#4. End the season without a losing record
Normally, there is an absolute when it comes to being a winner and a loser. Teams like the Browns and 49ers can have that label as losers since their record is so abysmal and they just plain are not a competitive football team.
The Vikings have a chance at being an ‘average’ team instead of a team with a losing record. After week 16’s loss, the Vikings stand at 7-8. With a win in against the Bears in week 17, the team can be 8-8 instead of 7-9.
That might not seem like a big difference, and some fans will say that Minnesota should lose to get a higher draft position, it can be big for the franchise. They have overcome a lot this season, and to not be a losing team in 2016 could seem like a win.
Not only that, but they can hold the Bears down once again and keep them at 3 wins. At that point, the Bears season has to be considered a major disappointment. And while the Vikings would be average at 8-8 and the season would be a little disappointing, at least they wouldn’t be losers.