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How the Vikings could clinch a playoff spot before Monday Night Football

By
Published  December 10, 2024 12:41pm CST
Minnesota Vikings
FOX 9

Kevin O'Connell reflects on Darnold, win over Falcons

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell met with reporters on Monday at TCO Performance Center after a 42-21 win over the Falcons and Kirk Cousins to improve to 7-2.

The Brief

    • The Vikings need an L.A. Rams loss or tie to the 49ers Thursday night, or Seahawks loss or tie to the Packers Sunday night to clinch a playoff spot before Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears
    • The Vikings are 11-2 and have won 6 straight games
    • The Vikings face the Lions at Ford Field to close out the regular season in a game that could be for the NFC North title

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears for Monday Night Football at U.S. Bank Stadium to end a three-game homestand, and they might already be a playoff team before kickoff.

The Vikings could clinch a spot in the NFC Playoffs as early as Thursday night, if the L.A. Rams lose or tie the San Francisco 49ers. If that doesn’t happen, they also clinch a playoff spot if the Green Bay Packers beat or tie the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football.

If it makes your skin crawl to have to root for the Packers, there’s one more path, and it’s very direct. The Vikings are in the playoffs if they beat the Bears.

Why it matters

The Vikings are seeking their second playoff berth in three seasons under Kevin O’Connell. They’re 11-2 and have won six straight games, with the combination of dominating defense and Sam Darnold.

Can they pass the Lions?

The short answer is yes, and if they do, they could be the No. 1 seed in the NFC and get a first round bye. The Lions are 12-1 and host the Buffalo Bills, play the Bears at Soldier Field, visit the 49ers and host the Vikings to end the season. The Vikings host the Bears, travel to Seattle, host the Packers and get the Lions at Ford Field to end the season. There’s a very real scenario where that Vikings/Lions game could be for the NFC North title.

Since the Vikings already lost to the Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium, tiebreakers would not apply if they finished with the same record. The Vikings would need to win out, and have Detroit lose two of its last four, to win the division. If they finish 14-3 or lower, they’ll be on the road on Wild Card Weekend.

Minnesota VikingsSports