Giants Loss Means Vikings Are in the Playoffs If They Beat the Packers

Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs the ball against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Giants just got done being spanked by the Baltimore Ravens. And that is huge news for the Vikings. Now the Vikes are in the driver’s seat for the sixth playoff spot in the NFC. They beat Green Bay at home next week and they’re in. It’s as simple as that. Win that game and they don’t have to worry about anything else. Lose that game and they’re pretty much boned. They could still get in with a loss but it would require the Bears, Cowboys and Giants to all lose their games as well. Let’s not face that scenario. Let’s just get the job done at the Dome next week.

For those of you speculating that the Packers might help the Vikes out by resting starters: Don’t count on it. The Packers could still have a lot to play for next week. They could be playing for the #2 seed and the first round bye. That would be huge for them. And even without that inducement,  I still think the Packers would go all-in next week. They rested starters down the stretch last year and were very rusty going into the playoffs. And then got beat by the Giants. I don’t think they’ll make that mistake again. They’ll choose momentum over being well-rested.

And by the way the most likely scenario, if the Vikes indeed get the job done next week, has the Vikings and Packers playing again in two weeks in the first round of the playoffs. In Lambeau. And we all remember what happened the last time the Vikings went into Lambeau for a playoff game. Joe Buck definitely remembers.

Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow Dan Zinski on Twitter.
Get the all-new FanSided iPhone app.
Want to blog about the Vikings? Fill out the blogger application and join the team. Serious homers, negative types, tape wonks and general wack-jobs all welcome.