Vikings receive trememdous advantage with 2025 schedule that could win them a division title

Vikings to have major advantage going into Week 18

We've been learning about the Vikings' schedule throughout the week, including the Vikings taking on the Lions on Christmas Day  and quarterback J.J. McCarthy making his debut against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.

The Christmas Day game against the Lions will be at home at U.S. Bank Stadium and they will be hosting the Green Bay Packers in week 18 to finish the season.

This is different from prior years, as the Vikings haven't faced the Packers in the final game of the regular season since 2015. That game saw the Vikings travel to Lambeau Field and win the NFC North 20-13. That could end up being a thing this year as well, especially if they get the win against the Lions the prior week.

There are two things that are giving the Vikings a major advantage in the final two weeks:

• Vikings will have 10 days rest going into Week 18
• Weather won't be a factor for the final two games

Not having to play outside is a big deal. That's not to say that the Vikings won't have a cold weather game, as they are set to face the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. However, your two likely biggest games of the year, not having the weather be a factor when the NFC North could very well be on the line, because you get to play both games at home, and it's is a huge advantage. Not to mention, having three more days of rest is exactly what you want.

The schedule makers have been very nice to the Vikings, and they can take advantage very well.