Why Vikings could benefit from historic 2025 international slate

In Week 4 (Sept. 28), Minnesota will play the Steelers in Dublin in the NFL's first game in Ireland, followed the next week (Oct. 5) with trip to London. 

The Vikings are the designated road team in both games. As ESPN noted, the NFL's decision to schedule the two games at neutral sites is a boon to Minnesota. 

The Vikings have never won at Heinz Field/Acrisure Stadium, the home of the Steelers, going 0-3 since 2001. Minnesota is also 4-0 all-time in London games, including a 33-16 win in 2017 against the Browns, their 2025 opponent. Considering Cleveland's uncertain quarterback situation, Minnesota — even with its own questions regarding unheralded starter J.J. McCarthy — will have a solid chance of earning a fifth win in the United Kingdom.

As far as travel is concerned, jet lag on the way back might be the Vikings' biggest worry. Roughly 290 miles separate Dublin and London via airway, shorter than a flight from Minneapolis to Chicago (roughly 330 miles), so traveling between the two international cities shouldn't put them at a competitive disadvantage.

The full schedule will be released Wednesday, and it would be surprising if the Vikings didn't receive their bye in Week 7, giving players a necessary break after two weeks overseas. That would make the trip even less worrisome.

Most teams might balk at the idea of playing back-to-back games in international markets. But the Vikings have little to complain about. Based on their history, it might be a blessing.