and could potentially head into their Week 6 bye with a 1-5 record. Minnesota’s opening matchups against the Giants, 49ers, Texans, Packers, and Jets form one of the most challenging starts imaginable.

JJ McCarthy Unlikely to Start, Should Play Around Week 13

McCarthy is unlikely to start immediately, particularly if the team prioritizes his gradual development. Given the challenging early schedule, which doesn't lighten up until later in the season. It might be sensible to start him in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.

2024 Could Be a Rough Season

Following the release of the 2024 Vikings schedule, it appears the team might face a challenging season ahead. Last year, Minnesota finished with a 7-10 record and parted ways with two key players: quarterback Kirk Cousins and edge rusher Danielle Hunter. Embracing a youth movement, the team seems to be entering a reset phase, which could lead to a disappointing year in 2024.

Gorski’s Regular Season Projection (7-10)

Week 1: @ New York Giants (Win)

Week 2: vs San Francisco 49ers (Loss)

Week 3: vs Houston Texans (Win)

Week 4: @ Green Bay Packers (Loss)

Week 5: vs New York Jets (Loss)

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: vs Detroit Lions (Win)

Week 8: @ Los Angeles Rams (Loss)

Week 9: vs Indianapolis Colts (Win)

Week 10: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (Loss)

Week 11: @ Tennessee Titans (Loss)

Week 12: @ Chicago Bears (Loss)

Week 13: vs Arizona Cardinals (Win)

Week 14: vs Atlanta Falcons (Win)

Week 15: vs Chicago Bears (Win)

Week 16: @ Seattle Seahawks (Loss)

Week 17: vs Green Bay Packers (Loss)

Week 18: @ Detroit Lions (Loss)