NFL schedule released, Vikings to play 5 games in prime time

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t quite live up to expectations last season, but that isn’t stopping the NFL from featuring them in prime time this year.

Minnesota will open the season against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 8, the league announced Wednesday night as part of its roll out of the 2019 schedule.

Minnesota is set to play five games in prime time this season, including three during the final five weeks of the regular season.

The Vikings host the Washington Redskins on Thursday in Week 8, then visit the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night in Week 10.

Minnesota takes on the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night in Week 13, then visits the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night in Week 15 and hosts the rival Green Bay Packers on Monday night in Week 16.

The complete schedule (all times CT):

Week 1: Sept. 8 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 12 p.m.

Week 2: Sept. 15 at Green Bay Packers, 12 p.m.

Week 3: Sept. 22 vs. Oakland Raiders, 12 p.m.

Week 4: Sept. 29 at Chicago Bears, 3:25 p.m.

Week 5: Oct. 6 at New York Giants, 12 p.m.

Week 6: Oct. 13 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 12 p.m.

Week 7: Oct. 20 at Detroit Lions, 12 p.m.

Week 8: Oct 24 vs. Washington Redskins, 7:20 p.m.

Week 9: Nov. 3 at Kansas City Chiefs, 12 p.m.

Week 10: Nov. 10 at Dallas Cowboys, 7:20 p.m.

Week 11: Nov. 17 vs. Denver Broncos, 12 p.m.

Week 12: Bye

Week 13: Dec. 2 at Seattle Seahawks, 7:15 p.m.

Week 14:  Dec. 8 vs. Detroit Lions, 12 p.m.

Week 15: Dec. 15 at Los Angeles Chargers, 7:20 p.m.

Week 16: Dec. 23 vs. Green Bay Packers, 7:15 p.m.

Week 17: Dec. 29 vs. Chicago Bears, 12 p.m.