What teams are the Minnesota Vikings pulling for in Week 12?

Which games from Week 12 of the 2017 NFL schedule could have an impact on the Minnesota Vikings’ current playoff positioning?

It is hard to believe, but there are only six more Sunday’s of football left to go in the 2017 NFL season. For fans of more than half the teams around the league, they will have to wait until next year to see if their team can make it into the playoffs.

But for some, including the Minnesota Vikings, these next few weeks are very vital to how the rest of their season plays out. Teams will be rooting for more than just their own squad to pull out a victory during the games that remain on this year’s schedule.

As for Week 12, the Vikings have already taken care of business on their end having defeated the Detroit Lions on Thursday. So who will Minnesota be rooting for when the rest of the league takes the field on Sunday and Monday?

Chicago Bears – The Bears have a tough matchup this week as they are on the road in Philadelphia to take on the 9-1 Eagles. Chicago has been in some close games this season, but they are a much different team away from home in 2017 (average road scoring margin is -12 points). However, if they can pull off the surprise win, the Vikings would end up tied with Philadelphia for the best record in the NFC after 12 weeks.

Minnesota Vikings

Los Angeles Rams – Minnesota will need a little help from a Rams team that they just defeated back in Week 11. Los Angeles will be hosting the 8-2 New Orleans Saints on Sunday in one of the marquee matchups of the weekend. A Rams win over the Saints would widen the gap between the Vikings and New Orleans in their battle for a first-round bye in this year’s NFC playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Winners of two in a row since quarterback Jameis Winston went down with a shoulder injury, the Bucs will attempt to extend their winning streak on Sunday when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. Given that Minnesota’s next opponent this season is the Falcons, facing an Atlanta team that is coming off a loss to Tampa Bay seems more ideal for the Vikings and their chances to get a win in Week 13.

Pittsburgh Steelers – It may seem a bit odd to be rooting for an AFC team at this point in the season, but the Steelers are playing the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night and every Minnesota fan loves to pull for the team facing the Packers each week.

Next: Vikings' ups and downs from Week 12 win

Green Bay getting blown out by Pittsburgh would be the perfect cherry on top for what has been an enjoyable holiday weekend for most Vikings fans around the country.