You’ve probably woken up, grabbed your coffee, and checked the schedule only to realize something feels a bit empty. If you're looking for the purple and gold today, January 13, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little. The short answer is no. Do the Minnesota Vikings play today? No, they do not.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for a fan base that spent most of the autumn believing this was the year the "Skol" chants would echo deep into January. Instead of preparing for a Divisional Round matchup or even recovering from a Wild Card win, the team is currently cleaning out lockers at TCO Performance Center. The 2025-2026 campaign officially hit the wall a few weeks ago, and while the team ended on a high note, the playoff bracket is moving on without them.
The Brutal Reality of the 2025-2026 Standings
It's kinda wild how close they came. The Vikings finished the regular season with a 9-8 record. In many years, that gets you a seat at the table. Not this time. The NFC North was a absolute gauntlet this season. With the Chicago Bears (11-6) and the Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) both punching their tickets to the postseason, the Vikings found themselves on the outside looking in by just half a game.
That Week 18 win against Green Bay—a 16-3 defensive masterclass—felt great in the moment. It was a classic "Border Battle" victory that saw J.J. McCarthy look like the franchise savior we all hope he is. But in the grand scheme of the NFL playoff picture, it was too little, too late.
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Why the Vikings Aren't on the Field Today
If you're wondering why you aren't seeing them in the Wild Card wrap-ups or the Divisional previews, it comes down to a few specific "what-ifs."
- The Injury Bug: We can't talk about this season without mentioning the hospital ward that was the Vikings' offensive line. Losing Christian Darrisaw and Ryan Kelly for significant stretches crippled the run game.
- The Mid-Season Slump: Between late October and November, the team dropped four straight games, including a demoralizing 26-0 shutout against Seattle. You just can't recover from a month of winless football in this league.
- The Tie-Breakers: Because the Packers managed a tie earlier in the season, their 9-7-1 record technically sits "above" Minnesota's 9-8 in the winning percentage column. It's a cruel way to miss out.
What Happened During Wild Card Weekend?
While the Vikings were heading home, the rest of the NFC was busy. If you were looking for do the Minnesota Vikings play today because you saw playoff football on TV, those were the other guys. The NFL Wild Card round just wrapped up on January 12.
We saw the Green Bay Packers travel to Soldier Field to face the Bears (a game the Bears took 16-3, ironically), and the Rams took down the Panthers. The 49ers also handled the Eagles. It’s a bitter pill to swallow knowing the Vikings beat two of those teams during the regular season.
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The J.J. McCarthy Question: Hope for 2026
If there’s a silver lining to the season being over, it’s the development of J.J. McCarthy. He finished the year with 10 starts under his belt. He had some "rookie" moments—let's be real, the turnovers were frustrating—but he also showed a level of poise that Sam Darnold or the rotating door of veteran backups didn't quite have.
Expert analysts like Nick Villano have already started ranking the Vikings' chances for a 2026 comeback. Some are skeptical, citing the potential loss of Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores to a head coaching job. But honestly? If McCarthy keeps progressing and Justin Jefferson stays healthy (he just broke Randy Moss’s record for yards through six seasons, by the way), the offense is going to be terrifying next year.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Offseason Roadmap
Since they aren't playing today, the focus shifts to the "Silly Season." The Vikings have already signed eight players to reserve/future contracts as of January 5. They are looking at the 2026 NFL Draft, where they'll likely be picking in the middle of the first round.
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Key Dates for Your Calendar
- NFL Scouting Combine: Late February 2026.
- Free Agency Begins: March 2026 (Keep an eye on the Byron Murphy Jr. situation).
- 2026 NFL Draft: April 2026.
Actionable Steps for Displaced Fans
Since there’s no game to watch today, you might as well lean into the offseason mode. Here is what you should actually do to stay in the loop:
- Audit the All-Pros: Check out the highlights of Will Reichard. Our kicker was named First-Team All-Pro this year, which is basically unheard of for a young Vikings kicker. He was a weapon.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Even though the Vikings aren't in it, watch the Bears vs. Rams matchup this coming weekend. Knowing your divisional rivals' weaknesses is key for next year's trash talk.
- Check the 2026 Opponents: The NFL has already released the home/away opponents for next season. We’ve got the AFC East (Buffalo and Miami) coming to U.S. Bank Stadium. Start planning those tailgate trips now.
The longships have returned to the harbor for now. It wasn't the ending anyone wanted, especially after that five-game win streak to close the year, but the foundation looks solid. No game today means more time to prepare for a much louder 2026.
Next Steps for You:
Go ahead and check out the full 2026 Vikings opponent list to see which big names are visiting Minneapolis next fall, or take a look at the NFL Draft order to see who might be available when the Vikings are on the clock.