Minnesota Vikings playoff odds increase after beating Lions

Following a big division win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings found themselves at 4-2 for the season. More importantly, Minnesota completed the season sweep over Detroit and moved to 2-0 in the NFC North. With them still two games behind the division leading Green Bay Packers, the Vikings may have to rely on a Wild Card spot if they hope to have a playoff berth in 2015.

According to FiveThirtyEight.com, the Minnesota Vikings have increased their odds to be a playoff team following week 7 to 46%. They were also given a 12% chance to win the NFC North, with the Green Bay Packers owning the remaining 88%. Those numbers are likely to change in Minnesota’s favor if they are able to win their game against the Chicago Bears on Soldier Field during Sunday’s game.

If the playoffs started today, the Vikings would hold the second wild card spot and would face off against either the top seed in the NFC. However, to hold that spot Minnesota will have to pick up some wins against very tough competition in the upcoming weeks. Their schedule features tough teams like the Atlanta Falcons (6-1), Arizona Cardinals (5-2), St. Louis Rams (3-3), Seattle Seahawks (3-4), and the Green Bay Packers (6-0) twice.

Oct 25, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

It will be interesting to see how this Vikings team reacts to these big challenges in the future. We got a taste of their heart during this year’s game against the Broncos in Denver, but Minnesota was unable to finish the game and get the win. With their wins coming against below average teams in the NFL, the Vikings will need that statement game to show that they are the real deal.

Currently, FiveThirtyEight.com projects the Minnesota Vikings to finish the season 9-7. That means they see the Vikings winning only half of their remaining games. It will be interesting to see if that would be enough for Minnesota to land a playoff spot, but the more wins that the Vikings can get, the better the odds.

That keeps going on Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Chicago Bears.

Next: Minnesota Vikings 2015 Game By Game Previews

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