By Adam Roberts – 12/21/2020
While they’re not out of the race just yet, playoffs are starting to look less and less likely for the Vikings.
Tyler Conklin scored with eight minutes to go to put the Vikings within three but they were clipped 33-27 by the Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Kirk Cousins finished 24 of 35 for 271 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss.
Minnesota is 6-and-8 and falls to third in the NFC North, but is still in the playoff hunt. As of right now, here’s how the wild card race is looking in the NFC:
5. LA Rams 9-5
6. Tampa Bay 9-5
7. Arizona Cardinals 8-6
8. Chicago 7-7
9. MInnesota 6-8
The Vikings would need to win out against both the Saints in New Orleans and against Detroit at Ford Field, then hope for some help to try for that seven seed. A loss to the Saints would end their playoff hopes; as of right now, a Bears win this weekend over Jacksonville would dip the Vikings’ chances to 28%.