Can the Minnesota Vikings still make the Playoffs?

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) celebrates with defensive end Kerry Hyder (61) after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) celebrates with defensive end Kerry Hyder (61) after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Lions win 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Lions (7-4)

Games Remaining:

at New Orleans (5-6), Chicago (2-9), at New York Giants (8-3, at Dallas (11-1), Green Bay (5-6)

Despite their recent struggles, Minnesota’s best shot of getting into the playoffs this year may still be by winning the NFC North. The Lions beat the Vikings in both of their matchups this season so Minnesota has to avoid finishing the year with the same record as Detroit.

The Vikings would likely need the Lions to lose at least three or four of their final five games in order to take their postseason berth. Detroit losing of their next five does not seem like too much of a daydream, but four may be a bit of a stretch.