The Minnesota Vikings need a lot of help getting into the playoffs for the 2016 NFL season, so let’s take a look at what needs to happen in week 16.
Week 15 was devastating for the Minnesota Vikings. Their blowout loss to the Colts set them back quite a distance in their hopes of staying alive in the competition for a division title and playoff appearance.
Now that the NFC North championship is out of reach, the only thing that Minnesota can focus on is getting one of the Wild Card spots in the playoffs. Sadly, they no longer control their own destiny at 7-7 and will need some help to get in.
Here is a list of the important games and the outcomes that will need to happen in week 16 for the Minnesota Vikings to keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot:
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
- This one goes without saying. The Vikings will need to march into Lambeau Field on Saturday and walk out with a win to keep their hopes alive. Even though they are underdogs, there is always a chance. (Noon central time on Saturday)
Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears
- Washington will need to lose at least one of their last two games. Since the Bears haven’t been great in 2016, there is a chance that Vikings fans may need to have a close eye on the Redkskins week 17 game against the Giants if Minnesota is still alive. (Noon central time on Saturday)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints
- Vikings fans should be rooting for the Saints in this game. Of course, that might be difficult for some considering the history between Minnesota and New Orleans, but Tampa Bay needs to lose this game. (3:25 pm central time on Saturday)
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
- Detroit is in the driver’s seat in the NFC North, but Minnesota needs them to lose at least one of their last two games. It is likely that loss could come against the Cowboys, who have the best record in the NFC. (Monday Night Football)
Next: The full Vikings playoff scenario
So, the quick answer is that the Minnesota Vikings need to win and Tampa Bay needs to lose to keep hope alive. Even if the games with the Redskins and Lions don’t fall into favor, there is still a chance next week. But this all starts and ends with Saturday’s game against the Packers, where the Vikings will be fighting to stay alive.