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Sounds Like the Vikings Could be Heading Overseas Again
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- Sounds Like the Vikings Could be Heading Overseas Again
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Last season, the Minnesota Vikings picked up 14 wins despite being projected for just 6.5 wins in the preseason. Among their stack of double-digit victories was a 23-17 "home" win over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets , a game that took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London (UK).
The MN Vikings raved about their time in London last season. The only problem was that overseas contest also took a home game away from fans at U.S. Bank Stadium, which is why many fans will be surprised to hear that their Vikings could very well be heading back to Europe again next season.
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In his most recent Vikings Access newsletter for the Star Tribune, longtime beat writer Ben Goessling advanced the Vikings overseas rumors further. Don't worry, the NFL has indicated that each team will only have to give up one home game to an overseas matchup every eight seasons.
Ireland in play for Minnesota Vikings
According to his report, Minnesota has three opponents on the schedule who will play international home games in 2025 ( Chargers , Browns , Steelers ). But the opponent to keep the closest eye on a game in Ireland vs the Steelers.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL wanted to send the Packers to play overseas vs Pittsburgh , since Green Bay is the official NFL partner there, but a potential matchup between Aaron Rodgers — should he become a Steeler — vs his former team is too enticing of a game to move overseas to Dublin.
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And that is where the Minnesota Vikings come in. They too have a road game vs the Pittsburgh Steelers on their 2025 schedule, along with a rather large following in Ireland and the surrounding European countries.
"The Vikings went to London last year; could they fly across the Atlantic Ocean for a road game this fall too? They play three teams that host international games this year; the possibility of them opening the season in Brazil against the Chargers sounded remote at the owners' meetings, and the Vikings might not return to London to face the Browns there for a second time. The game worth keeping an eye on, in fact, might be the one against the Steelers.
Pittsburgh will host the NFL's first game in Dublin this fall, and while the Packers (who just earned international marketing rights in Ireland) have been rumored as a possible opponent, it's believed the Steelers might want to keep the Packers game in Pittsburgh – especially if it's Aaron Rodgers facing his former team. That could leave the Vikings, Bills, or Seahawks as possible opponents for the Steelers in Ireland. We'll learn the matchups in the coming weeks, but the possibility of a Dublin game for the Vikings seemed plausible this week."
International games have been kind to the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are no stranger to playing games overseas. The next one will technically be their ninth. They've played four regular season games and four preseason games. Their record in those eight contests: 8-0.
All eight games have taken place in London, but it sounds like that could change as soon as next season. The NFL continues to expand its footprint in different countries, a mission that isn't slowing down anytime soon. 2025 will be the league's first time playing in Ireland.
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It wouldn't be the first time Minnesota has played Pittsburgh overseas, though. In 2013, the Vikings were the home team for a game at Wembley Stadium vs the Steelers. Their 34-27 victory that year was orchestrated by Matt Cassel and featured Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson . Both players recorded a pair of touchdowns on the day.
Adrian Peterson scored one of the great London Games touchdowns!
The @Vikings meet the @steelers again tonight on Thursday Night Football! pic.twitter.com/kVMfg9GxZ0— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) December 9, 2021
It is interesting how much the MN Vikings continue to be tied to Pittsburgh this offseason. Aaron Rodgers is basically waiting on Minnesota to come calling for his services. That seems unlikely to happen , so he'll begrudgingly wind up playing for the Steelers.
Related: MN Vikings Misfortune Leading to More NFL Rule Changes
It's going to be a season of turnover for Pittsburgh, regardless of what happens with the Rodgers sweepstakes. Until he saves the day, Mason Rudolph is in line to start for Mike Tomlin, after the Steelers split time between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson last season. Both QBs are now elsewhere.
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The Minnesota Vikings were supposed to have nine home games and eight away games last season, but one home game, as mentioned, was moved to London. This year, their home vs road ratio flips, so the Pittsburgh (road) game moving to Dublin would be something they'd welcome, especially given their record in Europe.
