If you're waking up today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and looking for the Minnesota Vikings game time today, I have some news that might sting a little.
There isn't one.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Minnesota fans. Usually, this time of year is filled with either the high-stakes anxiety of a deep playoff run or the numb disappointment of a season gone wrong. Today, it's the latter. While the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams battling it out later this evening, the Vikings are already home.
The season officially wrapped up two weeks ago.
Where Did the Season Go?
The Vikings actually finished the year on a massive heater. They won their last five games straight, including a dominant 16-3 victory over the Green Bay Packers on January 4th. But that late-season surge wasn't enough to overcome a brutal four-game losing streak they hit in November.
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They finished 9-8. Respectable? Sure. Enough for a wildcard spot? Sadly, no.
Because the Vikings aren't playing, today's NFL schedule looks like this:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: 3:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC)
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 6:30 PM ET (NBC/Peacock)
It’s particularly annoying for Vikings fans to watch the Bears host a playoff game today at Soldier Field. Seeing a division rival still in the hunt while Justin Jefferson is likely sitting on a beach somewhere is a tough pill to swallow.
The Harrison Smith Farewell
Even though there’s no Minnesota Vikings game time today, the team has been dominating the local news cycle for a different reason. That final game against the Packers wasn't just a win; it felt like the end of an era.
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Coach Kevin O’Connell called a timeout with three minutes left just to let the fans give Harrison Smith a standing ovation. If that doesn’t signal retirement, I don't know what does. "The Hitman" has been the heartbeat of that secondary since 2012. Watching him walk off the field at U.S. Bank Stadium felt heavy.
Then you’ve got C.J. Ham. "The Hammer" scored a touchdown on his very last carry. A Duluth kid finishing his career with a score against Green Bay? You couldn't script it better.
What’s Next for the Vikings?
Since you aren't tailgating today, you're probably looking at the 2026 horizon. The front office is already moving. Defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is currently a hot name in the coaching circuit, with rumors swirling that the Dallas Cowboys are eyeing him for their Defensive Coordinator spot.
Minnesota's defense was a top-10 unit this year under Brian Flores, giving up only about 19.6 points per game. That’s the foundation they’re building on.
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Key Dates to Watch
- NFL Draft (April 2026): With a 9-8 record, the Vikings will have a mid-round pick. They need to find a way to bolster the interior defensive line and maybe look for a successor to Harrison Smith.
- Training Camp (July 2026): This will be the true test of J.J. McCarthy’s progression heading into his next year.
- 2026 Schedule: We already know they’ll be facing the AFC East and the NFC South next season.
Basically, the Vikings are in "wait and see" mode. It’s a quiet Sunday in Minneapolis. No skol chants, no Gjallarhorn, just the cold reality of a playoff-less January.
If you're looking for football to watch, turn on the Texans and Patriots at 3:00 PM. It’s not the Vikings, but it’s the best we’ve got until September.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to stay plugged in while the team is in the offseason, here is what you should do:
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: The Vikings will host the Falcons, Panthers, Bills, and Dolphins at home next season. Start planning your travel if you're an away-game fan.
- Follow the DC Search: Keep an eye on Daronte Jones. If he leaves for Dallas, Flores will have a massive hole to fill in the secondary coaching staff.
- Re-watch the Week 18 Highlights: If you're missing the team, that 16-3 win over Green Bay is a great way to remember the 2025 season on a high note.