The NFC wild card race became more competitive while the Vikings were off on Sunday. Following the Rams’ victory over the Browns and the Packers’ significant (and somewhat contentious) primetime victory over the Chiefs, four 6-6 teams are now vying for two postseason berths. At 5-7, the Saints and Buccaneers, who suffered a loss to the Lions, are still in the running.
After Week 13, here is a current look at the NFC standings.
The Vikings lead the group of 6-6 teams because of their conference record, which is in a good spot even after a loss against the Bears. Still, they may have to go 3-2 down the stretch to get in, and they close with Lions-Packers-Lions after facing the Raiders and Bengals.
Sunday wasn’t a great day for the Vikings, all things considered. The Rams and Packers won, and although the Saints lost, that means the Lions have a full three-game lead in the NFC North. The Buccaneers — who have a head-to-head win over the Vikings — also survived a scare against the Panthers to remain in the mix. Minnesota’s playoff odds were at roughly 58 percent coming into the weekend, a number that will likely drop a bit.
Still, the only thing that really matters for the Vikings is controlling what they can control and winning as many football games as possible in these last five weeks.
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