So, you’re looking for the kickoff time. I get it. You’ve got the jersey ready, maybe some wings in the air fryer, and you’re scanning the TV guide for that familiar purple and gold. But if you're asking when is Vikings game today, I have some tough news to break.
The Minnesota Vikings are not playing today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer. After that late-season surge where they ripped off five straight wins—including that 16-3 defensive masterclass against the Green Bay Packers on January 4th—a lot of us thought maybe, just maybe, they’d sneak into the dance. But the math didn't math. Despite finishing with a winning record of 9-8, the Vikings were officially eliminated from playoff contention before the regular season even wrapped. They finished third in the NFC North, just a half-game behind those very same Packers who grabbed the final seed.
The Reality of the NFL Postseason Schedule
If you’re seeing "Vikings" on your sports app today, you’re probably looking at the Cleveland State Vikings. They’re actually playing Youngstown State tomorrow, Saturday the 17th, at 2 p.m. EST. It’s a common mix-up this time of year when the NFL schedule gets thin and college hoops starts heating up.
For the NFL, we are currently in the calm before the Divisional Round storm. The league doesn't play games on Fridays during the postseason. The real action starts tomorrow, January 17th.
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- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET)
It’s a weird feeling for Minnesota fans. We’re watching the Chicago Bears—our divisional rivals—host a playoff game at Soldier Field while our guys are already hitting the golf courses or heading back to Eagan to pack up their lockers.
Why the Vikings are Home Right Now
You might be wondering how a team that won 9 games and ended the season on a heater missed out. It basically comes down to the hole they dug themselves into mid-season. Losing to the Seahawks (26-0) and the Packers (23-6) in back-to-back weeks in late November and early December essentially sealed their fate.
By the time Kevin O'Connell got the offense humming with J.J. McCarthy under center, the tiebreakers were already stacked against them.
The 2025-2026 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. We saw the emergence of McCarthy as a legitimate franchise piece. Watching him throw that touchdown pass against the Packers in the finale gave everyone a glimmer of hope for 2026. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah even mentioned in his season-ending press conference this past Tuesday that while they haven't officially named J.J. the Week 1 starter for next year, the "corridor" is open. They’re looking to build a "most talented and deep" QB room, which likely means they’ll bring in a veteran via trade or free agency to compete.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since there is no Vikings game today, we might as well look at what's coming next. The NFL has already released the opponents for the 2026 season. Because the Vikings finished third in the NFC North, they actually get a "third-place schedule." In some ways, it's a blessing in disguise.
They’ll face the third-place finishers from the AFC South (Indianapolis Colts), the NFC East (Washington Commanders), and the NFC West (San Francisco 49ers).
Home Games at U.S. Bank Stadium:
The home slate looks pretty electric. Beyond the usual NFC North suspects—the Bears, Lions, and Packers—we’ve got the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins coming to Minneapolis. It’ll also be interesting to see the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers visit.
Road Trips for the Skol North:
If you like to travel, the 2026 road schedule is brutal but fun. The Vikings will be heading to New England, New Jersey (for the Jets), Tampa Bay, and New Orleans. And, of course, that trip to San Francisco to face the 49ers will be a massive litmus test for McCarthy’s second full year.
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What to Watch While You Wait
Just because the Vikings aren't on doesn't mean you have to stare at a blank screen. If you're a football junkie, tomorrow’s NFC West clash between the Niners and Seahawks is the game to watch. Seattle is the No. 1 seed for a reason, but San Francisco always plays them tough.
Also, keep an eye on the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Seeing how Caleb Williams handles the pressure of a Divisional Round game might give us a preview of what the NFC North battle will look like for the next decade.
For the Vikings, the "game" now moves to the front office. The scouting combine is just around the corner, and the draft will be here before we know it. The focus is entirely on whether they can find a veteran bridge quarterback or if they’re going to go all-in on the McCarthy era from day one of training camp.
Keep your purple gear handy. The wait for the 2026 season opener in September starts now.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Vikings website and download the 2026 opponent list so you can start planning road trips now.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Tune in tomorrow at 4:30 PM ET on CBS for Bills vs. Broncos to see how the top-tier teams are structured.
- Track the QB Room: Follow local beat writers for updates on the "veteran addition" Kwesi Adofo-Mensah mentioned during his Tuesday presser.
- Check the Draft Order: With a 9-8 record, the Vikings' late win streak actually pushed their draft pick back, so start looking at mock drafts for the mid-first-round range.