Vikings vs. Ravens Preseason: Ultimate Live Stream & TV Guide
Vikings Host Ravens for Only Home Preseason Game of 2026
What’s Happening?
The Minnesota Vikings are getting ready for their second preseason game of 2026! They’ll be playing the Baltimore Ravens at home in U.S. Bank Stadium.
Mark Your Calendar
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM (noon) Central Time
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
This is the only preseason game the Vikings will play at home this year!
What Happened Before the Game?
The two teams didn’t just show up and play. They practiced together first!
Joint Practices at TCO Performance Center
- Wednesday – First joint practice session
- Thursday – Second joint practice session
These practices took place at the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center (that’s the Vikings’ fancy training facility in Eagan).
Why Practice Together?
Think of it like a scrimmage before a big game. The coaches wanted their starters (the best players) to get lots of reps against each other in practice. This is actually better than playing in a preseason game because:
- More controlled environment
- More teaching moments
- Less risk of injury
Who’s Playing? (And Who’s Not)
Important: Don’t Expect to See the Stars
Because the starters got so much work in practice, most first-string players probably won’t play in Saturday’s game.
Quarterback Situation
Head Coach Kevin O’Connell made it clear:
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Kyler Murray | WILL NOT PLAY |
| J.J. McCarthy | LIKELY TO START |
So if you’re hoping to see Murray in a Vikings uniform, you’ll have to wait for the regular season!
How to Watch
The game will be on KMSP FOX 9 in the Twin Cities. But that’s not all—it’s also being shown in 11 other markets across the Upper Midwest!
Broadcast Markets
Minnesota:
- Duluth-Superior (KBJR)
- Rochester/Mason City/Austin (KTTC)
- Mankato (KEYC)
North Dakota:
- Fargo (KVRR)
- Bismarck/Minot/Dickinson/Williston (KFYR)
South Dakota:
- Sioux Falls (KSFY)
Iowa:
- Des Moines-Ames (KCCI)
- Cedar Rapids/Waterloo/Iowa City/Dubuque (KCRG)
Wisconsin:
- La Crosse/Eau Claire (WLAX/WEUX)
Nebraska:
- Omaha (KETV)
Summary
- Vikings vs. Ravens preseason game on August 22 at noon CT
- Only home preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium this year
- Teams held joint practices Wednesday & Thursday at TCO Performance Center
- Starters got their work in practice, so don’t expect them to play Saturday
- Kyler Murray sits out, J.J. McCarthy likely starts at QB
- Game airs on FOX 9 locally plus 11 other Upper Midwest markets
FAQ
Why don’t starters play in preseason games anymore?
Teams have realized that joint practices give starters better, safer work against top competition. Preseason games are now mostly for backup players fighting for roster spots.
Is this game important if the stars aren’t playing?
Yes! This is audition time for players trying to make the final 53-man roster. Every snap matters for guys on the bubble.
Who is J.J. McCarthy?
He’s the Vikings’ young quarterback drafted in 2024. This is his chance to show he can run the offense with the first-team unit.
Can I stream the game if I’m outside the broadcast area?
Preseason games often have streaming restrictions. Check the Vikings official app/website or NFL+ for streaming options in your area.
When does the real season start?
The 2026 NFL regular season typically kicks off the first Thursday after Labor Day (around September 10, 2026). The Vikings’ exact schedule will be released in the spring!