You’re staring at the calendar, checking the fridge for snacks, and wondering exactly what time does the Vikings game start tonight. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026. The air in Minnesota is that specific kind of "hurts your face" cold. Usually, this is when the playoff fever hits a breaking point. But if you’re looking for Justin Jefferson and the crew to take the field this evening, I’ve got some news that might make you put the jersey back in the closet—or at least shift your focus to a different kind of Viking.
The Short Answer: Is There an NFL Vikings Game Tonight?
Basically, no. The Minnesota Vikings are not playing tonight.
I know, it’s a bummer. After a wild 2025 season where the purple and gold clawed their way to a 9-8 record, things didn't quite fall into place for a Divisional Round appearance this weekend. While today, January 17, marks the start of the NFL Divisional Playoffs, the bracket features the Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (kickoff at 4:30 PM ET) and the San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (kickoff at 8:00 PM ET).
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If you are seeing "Vikings" on your TV guide for tonight, you’re likely looking at one of two things:
- The Portland State Vikings: Their basketball team is taking on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. That game starts at 5:00 PM ET (4:00 PM local).
- Replays: Local networks often run "Vikings Classic" or season review specials when the team is out of the hunt.
What Happened to the Minnesota Vikings?
The 2025-2026 season was a roller coaster. Honestly, the Week 18 win against the Green Bay Packers (16-3) at U.S. Bank Stadium gave everyone a massive shot of adrenaline. It was a beautiful way to end the regular season on January 4, 2026. However, finishing 9-8 in a hyper-competitive NFC North meant the Vikings were watching the Wild Card round from their couches last week.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. Kevin O'Connell has this team playing hard, and Sam Darnold—who really found a second life in this system—put up numbers nobody expected. But in the NFL, "almost" doesn't get you a Saturday night kickoff in mid-January.
Tonight’s NFL Playoff Schedule (For the Football Fix)
Since you’re already in game-day mode, you might as well watch the teams that did make the cut. Here is how the board looks for tonight:
- Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- Time: 4:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM CT
- Channel: CBS / Paramount+
- Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT
- Channel: FOX
The Seahawks and 49ers matchup is going to be a bloodbath. Divisional rivals in the playoffs? That's about as close as you'll get to the intensity of a Vikings-Packers game tonight.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Minnesota Vikings Schedule
Since we aren't asking what time does the Vikings game start tonight for a playoff matchup, let's look at what is actually on the horizon. The 2026 opponents are already set. The NFL hasn't released the specific times yet—that usually happens in May—but we know who is coming to Minneapolis.
The home slate for 2026 is actually pretty electric. We’ve got the usual suspects like the Bears, Lions, and Packers. But the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins are also scheduled to fly into U.S. Bank Stadium. If you’re a fan of high-flying offenses, those are the dates you’ll want to circle.
On the road, the Vikings have a brutal trek. They have to face the 49ers in Santa Clara and visit the New Orleans Saints. It’s not going to be an easy path back to the postseason.
Why Do People Keep Searching for Tonight's Time?
It’s actually kinda funny how the "Vikings" name is everywhere. In college sports, the Portland State Vikings are a big deal in the Big Sky Conference. When they have a Saturday night game, Google gets flooded with fans asking about the "Vikings game."
Also, let’s be real: Minnesota fans are loyal to a fault. We spend all week subconsciously preparing for a game even when the season is over. It’s a habit. You wake up, check the weather, and think about kickoff times. It’s built into the DNA of the Twin Cities at this point.
Actionable Steps for Vikings Fans Tonight
Just because the Minnesota Vikings aren't playing doesn't mean you can't have a productive sports Saturday.
- Scout the Competition: Watch the 49ers/Seahawks game tonight. One of those teams will likely be a roadblock for the Vikings in the 2026 season. Understanding their schemes now makes the fall much more interesting.
- Check the Draft Order: Since the Vikings aren't in the playoffs, the focus shifts to the NFL Draft. Start looking at the mock drafts for April 2026. The Vikings likely have a mid-first-round pick, and they desperately need to bolster that defensive line.
- Support the Local Vikings: If you're a college sports fan, pull up the Portland State vs. Northern Arizona stream. It’s a different sport, but the name on the jersey still counts for something.
- Clear Your Sunday: Tomorrow, January 18, features the Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET) and the Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET). Watching the Bears in the Divisional Round might be painful for some Vikings fans, but it's the best game on the board.
The wait for the 2026 season opener in September feels like an eternity. But hey, at least we don't have to worry about a missed field goal tonight. Take the night off, enjoy the other playoff games, and get ready for the draft cycle.
Skol.