The Vikings have secured a playoff spot, and they owe a bit of gratitude to their rivals, the Packers. Green Bay’s 30-13 win over the Seahawks in Seattle on Sunday night clinched Minnesota’s postseason berth.
This marks the Vikings’ second playoff appearance in three years under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Sunday also brought more positive news for the Vikings ahead of their “Monday Night Football” matchup with the Chicago Bears. The NFC-leading Lions were defeated by the Bills, 48-42.
If Minnesota can defeat the Bears, they will join the Lions and Eagles with a 12-2 record, the best in the NFC. With their final game of the regular season against Detroit, the Vikings have the chance to determine their own fate. If they win out, they would claim the NFC North title and could potentially secure the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye.
Tiebreaker factors include conference win percentage, head-to-head results, strength of victory, and schedule strength.
The Vikings face the toughest remaining schedule of the top three NFC teams. After their game against the 4-9 Bears, they will visit the 8-6 Seahawks, host the 10-4 Packers, and then head to Detroit.
In comparison, the Lions’ remaining schedule (aside from the Vikings) includes games against Chicago and San Francisco (6-8). The Eagles, who have won 10 straight, will face the Commanders (9-5), Cowboys (6-8), and Giants (2-12)
