Vikings' 2017 schedule littered with potholes, but has soft spots, too

The Vikings will get plenty of national exposure in 2017.

The NFL season begins and ends at U.S. Bank Stadium between the Vikings’ Monday Night Football opener against the New Orleans Saints and Super Bowl LII in February. Three night kickoffs and another Thanksgiving Day matchup highlight the Vikings 2017 schedule, which the NFL released on Thursday night.

Week 1: vs. New Orleans Saints

Monday, Sept. 11, 6: 10 p.m., ESPN

The Vikings open the season at home for the first time since 2012 and only the second time in the last decade. They’ll face a Saints team that traded receiver Brandin Cooks to the Patriots and added ex-Lions guard Larry Warford in free agency to protect 38-year-old Drew Brees.…