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The Vikings Have a Few Schedule Nightmares Afoot

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Vikings fans react during a game against the Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Fans fill U.S. Bank Stadium during a matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis on Oct. 19, 2025. The home crowd reacted emotionally throughout a tense first half shaped by momentum swings, missed opportunities, and disputed calls as Minnesota attempted to regroup against one of the NFC’s premier opponents in a high-energy atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Sportsbooks believe the 2026 Minnesota Vikings will finish around 8-9 or 9-8 this season, a familiar win forecast that seems to follow (haunt?) Minnesota every spring. Now, we know who Minnesota will play and when, thanks to the league’s schedule release on Thursday night. This article illuminates the nasty portions.

A few trouble spots jumped off the page immediately.

Ranked in ascending order, these are those gruesome spots (No. 1 = worst schedule aspect).

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The Nasty Stretch Arrives before December

What stands out to you on the Vikings’ schedule?

Kevin O’Connell reacts on the sideline during the Vikings’ international game against the Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Vikings schedule
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts along the sideline after a pivotal second-quarter stretch against the Cleveland Browns during NFL International Series action on Oct. 5, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Tottenham, United Kingdom. The scene captures O’Connell’s emotional response and urgency as momentum briefly shifted during the overseas matchup in front of an international crowd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

4. The Early Bye Week

Nobody enjoys an early bye week, but some NFL teams just have to stomach them. Most believe the best byes are down the stretch of the regular season, perhaps in late November or early December, when a team ramps up to the final push for the postseason.

Instead, the Vikings will get one of the earliest byes possible. They’ll play five games and then reset just as the first chapter of the season ended.

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Thankfully, the club has a “mini-bye” after Thursday Night Football at the New England Patriots in December — 10 days of rest.

3. Two Evil — and Good — Rivals to Kick the Whole Thing Off

The Vikings have started a season against the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears in a row (or vice versa) just once in franchise history — 2003 when Minnesota won both contests.

It’s rare, but the NFL has outfitted Minnesota’s schedule with two games against its foremost foes right away. In seasons past — mainly when the Bears weren’t very good — this would be a nothingburger. Now, though, both the Packers and Bears could reasonably win the NFC North. They’re decent-to-good squads on paper.

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Minnesota could’ve eased into the 2026 regular season with a Week 1 or 2 game against the Miami Dolphins or New York Jets. Nope — it’s the in-your-face main enemies for Kyler Murray to acclimate to the franchise immediately.

Josh Jacobs is tackled by Kevin Byard III during a Packers-Bears game at Lambeau Field. Vikings schedule
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) fights for extra yardage before being brought down by Chicago Bears defensive back Kevin Byard III (31) during second-quarter action on Dec. 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The NFC North rivalry matchup featured physical trench play and tough defensive stops as both teams battled in cold-weather conditions. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

SI.com‘s Jonathan Harrison on Vikings-Packers in Week 1: “The game will be the first chance for the Vikings to likely see former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray man the Vikings’ offense. Murray was signed to a one-year, veteran minimum deal in March following his release from Arizona. The Vikings’ coaching staff and front office have been adamant they see Murray in a “true competition” with J.J. McCarthy for the team’s starting quarterback role.”

“As for the Packers, they will likely be without star pass rusher Micah Parsons for the first several weeks of the 2026 season. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday, Parsons is a “candidate to be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform List” to start the season. Parsons tore his ACL in December and is currently recovering from the injury.”

2. Always Thursday Night Football on the Road

Once again, the NFL has lined up Minnesota to play on the road for Thursday Night Football. It’ll be the fourth straight occurrence.

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In the last three seasons, these have been the outcomes:

TNF: Eagles def. Vikings | 34-28 | Week 2, 2023
TNF: Rams def. Vikings | 30-20 | Week 8, 2024
TNF: Chargers def. Vikings | 37-10 | Week 8, 2025
TNF: Vikings at Patriots | TBD | Week 14, 2026

This needs course correction. Starting next year — and then likely spanning a few seasons — Minnesota is overdue for home primetime Thursday Night Football games. That’s all there is to it.

Daily Norseman‘s Christopher Gates noted on TNF and the weather from the schedule, “The Thursday night trip to New England in early December might be a bit tricky, as could the penultimate game of the year against the Jets. Other than that, however, Mother Nature seems like it could be on the Vikings’ side this year.”

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1. Weeks 8 thru 11

Finally, the part of the schedule where you close your eyes and pray to Norse Gods:

Week 8 — at Detroit Lions
Week 9 — vs. Buffalo Bills (MNF)
Week 10 — at Green Bay Packers
Week 11 — at San Francisco 49ers (SNF)

Unless injuries have decimated four teams consecutively, this will be a brutal stretch for Minnesota — or any team. For example, if you asked a member of each of those teams’ fan bases if that squad can win a Super Bowl in 2026, they would reply, “Yes.”

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Chandon Sullivan tackles Josh Allen during the Vikings’ road game against the Bills at Highmark Stadium. Vikings schedule
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Chandon Sullivan (39) wraps up Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during first-half action on Nov. 13, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The play highlighted Minnesota’s aggressive defensive approach against Allen’s scrambling ability in one of the Vikings’ most memorable road victories of the season. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports.

On top of that, three of the four contests are on the road. Ruthless.

For the Vikings’ season to feel optimistic, Kevin O’Connell’s team probably has to have a 4-2 record entering Week 8 at Detroit, because a 2-2 split against DET, BUF, GB, and SF would be considered a favorable outcome.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Ladies European Tour: Leonie Harm wins German Masters

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Leonie Harm was given less than a 1% chance of survival when she was hit by a car in 2013.

Thirteen years later and the German has won her maiden Ladies European Tour title with a one-shot victory at the German Masters.

It caps a remarkable back story for the 28-year-old.

Harm had been out jogging when she was hit by a car travelling 70km/h (44mph)., external

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It was the paramedics at the scene who gave given her a very slim chance of surviving.

She was put in a coma but despite severe brain injuries and multiple bone fractures she returned to the golf course just seven weeks later.

A year later and she won the National Women’s Amateur title, going on to win several amateur titles before she moved to the US to study biochemical and biophysical Sciences at the University of Houston.

Her passion to work in that field was personal as her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 and died two years later., external

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In 2018, Harm was the first German to win the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship – the world’s oldest women’s golf tournament.

Her debut major appearances followed and she turned professional in 2020.

But then came the Covid pandemic and while sport was put on hold, Harm worked as a intern at a company developing a vaccine candidate against the coronavirus.

Despite runner-up finishes on Tour in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons, she struggled with her game and considered quitting in 2024., external

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On Sunday, she finally broke her professional title drought at her home tournament at Green Eagle Golf Courses, just south of Hamburg with a birdie on the last to beat South Africa’s Casandra Alexander.

Harm improved on her second place finish at the tournament in 2022 as she finished on 10-under-par having shot a course record eight-under-par 65 in the first round.

“I’m really happy I got it over the line this time after coming close in 2022 and just out here with all the German fans,” she said.

Harm added: “Resilience is a good thing, and I have shown this at times, but I believe right now I’m in a good spot mentally and for it to then be paired with success in golf is such a great feeling because I didn’t have to be miserable.

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“I could’ve been happy this whole time and it would have worked with a lot of the times where you get impatient and to be more forgiving to yourself.

“A good takeaway there is to be your own best friend eventually and hopefully then be successful in working with yourself rather than against it which I’ve done for probably most of my life.”

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NFL’s accelerator program includes 2 Broncos staffers

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Two members of the Denver Broncos‘ staff are set to participate in the NFL’s accelerator program at the Spring League Meeting in Orlando this week.

Broncos special teams coach Darren Rizzi and co-director of player personnel Cam Williams are on the list of participants, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

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Rizzi, who joined Denver’s coaching staff last year, has experience as an interim head coach from his time with the New Orleans Saints. Rizzi has interviewed with four NFL teams for head coach openings in recent years, and he could be a candidate to land a HC role down the road.

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Williams, who joined the Broncos’ front office in 2025, served as a director of college scouting with the New England Patriots before getting a promotion in Denver. He could be a candidate for general manager openings in the future.

As NFL clubs seek head coach and GM candidates in the coming years, Rizzi and Williams will be names to watch.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/XDid you knowThese 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.

This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL accelerator program: Broncos coach and executive included

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Why Jalen Brunson Should Fear Both the Cavaliers and Pistons

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Pretend you’re Jalen Brunson for a minute … Hey, it’s not all that unrealistic.

I mean, the guy claims to be 6-foot-2. Yeah, in pumped-up Shaq shoes.

He’s left-handed, which gives you an intellectual advantage.

His mom played college volleyball. Which means she’s tall and can jump, two things her son isn’t and can’t do.

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And he’s been a basketball player all his life. Which means if you need a sub for your slowpitch softball team, a fourth for your golf scramble or, heck, you’re looking for a partner for beginner’s pickleball, he’s not your man.

Make no mistake, Jalen Brunson is a great basketball player. Well, half of one.

There’s a reason opponents circle the Knicks on their calendar. And it’s not to get an autograph from Spike Lee or a selfie with Kylie Jenner.

It’s because Brunson, one of the shortest and slowest guards in the NBA, has to guard somebody. And if you play poorly enough the game before facing the Knicks, maybe you win the matchup lottery and get Brunson assigned to you.

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I know what your Brunson persona is thinking: Man, I’m a loser. Why can’t I be Donovan Mitchell for a minute?

Sorry, but for this exercise, we have to be realistic.

As you (as Brunson) sit down to watch tonight’s Cavaliers-Pistons game, the one that will determine the Knicks’ opponent in the Eastern finals, you have to be a bit conflicted.

On one hand, it would be nice to draw the Cavaliers, meaning you would have the home-court advantage. But here’s the problem with that: There is no worse backcourt matchup for you than the Cavs.

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You’re too short to guard James Harden. He’s your speed, but he would shoot right over you.

And you’re too slow to guard Mitchell. He’s about your size, but he would dribble circles around you.

You’re going to get torched either way.

You don’t have that problem with the Pistons. In fact, of all teams in the NBA, they might provide you the best defensive matchup, being that Ausar Thompson is arguably the worst shooting guard in the league. You live to guard guys like that.

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But be careful what you wish for, because Thompson is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He’s been doing a number on Mitchell in the Eastern semis, and he’s certainly capable of doing the same to you.

So who you rooting for …

The team that hands you the home-court advantage and a chance to put up big numbers, all while getting embarrassed defensively?

Or the team that gives you a chance to rest on the defensive end, which would allow you to put maximum energy into your favorite part of the game – offense – while being draped nonstop by the Human Bearhug?

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Tough one, huh?

I’m guessing you – and Brunson himself – would opt for the Cavaliers. After all, he’s achieved elite status in the NBA by scoring a ton of points against tough defenders and, most importantly, hitting more clutch shots than anybody in recent history.

And who wouldn’t want more of that?

If Brunson scorches the Cavs for 34 points, like he did in a Christmas Day win, nobody’s going to notice that Mitchell also scored 34, like he also did on Christmas.

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Brunson aside, neither potential matchup in the NBA Final Four is a good one for the Knicks. They were, after all, designed to beat the Celtics, and neither the Cavaliers nor Pistons resemble the traditional Eastern power.

When the Knicks imported OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, it was with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in mind. The Cavaliers and Pistons don’t have anything close, rendering the defensive aces somewhat useless.

Unlike the Celtics, each has a quality big man. Which means foul trouble and a lot of unwise 3-point shooting for Karl-Anthony Towns.

And only the Pistons have a Jrue Holiday, a limited offensive player who Brunson could adequately defend.

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Bottom line: You might think those dreadlocks would look good on you. And being left-handed could be kinda cool.

But, trust me, you don’t want to be Jalen Brunson right now.

Enjoy Sunday’s big game. He won’t.

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As Alex Smalley leads PGA, his mother’s role gets attention, too

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Tom Brady’s latest venture: fashion model

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NFL: Super Bowl LIX-Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia EaglesFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fox Sports announcer Tom Brady on the field before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Tom Brady has a full career resume that includes listings as a seven-time Super Bowl winner, minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and top NFL analyst.

On Saturday, he added a non-football line: runway model.

Demna Gvasalia, the creative director of Italian fashion house Gucci, debuted his first “cruise” collection Saturday night in New York’s Times Square, with part of the area turned into a runway. The city was chosen for the unveiling because of its deep ties to Gucci; it was where the designer opened its first store outside of Italy in 1953, the New York Post reported.

Cruise collections aren’t just vacation wear anymore. Instead, the line is supposed to reflect the area in which the fashions are worn, reflecting the “plurality of styles that intersect like the streets of the city,” said Demna, who goes by one name.

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Brady, 48, strutted on the runway in a fitted black leather jacket with matching pants.

Others in the fashion show included heiress Paris Hilton and supermodel Cindy Crawford, who closed the show in a black evening gown.

Celebrities in the crowd included entertainers Mariah Carey and Shawn Mendes, actress Lindsay Lohan, and F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, whose reported girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, also was there.

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–Field Level Media

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What Xabi Alonso Could Bring to Chelsea as Blues Appoint Former Real Madrid Manager

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Chelsea have officially announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new manager, with the Spaniard set to begin his role on July 1, 2026, after agreeing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The appointment immediately becomes one of the biggest managerial stories in European football, with Chelsea turning to one of the game’s most highly-rated young coaches in a bid to restore stability and challenge again at the top of English football.

Alonso arrives in London with a growing reputation following his historic spell at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title and transformed them into one of Europe’s most tactically admired teams.

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From Real Madrid Sack to Chelsea Opportunity

Before taking the Chelsea job, Alonso endured a difficult spell at Real Madrid, where he was dismissed midway through the season following inconsistent results and mounting pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite the setback, his reputation across Europe remained strong due to the tactical identity and success he had previously built at Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea’s decision to appoint Alonso reflects the club’s desire to build around a younger, progressive coach capable of developing talent and implementing a clear football structure.

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Alonso’s Tactical System Could Suit Chelsea’s Squad

One of the biggest reasons Chelsea supporters are excited is the possibility of finally seeing a defined football identity return to Stamford Bridge.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso built one of Europe’s most tactically impressive sides, combining controlled possession, aggressive pressing, flexible back-three systems, and rapid attacking transitions.

Those ideas could fit many of Chelsea’s current players.

Footballers such as Enzo Fernandez, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Levi Colwill could potentially thrive in Alonso’s structured possession-heavy system.

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His tactical flexibility may also help maximize Chelsea’s younger core, something the club has struggled to fully achieve in recent seasons.

No European Football Could Benefit Chelsea

If Chelsea fail to qualify for European competition, Alonso could actually benefit from having fewer matches during his first season.

Without Champions League or Europa League football, Chelsea would have more training time, reduced fixture congestion, and greater opportunities to fully implement Alonso’s tactical ideas.

That scenario could mirror the advantage enjoyed by clubs in previous Premier League title races when able to focus primarily on domestic football.

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Alonso’s Liverpool History Adds Another Layer

Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea also adds another interesting storyline given his history with Liverpool.

The Spaniard remains a hugely respected figure among Liverpool supporters following his successful playing spell at Anfield, where he won the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FA Community Shield.

He later enjoyed further success with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest young managers.

Now, Alonso returns to English football on the opposite side of one of the league’s biggest rivalries — a storyline certain to add intrigue whenever Chelsea face Liverpool next season.

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Football Figures Have Long Backed Alonso’s Coaching Potential

Alonso’s rise in management has been praised across European football in recent years.

Former Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge previously described Alonso as one of football’s brightest young coaches following his success at Bayer Leverkusen, while several pundits and former players have praised his tactical intelligence and calm leadership style.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had also publicly spoken highly of Alonso’s football intelligence during his playing career, with many Liverpool supporters once viewing him as a potential future manager at Anfield.

Football analysts including Gary Neville have also suggested Chelsea are bringing in a coach with a clear football identity and modern tactical approach — something the club has lacked during recent managerial instability.

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Pressure Will Still Be Massive at Stamford Bridge

Despite the excitement surrounding the appointment, Alonso will immediately face enormous pressure at Chelsea.

The club’s recent managerial instability, expensive squad rebuild, and demands for instant success mean patience may still be limited.

However, Chelsea supporters will hope Alonso can finally provide:

  • Tactical clarity
  • Squad stability
  • Youth development
  • Long-term identity
  • A return to consistent top-level football

After years of inconsistency, Chelsea are betting that one of Europe’s brightest young managers can finally bring direction back to Stamford Bridge.

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Would be good timing for him

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Former Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre believes one Gunners star could leave the club at the end of the season.

Gabriel Martinelli is Arsenal’s longest-serving current player, having made almost 300 appearances for the Gunners. Despite playing over 100 games in the last 2 years, he has largely been used as a substitute. He has made only 10 starts in the Premier League this season.

Mikael Silvestre was asked which players are likely to leave the Gunners at the end of the season. The former French international believes the Brazil winger could seek a move away from the North London club at the end of the season. Speaking to Betpack, he said (via Metro):

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“Gabriel Martinelli might be the one who wants to trigger a transfer because of the game-time, he’s a Brazil international, he wants to play, and Leandro Trossard gets more game time than him.

“So, he could be looking elsewhere because he’s been there a long time as well. Leaving after winning the league would be good timing for him, maybe a good decision, but he needs to find the right place, and then you need a replacement. Other than that, I don’t see an obvious position where there is a need to go and buy.”

When asked who they should replace Martinelli with, Silvestre named Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola as a potential option:

“If Martinelli was to make space, then Bradley Barcola could definitely be one that should compete with Trossard. If he improves his finishing, then he would become a complete player because in terms of 1v1 and creating space for himself and delivering assists and key passes, he is very impressive and very difficult to defend against.”

Arsenal are set to play Burnley on May 18 (Monday) at home in their penultimate Premier League fixture of the season. This is followed by a game away from home against Crystal Palace. If Arsenal win their remaining games, they will be crowned PL champions.

Arsenal favorites to sign Bradley Barcola ahead of Liverpool: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly the favorites to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola this summer. PSG could look to offload the French attacker to bring in a new forward.

Liverpool were also reportedly interested in the PSG winger, but are not so keen anymore due to the emergence of Rio Ngumoha. The Reds are more interested in signing a new right winger as Mo Salah is set to leave the club.

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