The Minnesota Vikings remain in the chase for the playoffs following a decisive victory over the Washington Commanders, but their path forward is incredibly challenging. With a current record of 5-8, their chances of advancing to the postseason stand at less than 1%. Most playoff trackers do not even include the Vikings in the “in the hunt” category, given their precarious position in the standings.
To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Vikings must not only win all their remaining games but also rely on favorable outcomes in several other matches over the next month. If they manage to secure victories, they could finish the regular season at 9-8, but they would need key rivals like the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions to also end their campaigns at 9-8. In such a scenario, the Vikings could win the tiebreaker and secure the final playoff spot.
Critical Games Ahead
The journey begins in Week 15, where several outcomes must align perfectly. Before the Vikings face the Dallas Cowboys, they require the Cleveland Browns to defeat the Bears and the Los Angeles Rams to triumph over the Lions. Additionally, a victory for the New Orleans Saints against the Carolina Panthers would be beneficial.
The Vikings’ most crucial task this week is to beat the Cowboys during the primetime slot on Sunday. Achieving this would elevate their playoff chances to a mere 4%.
In Week 16, should the Vikings stay alive, they will need the Green Bay Packers to overcome the Bears, the Los Angeles Chargers to defeat the Cowboys, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers to best the Lions. If the Vikings can also secure a win against the New York Giants, their chances would increase to 28%.
Potential Path to Glory
By Week 17, if the Vikings are still in contention, they will need the Washington Commanders to defeat the Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks to beat the Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers to overcome the Bears. A win against the Lions would then enhance their chances of making the playoffs to 48%.
If the Vikings enter the final week of the regular season still in the race, the scenario simplifies significantly. They would need to secure a victory over the Packers while hoping the Lions defeat the Bears. Completing this task would grant the Vikings a remarkable 100% chance of making the playoffs.
The upcoming weeks are critical for the Vikings. They must rely not only on their performance but also on the outcomes of several games across the league. As they embark on this unlikely journey, the excitement and anticipation among fans will surely grow. The Vikings have a tough road ahead, but in the world of sports, anything is possible.
