The Minnesota Vikings have already surpassed their 2013 win total this year when they earned their sixth win of the season against the New York Jets in overtime on Sunday. While that win might seem meaningless at this point in the season, every win counts. That’s especially true when a team is still mathematically in the playoff hunt.
The Pioneer Press at TwinCities.com have layed out the scenario that must happen for the Vikings to win one of the Wild Card spots in the 2014 NFL Playoffs. They aren’t pretty, but here are the things that must happen:
- Minnesota must win their remaining 3 games against Detroit, Miami, and Chicago.
- The loser of Sunday Night Football between the Cowboys and the Eagles must lose the remainder of their games.
- Seattle must lose their last three games against the 49ers, Cardinals, and Rams.
- The 49ers must defeat the Seahawks and Chargers, then lose to the Cardinals in their season finale.
Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Gerald Hodges (50) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings do not control their own fate when it comes to a potential playoff birth. However, the fact that Minnesota is playing meaningful football games into December is a testament to the heart and determination this young football team has. They have overcome their star players being absent due to legal issues, multiple players being placed on Injured Reserve, and learning new offensive and defensive systems.
While the Minnesota Vikings are not technically mathematically eliminated from a playoff birth, it would pretty much take a miracle for them to earn one of the Wild Card spots.
But like Lloyd Christmas once said in Dumb and Dumber when the odds were stacked against him: “So, you’re telling me there’s a chance?”
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